French · Versailles, France · Born 14 March 1979Supremely talented but enigmatic French striker who played for a record number of top clubs and won trophies everywhere he went.
Nicolas Sébastien Anelka was born in Versailles, France on 14 March 1979. He burst onto the scene at Arsenal aged 17, winning the Premier League and FA Cup Double in 1998 before a controversial move to Real Madrid. His career took him to an extraordinary number of top clubs including PSG, Liverpool, Manchester City, Fenerbahçe, Bolton and Chelsea, where he enjoyed his most productive spell. At Chelsea he scored 59 goals in 125 appearances, winning the Premier League in 2010, the FA Cup and the Golden Boot in 2008-09. He earned 69 caps for France. His nomadic career saw him play for over 10 clubs across five countries.
Being one of the most travelled elite strikers in European football
He played for a remarkable number of top clubs across Europe, earning the nickname 'Le Sulk' for his perceived attitude, though his talent was never in question.
Did You Know?How They Played
Pace, clinical finishing, intelligent movement in the box
Lasting Impact
Prolific striker who won major trophies across multiple top European leagues
Career Honours
- Premier League 2x
- FA Cup 2x
- La Liga 2000
- Golden Boot 2009
- Champions League 2000
- UEFA European Championship 2000
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSG | 1997–1997 | — | 50 | 10 | #9 |
| Chelsea | 2008–2012 | — | 449 | 8 | #14 |
| Arsenal | 1997–1999 | — | 34 | 2 | #14 |
| Manchester City | 2002–2005 | — | 103 | 37 | — |
| Real Madrid | 1999–2000 | €22.3m | 19 | 3 | — |
| Liverpool | 2002–2002 | loan | 20 | 5 | — |
| Fenerbahce | 2005–2006 | €7m | 29 | 13 | — |
| Bolton Wanderers | 2006–2008 | £8m | 79 | 23 | — |
| West Bromwich Albion | 2013–2014 | free | 12 | 1 | — |
| Mumbai City FC | 2014–2015 | — | 9 | 4 | — |
| Shanghai Shenhua | 2012–2013 | — | 22 | 3 | — |
| Juventus | 2013–2013 | — | 3 | 0 | — |
 France | — | — | 69 | 14 | — |
French Athletes