Franck Ribéry

Franck Bilal Ribéry (born April 7, 1983 in Boulogne-sur-Mer) is a France football (soccer) player who currently plays for FC Bayern Munich. He has built up a reputation as a skilled penalty scorer.

When Ribéry was two years old he and his parents had a serious car accident, which left him with major scars on his face.

Footballing career

Galatasaray

He signed a contract with Turkey club Galatasaray S.K. in January 2005, and went on to help them win the Fortis Turkey Cup by scoring a key goal in a 1-0 victory in the semi-final and scoring a goal and assisting another in a 5-1 win in the final against rivals Fenerbahçe. The Galatasaray fans were impressed with the young Frenchman's skills, and quickly gave him the nicknames, "FerraRibery" and "Ferrari".

Galatasaray Controversy

On April 25, 2007, the World Sport's top court dismissed an appeal by Turkish club Galatasary against French international Franck Ribery's move to Olympique de Marseille in 2005. The Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) said in a statement that Ribery had terminated his contract with the Turkish club on just grounds, and that Galatasaray was not entitled to any compensation. The midfielder had signed a three-and-a-half year deal with the Turkish side in January 2005 before signing up with Marseille just five months later. Before he he signed to Marseille Galatasaray's second chairman Ergün Gürsoy made a speech which he said we gave Ribéry's salary. Rumours like he will leave the team aren't true.

Galatasaray had claimed that Ribery was at fault when he broke his contract having not been paid for over four months. The Istanbul side was reportedly claiming 10 million euros in compensation from Marseille. The Turkish club appealed to CAS after football's world governing body FIFA dismissed their case last November.

Olympique de Marseille

Franck Ribery had 2 highly successful seasons at Olympique de Marseille making 68 appearances (in all competitions) and scoring 14 goals. Ribery became a very important member of the squad contributing greatly towards Marseille's campaign to play UEFA Champions League football. Marseille completed the Ligue 1 season 2006/2007 in second place.

Bayern Munich

Ribery attracted growing interest from major European clubs including Real Madrid and Arsenal F.C. after a successful 2006 stint in the World Cup. On June 7 2007, FC Bayern Munich officially announced the signing of Ribéry on a four year deal from Marseille for a club record fee of Euro26 million (16 M€ cash, and 10 M€ in 2008, i.e. £17.5 million) and up to Euro4 million more with team's successes. Ribéry was given the number 7 shirt, previously worn by club legend Mehmet Scholl, who had retired the preceding season.

On July 6,2007 Ribery made his first appearance against FT Gern in a friendly. The game ended 18-0 for Bayern Munich and Ribery scored 2 goals.

In his first competitive match (1st game of the Ligapokal), he scored 2 goals against Werder Bremen, one of which was a Penalty. Bayern ended up winning the match 4-1.
He then played in the 2nd match of the tournament against Stuttgart, scoring once again to beat them 2-0. He suffered a minor injury, and was unable to play the final of the Ligapokal.

International career

On May 27 2006, he made his France national football team debut in "Les Bleus" 1-0 victory over Mexico national football team at the Stade de France. He began the match and was substituted by David Trezeguet in the 74th minute.

On June 12 2006, he was named in the starting lineup of the French team for their opener in the 2006 FIFA World Cup against Switzerland national football team. His first international goal proved to be a crucial one, levelling France at 1-1 with Spain national football team in the 41st minute of their knockout round match after calmly rounding the Spanish keeper, Iker Casillas. Though Spain were the favourites, France went on to win that game 3-1 to book a quarter-final slot against Brazil national football team.

Upon facing Brazil national football team on July 1 2006, Ribéry was substituted in the 75th minute of the 1-0 victory following an impressive performance. He also played in the 2006 FIFA World Cup Final defeat to Italy national football team where he went close with a low shot in the first half of extra-time.

Personal life

Ribery converted to Islam and is married to Wahiba, they have a daughter named Hizya. He has taken the Muslim name of Bilal, which he shares with fellow French international Nicolas Anelka and Éric Abidal. He is also a competent Saxophone player, having played saxophone since the age of 12.

Honours

- Winner of Fortis Turkey Cup in 2005 playing for Galatasaray S.K..
- Winner of UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2005 playing for Olympique de Marseille.
- French League Young Player of the Year in 2006 playing for Marseille.
- Runner-up of Coupe de France in 2006 playing for Marseille.
- Runner-up of Coupe de France in 2007 playing for Marseille.
- Runner-up of Ligue 1 in 2007 playing for Marseille.
- Runner-up of the FIFA World Cup 2006 (July 9, 2006).
- Liga-Pokal: 2007