Claude Makélélé

BIOGRAPHY
Such was the success of Claude Makélélé’s role as a deep-lying holding midfielder that most teams in the world’s elite leagues now employ a specialist to play ‘The Makélélé’ role. In a stellar 20-year career, Makélélé won the league in each country he played in. Yet, his international renown would only be established as Real Madrid CF’s coach, Vicente Del Bosque, snatched him from Celta Vigo to strengthen the midfield. He did so instantly, and he soon became the anchor man of the ‘Galacticos’ team which went on to conquer Spain, Europe and the world at the turn of the millennium. With a second La Liga title under his belt, Makélélé completed a move to Chelsea FC in the summer of 2003. Two Premier League titles would be matched by a pair of League Cup crowns and a FA Cup winner’s medal, plus a Community Shield under the leadership of Claudio Ranieri and José Mourinho.

After five successful seasons at the Bridge, Makélélé returned to France by signing for Paris Saint-Germain FC. He was
instrumental in re-building the club before a takeover by Qatari’s Sport Investment Group. Makélélé seized the opportunity to call it a day, and he was instantly offered a management position at the club to serve as assistant to Carlo Ancelotti, and his successor Laurent Blanc. Makélélé’s role proved vital, acting as the interface between dressing and board rooms. In the summer of 2014, Makélélé took charge of Ligue 1 side SC Bastia. However, after only 6 months in charge, Makélélé left the club frustrated, having been unable to make a major impact on the team. Following a short spell of inactivity, he was appointed by AS Monaco FC as Technical Director. He worked alongside Leonardo Jardim to help further develop home-grown talent as well as strengthen the squad. Makélélé’s efforts helped the club earn a crucial UEFA Champions League qualification spot for the 2016/17 campaign. His mission accomplished, he and the club mutually agreed to parting company. He has since been focusing on seeking his next sporting challenge which may pave the way for an eventual return to the Premier League.

In January 2017, Claude found this new challenge in keeping Swansea City AFC in the Premier League as Assistent Coach, re-united with newly appointed head coach, Paul Clement.