Jean-Marc Bosman

Belgian footballer who played as a midfielder. He began his senior career in 1983 at Standard Liège and played for various clubs up until 1995. His judicial challenge of the football transfer rules led to the Bosman ruling in 1995.

This landmark judgement, which was handed down by the European Court of Justice, completely changed the way footballers are employed, allowing professional players in the European Union to move freely to another club at the end of their contract with their present team.

Despite the legal victory, Bosman faced significant financial and personal difficulties following the landmark trial. In a 2011 interview, he claimed that the compensation he earned from FIFPro and the courts were largely spent on legal fees, which ultimately left him bankrupt; furthermore, his marriage also ended during his legal battles and trial.

As of 2015, Bosman was unemployed and relying on handouts from FIFPro.

In 2020, Bosman was interviewed by David Ginola for the BT Sport documentary "Bosman: The Player Who Changed Football."