EX-FRANCE international goalkeeper Benoit Costil has made a stunning career change to become an oyster farmer.
Costil, 38, has played for the likes of Stade Rennais and Bordeaux in Ligue 1.
The goalkeeper also earned a single cap for the French national team, starring in a 0-0 draw with Ivory Coast in November 2016 and was also a member of the Les Bleus squad which was defeated by Portugal in the final of Euro 2016.
In 2024, the Caen-born shot-stopper ruled out retirement following the expiry of his contract with Salernitina.
He followed this up by making an appearance in the French edition of Gerard Pique‘s seven-a-side football contest, the Kings League.
Costil describes himself as someone who was never into football’s bling lifestyle.
But he now finds himself in incredible new career waters after restoring an oyster farm which had not been used for 20 years.
Speaking to L’Equipe about the farm, he said: “I’m not inventing a life for myself; I live mine the way I want.
“I’ve never been into the glitz and glamour of football.
“I enjoy this connection with the sea, putting in the effort, the sales side, working behind the bar, and even washing up when things get busy.
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“I just need to learn to shuck oysters faster!”
Alongside friend, Philippe Le Pelvé, he can now be seen filling his boat with crates or stacking up mesh bags.
He has already welcomed a host of former France internationals to the farm to enjoy some of the oysters, namely Yoann Gourcuff, Laurent Koscielny, and Christophe Jallet.
Costil has been enjoying a change of scenery by playing for the Carnac veterans’ team in the Gulf of Morbihan.
His new team has also come with a new position, with Costil now starring as a wing-back for his new club rather than a goalkeeper.
Costil admits he has lost his “competitive edge” and plays more for the social aspect.
Although he jokes he has “become more Breton than the Bretons themselves”.
