Claude Makélélé

Claude Makélélé is a former French football player who was born on 18 February 1973 in Kinshasa, Zaire. When Makélélé was only four years old his family moved to France where he started his career in football. His first club was U.S. Melun where he appeared at the age of 15.

In 1990 Makélélé was noticed by Stade Brestois scouts and moved to Brittany. After a year in the club Nantes purchased the talented youngster and in the season 1992/1993 he already played in the first team. He stayed in the club for five seasons, claiming the title of the league and reaching the Champions League semi-finals.

After a one-year spell at Olympique de Marseille, he signed a deal with Celta Vigo.

The most successful time of his career started in 2000 when the midfielder put pen to paper with Real Madrid and consequently won with the team two La Liga championships, the UEFA Champions League, the Spanish Super Cup, the European Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup.

In 2003 Makélélé was signed by Chelsea where he became instrumental in the run of the team for the Premier League title. He spent five years in the club and featured in 144 matches. In 2008 he moved to Paris Saint-Germain where he played for three years and made 98 outings. Makélélé retired after the season 2010/2011 and was subsequently appointed Carlo Ancelotti assistant manager.

His international career collected 71 outings for the national team. He played at the 1996 Olympic Games, the 2002 FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Euro 2004.