Nicolas Anelka is a retired French footballer and coach known for his prolific career that spanned several of Europe’s top football clubs.
He gained recognition early in his career, making his debut at Paris Saint-Germain in 1996 before a breakthrough move to Arsenal, where he helped them win the Premier League and FA Cup double in 1998.
His exceptional pace, technical ability and goal-scoring ability made him a valuable asset, leading to high-profile moves to Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea and many other clubs.
Anelka also played for the French national team and contributed to the French team winning the 2000 European Cup and the 2001 Confederations Cup.
contour
- Full name: Nicolas Sebastian Anelka
- Date of birth: March 14, 1979
- Age: 45 years old
- Gender: Male
- Birthplace: Lechenay, France
- Nationality: French
- Occupation: Football player (retired), coach
- Height: 1.86 m
- Parents: Jean-Philippe Anelka, Margaret Anelka
- Siblings: Claude Anelka, Didier Anelka
- Spouse: Barbara Tausia
- Children: Keith Anelka, Cahill Anelka
- Relationship status: Married
- Religion: Islam (converted in 2004)
- Ethnicity: Afro-Caribbean (Martinique origin)
- Net worth: $22.5 million
early life and education
Nicolas Anelka, 45, was born on March 14, 1979 in Le Chesnay, a suburb of Paris, to parents from Martinique. He grew up in Trappes, near Paris, and trained at the prestigious Academie Clairefontaine, a center for producing talented young footballers.
His upbringing in the Paris suburbs led to lifelong friendships with celebrities such as actors Omar Sy and Jamel Debbouze.
Anelka completed his football education at Clairefontaine and then joined the Paris Saint-Germain youth academy, marking the beginning of his career. Raised in a multicultural environment, he converted to Islam in the United Arab Emirates in 2004 and adopted the name Abdul-Salam Bilal.
personal life
Anelka has been married to Belgian choreographer Barbara Tausia since 2007. The couple has two sons: Kaïs and Kahil. Anelka’s personal life remains relatively private, although his conversion to Islam and friendship with controversial comedian Dieudonné M’bala have attracted attention.
Despite the controversy surrounding his career, Anelka is known for his close family ties and beliefs, which he practices in a modern way, occasionally adapting religious practices to fit his lifestyle.
Profession
Anelka began his career at Paris Saint-Germain, but a move to Arsenal in 1997 catapulted him to fame. After winning the Premier League and FA Cup with Arsenal, he moved to Real Madrid in 1999 for a transfer fee of £22.3 million.
Despite winning the Champions League with Madrid, his time there was marred by difficulties adapting. This club-hopping pattern has defined his career, with spells at major clubs including Liverpool, Manchester City, Fenerbahce and Chelsea. At Chelsea, he won the Premier League, FA Cup and the 2009 Golden Boot as top scorer.
Awards
- Premier League (1997-98, 2009-10)
- FA Cup (1998, 2009, 2010)
- UEFA Champions League (1999-2000)
- FIFA Confederations Cup (2001)
- PFA Young Player of the Year (1999)
- Premier League Golden Boot (2009)
net worth
Nicolas Anelka has an estimated net worth of $22.5 million. His income comes mainly from football, including lucrative contracts with Real Madrid, Chelsea and Shanghai Shenhua. He also earned significant transfer fees throughout his career, close to £90 million.
dispute
Anelka’s career was filled with controversy. His outspoken nature has led to high-profile clashes with coaches and clubs. Most notably, he was expelled from the 2010 World Cup after a bitter dispute with France coach Raymond Domenech.
He also caused controversy in 2013 for a controversial “quenelle” gesture, which resulted in a suspension and fine from West Bromwich Albion. The gesture was linked to anti-establishment sentiment in France and was condemned as anti-Semitic, but Anelka denied such intentions.
social media
- Instagram: @Nicoanelka39
- Twitter: @NanelkaGMF
film chronology
