French · Kinshasa, DR Congo · Born 18 February 1973The midfielder so influential that his position was named after him — the 'Makélélé Role' became a tactical concept across world football.
Claude Makélélé was born in Kinshasa, DR Congo on 18 February 1973 and raised in France. After spells at Nantes, Marseille and Celta Vigo, he joined Real Madrid where he was the unsung defensive anchor of the Galácticos. When he left for Chelsea in 2003 for £16.8 million, Zinedine Zidane famously criticised the move. At Chelsea, he was the cornerstone of two Premier League titles (2005, 2006), two League Cups and an FA Cup under José Mourinho. His ability to protect the defence allowed creative players to thrive. He earned 71 caps for France and won the 2000 European Championship. He later played for PSG.
Defining the modern defensive midfielder role, leading to the term 'Makélélé role'
His departure from Real Madrid was so damaging that Zinedine Zidane said: 'Why put another layer of gold paint on the Bentley when you are losing the engine that makes it run?'
Did You Know?How They Played
Exceptional ball-winning ability, tactical intelligence, and positional discipline as a defensive midfielder
Lasting Impact
Revolutionized defensive midfield play and inspired a generation of holding midfielders
Career Honours
- Premier League 2x
- FA Cup 1x
- League Cup 2x
- La Liga 2x
- Euro 2000
- Champions League 2002
- Premier League 2005
- Premier League 2006
- La Liga 2001
- La Liga 2003
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nantes | 1991–1997 | 150 | 1 | #6 |
| Marseille | 1998–2000 | 52 | 1 | #2 |
| Real Madrid | 2000–2003 | 619 | 28 | #2 |
| Chelsea | 2003–2008 | 144 | 2 | — |
| Paris Saint-Germain | 2011–2014 | 18 | 0 | — |
| Celta Vigo | 1997–1998 | 28 | 0 | — |
 France | — | 71 | — | — |
French Athletes