Mathieu Bodmer says the long-term project led by Kylian Mbappe’s family at Caen was a major reason behind his decision to return to the club, with the new sporting director particularly impressed by Fayza Lamari’s decision to ban mobile phones at the academy.
Bodmer, who has rejoined his former club after leaving Le Havre, has been tasked with helping Caen return to Ligue 2. The plan is intended to create a sustainable structure that begins with the academy and eventually strengthens the first team.
Speaking about the project presented to him by club president Ziad Hammoud and Lamari, Mbappe’s mother, Bodmer said the focus on developing young players was central to his decision to accept the role.
“Their project with the young players interests me. If you saw what is being put into education, accommodation and nutrition. Fayza (Lamari) banned mobile phones at the academy, and that is a wonderful decision. The youngsters talk and live together,” he said.
Bodmer believes the decision is designed to encourage stronger relationships among the players and create an environment in which they experience daily life together away from their screens.
He has not yet met Kylian Mbappe since taking up his position at Caen, but said he hoped to send the Real Madrid forward a message of reassurance and gratitude for the financial support that helped launch the club’s new direction.
“My greatest pleasure would be to say to Kylian: listen, do not worry about us, we will take care of it. Thank you for the money you put in at the beginning. We will try to give the club back to you in the cleanest possible shape,” Bodmer said.
Caen will begin their French third-tier campaign next Friday, when they host Valenciennes in their opening match of the season. The team is managed by Gael Clichy, who will lead the club as it attempts to start its push towards promotion.
The Mbappe family acquired about 80% of Caen’s shares through its private investment fund in the summer of 2024. Since then, the club has placed its academy and broader sporting structure at the centre of its plans for the future.
Bodmer’s return represents another part of that rebuilding process. The former Caen player left Le Havre before taking up his new position and has now returned to a club whose immediate sporting objective is to move back up to the second tier while developing a more complete pathway from youth football to the senior side.
