Although Makelele's name has been associated throughout his career with tactical discipline, calmness, and commitment on the field, his entry into the world of beauty and fashion reflects a new and unfamiliar side of his personality.
The 52-year-old Makelele is considered one of the most prominent defensive midfielders in the modern history of football, having shone with Real Madrid and excelled with Chelsea, to the point that his role in the defensive midfield has become a tactical model called the "Maklele role" in football dictionaries.
Diario Extra revealed that the organizers of the Miss Universe competition explained that Makelele was chosen because of his inspiring influence, professional personality, and global symbolism, in addition to his strong presence and ability to inspire, which are criteria that are consistent with the global spirit of the event.
The committee will evaluate the contestants based on criteria including personality, self-confidence, positive influence, and the ability to deliver an inspiring humanitarian message.
Makelele expressed his delight at participating, stressing that it was an opportunity to discover diverse cultures and appreciate beauty in its comprehensive sense, noting that true beauty is not limited to appearance, but includes a spirit of strength, ambition, and an influential personality.
This different appearance comes after years of Makelele retiring and turning to technical and administrative work in football, where he held coaching positions in Europe, before now adding an interesting new chapter to his career away from the green rectangle.
