22: Franck Ribery

Franck Ribery is considered as one of the key players for the French squad who can make something happen in this summer’s European Championship. Ribery is 25 years old and is married to the Algerian Wahiba, and together they have two daughters. Currently Ribery plays for German Champions Bayern Munich. He started his professional career in 2001 at US Boulogne. He spent one season at the club and had one season spells at Olympique Ales, Stade Brestois 29, FC Metz and Galatasaray. In 2005, he joined Olympique de Marseille, where his reputation grew rapidly in the two seasons he spent at the French club. He scored 11 goals in the 60 appearances he made for Marseille. He joined Bayern Munich on the 7^th June 2007. In the 2007/08 season he scored 11 goals in 28 appearances, and helped his team clinch the Bundesliga title and reach the semi-final of UEFA Cup, only to lose against eventual winners Zenit St Petersburg.

 

Franck played his first game for the French senior team on the 27^th May 2006 in a 1-0 win over Mexico. Until before Euro 2008, he has played 27 times for France, scoring 4 goals. He was part of the squad for the 2006 World Cup, helping his side reach the final, but unfortunately losing on penalties to Italy. He also helped his nation qualify for Euro 2008, and will play a major part in the team’s push for success. He was given the role of penalty-taker by Domenech in the preparation matches…a role which he should keep in this summer’s competition. For all those who don’t know where his scar came from, it was a serious traffic accident he had with his parents when he was just two years old.

 

[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sC2-VQlXY2o]