The former footballer, a 2018 World Cup champion, is changing his playing field. From January 21, 2026, Adil Rami will take to the stage at the Apollo Theatre in Paris, starring in the play "Le Jeu de la vérité" (The Game of Truth), written by Philippe Lellouche. An unexpected career change, but one consistent with his extraordinary trajectory.
An unexpected but deliberate career change
After hanging up his boots, shining on Dancing with the Stars, making appearances on the French radio show Les Grosses Têtes on RTL, and even hosting a Twitch channel, Adil Rami continues his media transformation. This time, he's taking the plunge into theater, without a safety net. "I'm where people don't expect me," he confided to Le Parisien in an interview published on December 18. The former international defender explained that he accepted this challenge on a whim, after an informal meeting with Philippe Lellouche.
A complete novice, he claims to be starting from scratch: "And even then, 'scrambled to say zero' is a compliment," he jokes. But the former Marseille player sees his sporting career as preparation for this new adventure. "Football taught me discipline, how to handle the stress of performing, how to manage pressure," he explains. According to him, playing a match and acting in a play have much more in common than one might think.
To surprise, again and again
True to his image as an unpredictable troublemaker, Rami seems to relish every opportunity to defy expectations. "I love it when I surprise people who thought I was a complete idiot," he says bluntly. Aware of the stereotypes attached to him, he asserts his right to challenge preconceived notions and reinvent himself. For this role, he's working tirelessly, rehearsing alone at home between sessions with the other actors.
The Game of Truth thus marks a new stage in the spectacular career change of the former footballer. A bold gamble, but consistent with his character. Just a few weeks before the premiere, a rumor is already circulating: Didier Deschamps could be in the room to applaud the one who, decidedly, has not finished surprising us.
