Name
Nicolas Anelka

Thumb
Player Thumbnail
Image Source Creative Commons logo

User Rating
(0 users)

Complete
Percentage Bar 80%

Born
1979 (45 years old)

Birth Place
Shiny National flag Le Chesnay, France

Position
Centre-Forward

Status
Retired

Ethnicity
Black

Team Number


Height
186 cm

Weight
77 kg

Outfitter

Kit


Side


Agent


Market Value
Free

Wage Year



Player Manager ID
2006171

Player Cutout
Player cutout icon

Full Body Render
Player render

Sport
Player sport icon Soccer

Team
_Retired Soccer

2nd Team


League
_No League Soccer

Creative Commons Artwork
Yes



Description
Available in: English Flag icon

Nicolas Sébastien Anelka (French pronunciation: ; born 14 March 1979) is a French professional football manager and retired player who played as a forward. As a player, he regularly featured in his country's national team, often scoring at crucial moments. Known for his ability to both score and assist goals, he has been described as a classy and quick player, with good aerial ability, technique, shooting, and movement off the ball, and was capable of playing both as a main striker and as a second striker.

Anelka began his career at Paris Saint-Germain, but soon moved to Arsenal. At Arsenal, he won the 1997–98 Premier League and FA Cup double. He became a first team regular and won the PFA Young Player of the Year Award the following season. He moved to Real Madrid for £22.3 million in 1999. He was part of the Real Madrid team that won the 1999–2000 UEFA Champions League, but he did not settle in well and returned to PSG in a £20 million deal. Despite regular first team football in Paris, Anelka set his eyes upon the Premier League once more, moving on loan to Liverpool in January 2002 before joining Manchester City for £13 million at the start of the 2002–03 season.

After three seasons in Manchester, he moved to Turkish club Fenerbahçe for two seasons, before returning to England to join Bolton Wanderers in deals worth £7 million and £8 million respectively. He was then transferred to Chelsea from Bolton for a reported £15 million in January 2008. At Chelsea, he won one Premier League title and two FA Cup trophies, as well as played in the 2007–08 UEFA Champions League final. In 2009, he won the Premier League Golden Boot award as the league's top goalscorer. During his transfers over the years, he has built an aggregate transfer cost of just under £90 million. After leaving Chelsea, he had brief stints at Shanghai Shenhua, Juventus,West Bromwich Albion and Mumbai City FC.

Anelka played 69 times at international level and won his first international honours with France at UEFA Euro 2000, and won the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup the following year. His failure to settle at club level limited his international appearances, but he returned to the national team for Euro 2008. On 19 June 2010, he was excluded by the French Football Federation (FFF) from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa for "comments directed against the national coach, Raymond Domenech." He did not play again for the national team.

At youth level, Anelka played for the French under-20 team at the 1997 World Youth Championship, and made his senior team debut for France in a goalless draw with Sweden national team on 22 April 1998. Anelka was not selected for the 1998 FIFA World Cup-winning squad, but quickly became France's first choice centre forward during the UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying campaign, scoring the opening goal in France's 3–2 win over Russia on his first international start and scoring both goals in a comfortable 2–0 win over England at Wembley Stadium in February 1999. Anelka made his first appearance in a major tournament at Euro 2000, which France went on to win. He also formed part of the squad which won the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup, where he scored his only tournament goal in a 5–0 win over hosts South Korea in the opening game. In November 2002, he rejected an emergency call-up by Jacques Santini to face Serbia and Montenegro and was barred by the manager; in February 2004 he eyed a return for the UEFA Euro 2004 squad as Djibril Cissé was suspended.

In November 2005, now under, Raymond Domenech, Anelka returned to the France squad for a friendly against Costa Rica in Martinique. The match in the homeland of Anelka's parents was the team's first in the French Caribbean. He scored in the 3–2 win. When Cissé was forced out of 2006 World Cup due to injury, Lyon striker Sidney Govou was called up as Cissé's replacement rather than Anelka.

Anelka came on as a substitute in the Euro 2008 qualifier against Lithuania on 24 March 2007, and scored the only goal in a 1–0 victory. Following his performance, Anelka was praised by France manager Raymond Domenech: "It is the Nicolas I like to see... when he shows these qualities, he is a candidate for a permanent place." He also scored in the 2–0 victory against Ukraine on 2 June 2007.

Anelka featured in the France squad for Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland. Anelka started France's first group game against Romania, but was substituted after 72 minutes. He did not start either of France's remaining two games in the tournament against the Netherlands and Italy, coming on as a substitute in both games.

Anelka played a key role in France's 2010 World Cup playoff against the Republic of Ireland. He scored the winning goal in the 72nd minute that put France in a good position with one away goal.

During the 2010 World Cup, Anelka was sent home after reportedly abusing coach Raymond Domenech at half-time during the 2–0 defeat to Mexico. Following criticism of his positioning by Domenech, Anelka is reported to have said, "Va te faire enculer, sale fils de pute," meaning, "Go fuck yourself, you dirty son of a whore." The incident was later reported by the media, and the player refused to publicly apologise when asked to do so by French Football Federation (FFF) president Jean-Pierre Escalettes. The next day, the squad refused to go to training in protest against Anelka's expulsion. Anelka was subsequently given an 18-game suspension from international football by the FFF as punishment for his actions, effectively ending his international career. Anelka later claimed to be "dying with laughter" at the 18-match ban, as he had already decided to retire from international play.

Anelka took L'Équipe to court for their front page, demanding €150,000 in compensation. He lost the case as he only denied the wording of the insult that was attributed to him, and not the fact that he made an insult. In a 2018 documentary, Domenech said that Anelka only insulted his management, not him as a person or his mother.
wiki icon creative commons icon


Career Honours search icon
Honour icon
Italian Serie A
2012-2013

Juventus
Honour icon
English FA Community Shield
2010

Chelsea
Honour icon
English Premier League
2009-2010

Chelsea
Honour icon
English FA Cup
2009-2010

Chelsea
Honour icon
English FA Community Shield
2009

Chelsea
Honour icon
English FA Cup
2008-2009

Chelsea
Honour icon
English Premier League Golden Boot
2008-2009

Bolton
Honour icon
Turkish Super Lig
2004-2005

Fenerbahce
Honour icon
UEFA Intertoto Cup
2001

Paris SG
Honour icon
FIFA Confederations Cup
2001

France
Honour icon
UEFA European Championship
2000

France
Honour icon
UEFA Champions League
1999-2000

Real Madrid
Honour icon
English FA Community Shield
1999

Arsenal
Honour icon
English PFA Young Players Player of the Year
1998-1999

Arsenal
Honour icon
English FA Community Shield
1998

Arsenal
Honour icon
English Premier League
1997-1998

Arsenal
Honour icon
English FA Cup
1997-1998

Arsenal


Career Milestones


Former Youth Teams search icon
Former Youth team icon
1995-1996


Former Senior Teams search icon
Former team badge icon
1996-1997
Former team badge icon
1997-1999
Former team badge icon
1998-2010
Former team badge icon
1999-2000
Former team badge icon
2000-2002
Former team badge icon
2001-2002 (Loan)
Former team badge icon
2002-2005
Former team badge icon
2005-2006
Former team badge icon
2006-2008
Former team badge icon
2008-2012
Former team badge icon
2012-2013
Former team badge icon
2013-2014
Former team badge icon
2013
Former team badge icon
2014-2016


Former Club Staff search icon
Former Manager Team Icon
2012-2013
Assistant Manager
Former Manager Team Icon
2015-2015
Coach
Former Manager Team Icon
2021-2021
Manager


Contracts search icon



Fanart
no fanartno fanartno fanartno fanart

Bannertransparent spacer Player Banner



News Reports
None found...

Statistics search icon

Team Badge Icon
ChelseaTransparent SpacerAppearancesTransparent SpacerEnglish Premier LeagueTransparent Spacer2011-2012Transparent Spacer9
Team Badge Icon
ChelseaTransparent SpacerGoalsTransparent SpacerEnglish Premier LeagueTransparent Spacer2011-2012Transparent Spacer1

Team Badge Icon
ChelseaTransparent SpacerAppearancesTransparent SpacerEnglish Premier LeagueTransparent Spacer2010-2011Transparent Spacer32
Team Badge Icon
ChelseaTransparent SpacerAssistsTransparent SpacerEnglish Premier LeagueTransparent Spacer2010-2011Transparent Spacer6
Team Badge Icon
ChelseaTransparent SpacerGoalsTransparent SpacerEnglish Premier LeagueTransparent Spacer2010-2011Transparent Spacer6

Team Badge Icon
ChelseaTransparent SpacerAppearancesTransparent SpacerEnglish Premier LeagueTransparent Spacer2009-2010Transparent Spacer33
Team Badge Icon
ChelseaTransparent SpacerGoalsTransparent SpacerEnglish Premier LeagueTransparent Spacer2009-2010Transparent Spacer11

Team Badge Icon
ChelseaTransparent SpacerAppearancesTransparent SpacerEnglish Premier LeagueTransparent Spacer2008-2009Transparent Spacer37
Team Badge Icon
ChelseaTransparent SpacerGoalsTransparent SpacerEnglish Premier LeagueTransparent Spacer2008-2009Transparent Spacer19

Team Badge Icon
ChelseaTransparent SpacerAppearancesTransparent SpacerEnglish Premier LeagueTransparent Spacer2007-2008Transparent Spacer14
Team Badge Icon
BoltonTransparent SpacerAppearancesTransparent SpacerEnglish Premier LeagueTransparent Spacer2007-2008Transparent Spacer18
Team Badge Icon
ChelseaTransparent SpacerGoalsTransparent SpacerEnglish Premier LeagueTransparent Spacer2007-2008Transparent Spacer1
Team Badge Icon
BoltonTransparent SpacerGoalsTransparent SpacerEnglish Premier LeagueTransparent Spacer2007-2008Transparent Spacer10

Team Badge Icon
BoltonTransparent SpacerAppearancesTransparent SpacerEnglish Premier LeagueTransparent Spacer2006-2007Transparent Spacer35
Team Badge Icon
BoltonTransparent SpacerGoalsTransparent SpacerEnglish Premier LeagueTransparent Spacer2006-2007Transparent Spacer11

Team Badge Icon
FenerbahceTransparent SpacerGoalsTransparent SpacerTurkish 1 LigTransparent Spacer2005-2006Transparent Spacer10

Team Badge Icon
FenerbahceTransparent SpacerAppearancesTransparent SpacerTurkish 1 LigTransparent Spacer2004-2005Transparent Spacer14
Team Badge Icon
Manchester CityTransparent SpacerAppearancesTransparent SpacerEnglish Premier LeagueTransparent Spacer2004-2005Transparent Spacer19
Team Badge Icon
Manchester CityTransparent SpacerGoalsTransparent SpacerEnglish Premier LeagueTransparent Spacer2004-2005Transparent Spacer7
Team Badge Icon
FenerbahceTransparent SpacerGoalsTransparent SpacerTurkish 1 LigTransparent Spacer2004-2005Transparent Spacer4

Team Badge Icon
Manchester CityTransparent SpacerAppearancesTransparent SpacerEnglish Premier LeagueTransparent Spacer2003-2004Transparent Spacer32
Team Badge Icon
Manchester CityTransparent SpacerGoalsTransparent SpacerEnglish Premier LeagueTransparent Spacer2003-2004Transparent Spacer16

Team Badge Icon
Manchester CityTransparent SpacerAppearancesTransparent SpacerEnglish Premier LeagueTransparent Spacer2002-2003Transparent Spacer38
Team Badge Icon
Manchester CityTransparent SpacerGoalsTransparent SpacerEnglish Premier LeagueTransparent Spacer2002-2003Transparent Spacer14

Team Badge Icon
LiverpoolTransparent SpacerAppearancesTransparent SpacerEnglish Premier LeagueTransparent Spacer2001-2002Transparent Spacer20
Team Badge Icon
LiverpoolTransparent SpacerGoalsTransparent SpacerEnglish Premier LeagueTransparent Spacer2001-2002Transparent Spacer4

Team Badge Icon
Paris SGTransparent SpacerAppearancesTransparent SpacerFrench Ligue 1Transparent Spacer2000-2001Transparent Spacer27
Team Badge Icon
Paris SGTransparent SpacerGoalsTransparent SpacerFrench Ligue 1Transparent Spacer2000-2001Transparent Spacer8

Team Badge Icon
Real MadridTransparent SpacerAppearancesTransparent SpacerCopa del ReyTransparent Spacer1999-2000Transparent Spacer1
Team Badge Icon
Real MadridTransparent SpacerAppearancesTransparent SpacerUEFA Champions LeagueTransparent Spacer1999-2000Transparent Spacer10
Team Badge Icon
Real MadridTransparent SpacerAppearancesTransparent SpacerSpanish La LigaTransparent Spacer1999-2000Transparent Spacer19
Team Badge Icon
Real MadridTransparent SpacerAppearancesTransparent SpacerFIFA Club World CupTransparent Spacer1999-2000Transparent Spacer3
Team Badge Icon
Real MadridTransparent SpacerGoalsTransparent SpacerFIFA Club World CupTransparent Spacer1999-2000Transparent Spacer3
Team Badge Icon
Real MadridTransparent SpacerGoalsTransparent SpacerUEFA Champions LeagueTransparent Spacer1999-2000Transparent Spacer2
Team Badge Icon
Real MadridTransparent SpacerGoalsTransparent SpacerSpanish La LigaTransparent Spacer1999-2000Transparent Spacer2

Team Badge Icon
ArsenalTransparent SpacerAppearancesTransparent SpacerEnglish Premier LeagueTransparent Spacer1998-1999Transparent Spacer35
Team Badge Icon
ArsenalTransparent SpacerGoalsTransparent SpacerEnglish Premier LeagueTransparent Spacer1998-1999Transparent Spacer17

Team Badge Icon
ArsenalTransparent SpacerAppearancesTransparent SpacerEnglish Premier LeagueTransparent Spacer1997-1998Transparent Spacer26
Team Badge Icon
ArsenalTransparent SpacerGoalsTransparent SpacerEnglish Premier LeagueTransparent Spacer1997-1998Transparent Spacer6

Team Badge Icon
ArsenalTransparent SpacerAppearancesTransparent SpacerEnglish Premier LeagueTransparent Spacer1996-1997Transparent Spacer4



Other Links
Wikidata Icon
WikiData