With a population of just 900,000, Reunion is better known for its volcanoes, wildlife and tropical climate rather than professional footballers.
On the men’s side, former West Ham star Dimitri Payet and Newcastle winger Laurent Robert are two that fans may remember – but those that make it all the way form a short list.
Growing up, Malard tried her hand at boxing, karate, judo and handball before discovering football.
“When I tried football, I said ‘that is my sport’ because I could put in a lot of energy and could play free,” she says.
She began playing in the island’s capital for Saint-Denis FC before the chance meeting with Bompastor, who was managing the Lyon academy at the time.
“She tells me, ‘Mel, I like you, come to Lyon’. I had two months to think but I said yes right away because it was a big opportunity in my life,” Malard says.
The transition from sunny Reunion to the bitter winters of Lyon all alone at the age of 14 was a shock to her system.
“It was so difficult but I knew what I wanted and I knew it was football,” she says. “Every morning and every night, I would put my boots on, go to the pitch and I would be happy.”
Seizing those early opportunities has paid off handsomely for Malard – three league titles, four Champions League medals and the experience of playing alongside some of the best in the world at Lyon and the France national team.
Now, in Manchester, she is continuing to love her experiences – despite that gloomy weather.
“Every time I pass Old Trafford, it’s a dream for me,” Malard says. “The people are so nice when I play football, singing my name at the stadium. The club is very big, has a lot of history and I enjoy it a lot here.”
And it will be a full-circle moment for Malard against Chelsea, managed by Bompastor, in the cup final.
“I’m excited, it’s good for us and this club deserve that,” says Malard, who featured in the 4-0 win against Tottenham in the 2023-24 FA Cup final as United lifted their first major women’s trophy.
“I’m also excited to play against my [former] coach. If we win, we put the name again in history and that is what we want.
“I’m confident because I believe in this team – I believe in this club. We are here to win everything we can.”
