David Bellion spent more than a decade playing top-flight football in England and France, at clubs including Manchester United, Sunderland, Nice and Bordeaux. He ended his playing career at Red Star FC in Paris - then took an unusual path by becoming the club's creative director. Before leaving the role in May 2025, Bellion spent eight years building up the club's brand, and creating links between Red Star and the worlds of arts, fashion and culture.

Not by the Playbook's Katie Smith talked to David Bellion earlier this year about his creative passions, and the culture he set out to build at Red Star. He explains why English pop culture and humour played a big part in his creative direction at the club, and how Ricky Gervais served as a source of inspiration. He also discusses why, when he looks back on his own career as a player, it's not the wins and losses that he remembers.

This interview originally featured in our sister podcast, Not by the Playbook, which brings you stories from sportspeople and athletes who have achieved success in the face of seemingly impossible challenges. There's a new episode every Saturday - search for Not by the Playbook wherever you get your podcasts.

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