"Pro et Après?": Benin's First National Conversation on Life After Sport

Sport · Education · Career Transition

29 July 2025 · Centre Éya d'Akpakpa, Cotonou (Benin) · MYBARIKA

On 29 July 2025 in Cotonou, MYBARIKA asked out loud a question Beninese sport had avoided for far too long: what happens to our athletes once the spotlight fades? In a packed hall, "Pro et Après?" ("Pro, and After?") became the first national panel devoted entirely to professional athletes' transition out of sport.

Why this evening mattered

In 2025, Benin faced a painful reality. Razack Omotoyossi, a national football legend and the country's all-time top scorer, went through hard months largely ignored by the very world that had celebrated him for fifteen years. His story became the symbol of a structural problem that is rarely named.

More than 70% of professional athletes end their careers with no transition plan, no structured savings and no clearly defined professional identity beyond their sport. They receive world-class athletic training; no one teaches them to manage their money, name their skills or prepare for what comes next. The transition always arrives too soon — and almost always without a safety net.

It was in this context that Mouphtaou Yarou, an international professional basketball player and founder of MYBARIKA, brought together five icons of Beninese sport and a leading journalist around one table.

An honest evening, no filter

The format was deliberately open: a free evening debate, driven by questions from the moderator and the audience. An authentic atmosphere, direct testimonies, and a room full of active athletes, former sportspeople, journalists and institutional representatives.

The panelists

Hugues Zinsou Zounon — SRTB journalist, moderator, National Order of Merit of Benin

Mouphtaou Yarou — Basketball, MYBARIKA founder and organizer

Jean-Marc Adjovi-Bocco — Football, national legend, successful transition

Isabelle Yacoubou — Basketball, international

Michael Poté — Football, professional

Ahmed Taofik — Multi-sport, cross-cutting perspective

Four messages that struck the room

1. Anticipate, don't react

Preparing for life after sport must begin during the active career, not when the contracts stop. Every competitive season is a year to build what comes next.

2. Transferable skills are real

Discipline, resilience, leadership and performing under pressure are first-rate professional skills. Athletes just don't know how to name them — and that can be taught.

3. Your network is your first capital