From a kid dreaming of the pitch, Malard dabbled in judo, boxing and handball before football stole her heart.
Bompastor spotted the 14‑year‑old at Clairefontaine and convinced her mother to send the Réunion native to Lyon. Over seven seasons she amassed four Champions Leagues, three league crowns and two French Cups. For my money, that mentorship shaped one of France’s brightest forwards.
After a loan spell at Manchester United, Malard’s £850,000 transfer to Chelsea marks a full‑circle moment, reuniting her with the coach who launched her career.