Bixente Lizarazu has lived 1000 lifetimes.
As a World Cup winner with France, and part of a Bayern Munich squad that won six Bundesliga titles and the Champions League, he traded in his football boots to become a ripped jiu-jitsu champion and avid surfer.
In recent years, Lizarazu, who turns 54 today (December 9), opened up on his battle with bigorexia, admitting: “I am a sick man”.
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Lizarazu was part of France’s squad that lifted the World Cup in 1998. He also attained huge success domestically with Bayern Munich where he won six Bundesliga titles and the Champions League.
And after his incredible trophy haul, the ex-Marseille ace decided to call it a day in 2004. However, unlike most of his peers who ventured into management or punditry upon retirement, the left-back decided to take an unusual career path.
(Image: GETTY)
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Shortly after retiring, the 53-year-old added a BJJ European championship in the Blue Belt Senior 1 Light Division to his trophy cabinet, in 2009. The fourth-degree black belt also enjoys being in the water as much as he once relished playing on the pitch.
And it’s not just in the water where he flys – Lizarazu can be seen whizzing around his native Basque Country on his bike. Lizarazu’s love for cycling runs so deep he represented Basque Country in the sport back in 1993.
However, through all of that, Lizarazu has battled a rare mental illness that compels people to exercise too much. Also known as muscle dysmorphia, bigorexia makes sufferers think their bodies are too small and weak.
If left untreated, the condition can lead to depression.
Speaking to French media he said: “I am sick. I am 54-years-old now, but I still have to feel like a professional athlete even now. Physical exercise is my passion and it does me good.
“It has been my compass throughout my life and has helped me find my balance. But I have bigorexia. It’s fair to say I exercise to excess. Anyone with the condition who stops training from one day to the next risks falling into depression.
“I need to work hard, wear myself out and release the entire mass of energy I have within myself. But this sickness is preferable to other forms of addiction. I just have to know how to manage it.”
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.