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Nicolas Anelka
Nicolas Anelka
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Nicolas Sébastien Anelka (born 14 March 1979) is a French professional football manager and former 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.[5][6]

Key Information

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.[7] After leaving Chelsea in 2012, he had brief stints at Shanghai Shenhua, Juventus, West Bromwich Albion and Mumbai City.

Anelka played 69 times at international level and won his first international honours with France at UEFA Euro 2000, also winning 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."[8] He did not play again for the national team.[9]

Early and personal life

[edit]

Anelka was born in Le Chesnay, Yvelines,[10] to parents who had moved from Martinique in 1974. Thereafter, they settled in Trappes, near Paris. His childhood friends from Trappes include the actors Omar Sy and Jamel Debbouze.[11] His mother is a secretary in the local high school.[12][13][14]

Anelka is married to Barbara Tausia, a Belgian choreographer. Together, they have two sons, Kais, born in 2008, and Kahil, born in 2010.[15] He acted in the 2002 film Le Boulet as a footballer named Nicolas. He has said that when he retires from football, he would like to work in the film industry because he has a friend in the business.[16] He said, "I have a friend who's a producer, who makes lots of films. He recently did Astérix. So it's already agreed that I'm going to do other films. It helps to know actors and producers. It's different to football and it's something I enjoy very much because there's no ball. I like pretending to be somebody else, it's fun."[citation needed]

Anelka has two brothers, Claude and Didier.[17]

After discussing religion with some childhood friends, Anelka converted to Islam in 2004 in the United Arab Emirates, taking the Muslim name of "Abdul-Salam Bilal".[18] Anelka has said that he initially fasted during daylight hours as is required for the Muslim month of Ramadan, but "I realised I often got injured just after the period of Ramadan, so I don't observe it strictly any more".[19] Initially, Anelka considered leaving European football to play in the UAE: "I am ready to stay here and to play for a club in the Emirates. I am not keen to go back to England or France." However, this did not come to pass and he briefly moved to Turkey instead, as well as three more English clubs.[20]

Anelka is also known for his controversial relationship with French comedian Dieudonné and attracted widespread condemnation after performing the quenelle hand gesture, created by M'bala and regarded as anti-Semitic, on the pitch when playing for West Bromwich Albion in 2013.[21] Anelka responded that the gesture was anti-establishment, not anti-Semitic.[21] An FA disciplinary hearing nonetheless banned Anelka for five matches, but found that he was not anti-Semitic and had not intended the gesture to express or promote anti-Semitism.[22] After West Brom suspended him pending their own investigation, Anelka was given notice of termination of his contract by the club due to the club and player being unable to come to terms over the conditions required for the suspension by the club to be lifted, as well as comments made by Anelka on Twitter.[23] In 2020, Anelka said the quenelle was only a protest against his former manager Steve Clarke, who is not Jewish.[24]

Anelka has been the subject of the 2012 Canal+ documentary L'Entrée des Trappistes about his friendship with Sy and Debbouze,[11] and the feature-length 2020 Netflix documentary Anelka: Misunderstood.[24]

Club career

[edit]

Paris Saint-Germain

[edit]

Anelka began his career at Paris Saint-Germain as a youth player at age 16.[25]

Arsenal

[edit]

In February 1997, at age 17, Anelka joined Premier League club Arsenal for a £500,000 transfer fee[26] under newly appointed manager Arsène Wenger. The transfer caused controversy in France as Arsenal sought to sign him for free under the precedent of the recent Bosman ruling, despite there being exceptions for players under the age of 24; Wenger said this age restriction was only for domestic transfers.[27]

His first team opportunities were limited in the 1996–97 season, but in 1997–98, he broke into the first team after a long-term injury to striker Ian Wright. In November 1997, Anelka scored his first goal for Arsenal in a 3–2 home win against Manchester United.[28][29] Anelka was a key player in Arsenal's Double win of both the Premier League and FA Cup that season.[30] Anelka scored the second goal in Arsenal's 2–0 win over Newcastle United in that season's FA Cup final.[31]

Anelka was Arsenal's top scorer in the 1998–99 season with 17 Premier League goals. This form saw him voted the PFA Young Player of the Year, but Arsenal failed to defend their Premier League and FA Cup titles and made little progress in the UEFA Champions League. Fans turned on the striker amid transfer speculation and a perceived lack of enthusiasm, giving him the nickname "Le Sulk".[32] During the close season, Anelka stated a desire to leave Arsenal, claiming the English press was responsible for his unhappiness in England.[33] On 2 August 1999, he joined Real Madrid.[34]

With regard to his time with the Gunners, Anelka later said he believes he should have never left Arsenal, a club that he has great "love" for.[35][36] Of his former boss at Highbury, Arsène Wenger, Anelka is a huge admirer and a strong supporter of him.[37] Anelka also placed at 29th in the club's compilation of the 50 Greatest Gunners of all-time. In all, he made 90 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 28 goals altogether for the club.[36][35]

Real Madrid

[edit]

In the summer of 1999, Anelka moved to Real Madrid for a £22.3 million transfer fee.[38] He took time to score for the club; on a visit to the football tabloid Marca he played a FIFA game with the staff, who then released the mocking front-page headline "Anelka finally scores a goal...on a video game".[39] He failed to score for Real Madrid in his first five months at the club, eventually recording his first goal in the opening match of the FIFA Club World Championship against Al-Nassr on 5 January 2000.[40] Two days later, he scored twice against Corinthians in the same competition, also missing an 81st-minute penalty kick that would have given him a hat-trick.[41]

On 28 February 2000, Anelka scored his first La Liga goal in a 3–0 defeat of rivals Barcelona in El Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.[42] However, in March, he was suspended by club president Lorenzo Sanz after refusing to train, because of a disagreement with head coach Vicente del Bosque.[43] After returning to the team,[44] Anelka scored in both legs of the Champions League semi-final to give Los Blancos a 3–2 aggregate victory over Bayern Munich and advance to the competition final.[45][46][47][48] He started in the final, held at the Stade de France in his home city of Paris, as Real Madrid ran out 3–0 winners over Valencia to win an eighth European Cup.[49]

Return to Paris Saint-Germain

[edit]

Anelka signed a six-year professional contract at Paris Saint-Germain in July 2000, a return to the club at which he used to play as a youth player, in a transfer deal worth £22 million.[50] The Paris club had finished second in Ligue 1 that season, thereby qualifying for the 2000–01 UEFA Champions League. Anelka's return was met with much fanfare. Canal Plus, which owned Paris Saint-Germain, financed the transfer, while PSG sponsor Nike covered much of Anelka's compensation of £30–35,000 per week.[51]

Anelka started well and was appointed captain of a team that was briefly at the top of 2000–01 French Division 1, but the team's form quickly dropped.[52] In December 2000, following a 5–1 loss to Sedan, Philippe Bergeroo was replaced as PSG manager by Luis Fernández. PSG finished ninth in Ligue 1 that season, earning a place in next season's UEFA Intertoto Cup. PSG finished second in the first round of group stage, behind Bayern Munich, but finished bottom of the second group stage, behind Deportivo de La Coruña, Galatasaray and Milan.[53]

However, once again, Anelka developed issues with his head coach, Luis Fernández (who was already under pressure for benching Ronaldinho due to his work ethic).[citation needed]

Liverpool (loan)

[edit]

After two and a half years, Anelka returned to the Premier League in December 2001 to join Liverpool on a short-term loan deal until the end of the season, brought in to fill the gap left by Robbie Fowler's departure.[54]

He contributed to Liverpool's late push to come second in the 2001–02 FA Premier League, scoring goals against Everton,[55] Fulham,[56] Blackburn Rovers,[57] Ipswich Town,[58] and in the 2001–02 FA Cup against Birmingham City,[59] but manager Gérard Houllier opted not to offer him a permanent deal after the end of the season in favour of signing Senegalese forward El Hadji Diouf.[60]

Manchester City

[edit]

Anelka joined Manchester City on 24 May 2002, with the £13 million transfer fee paid by manager Kevin Keegan, then a club record high.[61] In his first season at City, Anelka was the club's top scorer with 14 goals, including a goal in the last ever Manchester Derby at Maine Road against Manchester United, against former club Arsenal and a last minute winner at Anfield after scoring a penalty just moments earlier. In his second season at City, he finished top scorer again, in the club's first season at the City of Manchester Stadium, with 25 goals. On 16 October 2004, he won and scored a penalty against Chelsea, which led to José Mourinho's first defeat as Chelsea manager.[62]

Fenerbahçe

[edit]

In January 2005, Manchester City announced Anelka had completed a £7 million transfer to Turkish team Fenerbahçe.[63] He helped the Turkish club win the Süper Lig title in 2005,[64] and played with them in the UEFA Cup that season, as well as the UEFA Champions League the season after.[65]

Bolton Wanderers

[edit]

On 25 August 2006, Bolton Wanderers signed Anelka on a four-year deal for a club record transfer fee of £8 million.[66] He made his debut for Bolton against Watford on 9 September 2006.[67] He opened his account on 19 September in a League Cup match against Walsall, scoring the last goal of a 3–1 away win.[68] After 11 matches without a goal in the Premier League, he scored his first goals – a brace – on 25 November to help down Arsenal 3–1.[69] He finished the 2006–07 Premier League season as Bolton's top scorer with eleven goals.[70]

In January 2007, Anelka stated he would be willing to leave Bolton for a return to former club Arsenal.[71] However, he pledged his future to Bolton in July 2007 following talks with manager Sammy Lee.[72] Anelka later said he would reluctantly consider leaving the club if Bolton's poor start to the 2007–08 season continued,[73] but later signed a new four-year contract lasting until 2011 on 30 August.[74] In June 2020 Anelka admitted he signed the contract so that Bolton could get a bigger transfer fee when he left.[75]

Chelsea

[edit]

On 11 January 2008, it was confirmed Anelka would join Chelsea for £15 million.[76] He made his Chelsea debut against Tottenham Hotspur on 12 January 2008,[77] and scored his first goal two weeks later in the FA Cup against Wigan Athletic. He scored his first league goal on 2 February against Portsmouth, but failed to score again for Chelsea during the 2007–08 season.[78]

Anelka with Chelsea

In the 2008 Champions League final, Anelka delivered Chelsea's seventh penalty which was saved by Edwin van der Sar, resulting in Manchester United winning the competition. Anelka later blamed manager Avram Grant for his penalty miss, claiming Grant brought him on to play as a late substitute without a proper warm up beforehand and also too late in the game to acclimatize himself in it.[79]

On 3 August 2008, Anelka scored four goals in a 5–0 friendly win against Milan.[80]

With Didier Drogba injured at the beginning of the 2008–09 season, Anelka made a very impressive start to the campaign. His goalscoring spree won him the Golden Boot Award on 14 November 2008 for being the first player that season to score ten Premier League goals.[81] Anelka scored his first competitive hat-trick for Chelsea against Sunderland, in a 5–0 home win on 1 November 2008, and followed this up with two braces against Blackburn Rovers, then West Bromwich Albion.[82] He established himself as an important member of the squad and maintained his place in the team despite the return to fitness of Drogba. After the arrival of Guus Hiddink, Anelka was more often played on the wing. Furthermore, he was ranked among the top goalscorers in the league for the season. He scored another hat-trick against Watford in the FA Cup to earn Chelsea a 3–1 victory at Vicarage Road.[83] On 10 May, he scored one goal and set up another in a 4–1 away win against former club Arsenal. Anelka did not celebrate the goal which he scored in the game, as he disclosed "he still loved Arsenal".[84] A goal in Chelsea's final Premier League game of the season at Sunderland put him as top goal scorer for the season in the Premier League, earning him the Golden Boot with 19 goals.[85]

Anelka warming up for Chelsea

Anelka scored his first goal of the 2009–10 season against West London rivals Fulham in a 2–0 win at Craven Cottage, before continuing his fine form with the opening goal in Chelsea's 3–0 win over Burnley the following weekend. He scored his third goal of the season in the opening match of the 2009–10 Champions League group stage in the 1–0 victory over Porto.[86] Anelka scored one of the best goals of his season against APOEL in the Champions League with the ball being passed into the net from outside the box. Anelka scored his third league goal of the season against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in a 2–0 win with the second goal coming from compatriot Florent Malouda.[87] Anelka continued his fine scoring run in the Champions League with the winner in the 1–0 victory over Porto at the Estádio do Dragão, making Chelsea only the second ever English side to win at Porto's home ground. He continued his scoring in the season by scoring Chelsea's first goal in a 3–3 draw against Everton in the Premier League, his first goal in the competition since October.[88] He followed that up with another goal in Chelsea's 2–1 victory over Portsmouth.[89]

On 16 January 2010, on his return from injury, Anelka scored twice in an astonishing 7–2 victory over Sunderland.[90] He continued this fine form into the next match scoring in an FA Cup tie against Preston North End, bringing his tally in the previous four matches to five goals. After the return of Didier Drogba from the African Cup of Nations, Anelka had been playing on the wing to support him. Anelka scored his first goal since January in a 1–0 win over his former club Bolton in April 2010, putting Chelsea four points ahead of second-place Manchester United.[91] On the final day of the season, Anelka scored two goals against Wigan Athletic, including the first Chelsea goal in the sixth minute,[92] to help Chelsea win their third Premier League title and their first in four years.[93] Anelka (along with Ashley Cole) joined Henning Berg in the exclusive band of players who have won the Premier League title with two different clubs.[94] On 24 June 2010, Chelsea announced Anelka had signed a new one-year extension to his existing contract that will keep him at the club until 2012.[95]

Anelka started the 2010–11 campaign in fine form for Chelsea. He assisted Florent Malouda's last goal against West Brom on the opening day of the Premier League season, scored a double in the next game against Wigan Athletic, then won a penalty against Stoke City in Chelsea's third game of the season. He continued this fine form in Chelsea's first Champions League match, scoring a first half brace against MŠK Žilina. Further goals against Marseille and Spartak Moscow ensured this was the first season since playing for Paris Saint-Germain he had scored at least four goals in a Champions League season. On 19 October, during Chelsea's Champions League group stage match against Spartak, Anelka continued his impressive goal scoring form in the Champions League, scoring the second goal of the match and his 50th goal for Chelsea in the 43rd minute of the game. He ended the 2010–11 season with 16 goals from 45 appearances in all competitions.

Anelka scored Chelsea's first goal of the 2011–12 season against West Brom in a 2–1 Premier League victory. This would prove to be Anelka's final goal for Chelsea, however, as he failed to find the net in 14 further appearances in 2011. On 3 December 2011, after Chelsea's 3–0 victory against Newcastle United, manager André Villas-Boas confirmed to the media that Anelka, along with centre-back Alex, had submitted transfer requests to the club and would be free to leave Chelsea in January.[96] On 12 December, Chelsea confirmed Anelka would join Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua. Zhu Jun, owner of Shanghai Shenhua, confirmed his club had sealed a deal with Anelka in his Weibo on 12 December 2011.[97] This deal was later officially announced by both clubs and was finalized the same day.[98][99]

In total, Anelka scored 59 goals for Chelsea in 184 appearances.[100]

Shanghai Shenhua

[edit]
Anelka played with Giovanni Moreno and his former Chelsea teammate Didier Drogba at Shanghai Shenhua.

On 1 January 2012, Anelka moved to Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua, with his annual salary reported to be around €12 million.[101] Following his move, Anelka revealed he turned down the chance to join his former club PSG the previous month in favour of signing for Shanghai Shenhua, and explained that his move was because he did not have attractive offers to remain within Europe.[102] On 21 February 2012, he scored his debut goal in a pre-season friendly match against Hunan Billows, just 40 seconds after the start of the match. Anelka failed to make his Chinese Super League (CSL) debut due to ankle injury on the opening league match of the season against Jiangsu Sainty.[103] He eventually made his CSL debut and scored his first CSL goal on 16 March 2012, in a 3–2 away defeat against bitter rivals Beijing Guoan.[104] On 11 April 2012, Anelka was named as part of the coaching staff to help struggling manager Jean Tigana.[105]

On 19 June 2012, it was confirmed that Anelka's former Chelsea teammate Didier Drogba would join Shanghai Shenhua.[106] On 7 June 2012, it was claimed Anelka was keen on a move back to the Premier League after he was involved in a heated exchange with a fan for refusing to bow in front of the travelling Shenhua fans with his teammates.[107] Anelka provided two assists for Drogba and headed in a late equaliser to earn Shenhua a point in a 3–3 draw with Shandong Luneng Taishan on 25 August.[108][109]

Juventus (loan)

[edit]

On 26 January 2013, Anelka joined Italian side Juventus on a five-month loan deal.[110] He made his debut for Juventus against Celtic in the Champions League.[111] Anelka made two further appearances for Juventus, both in Serie A, as the club won the league title.[112]

West Bromwich Albion

[edit]

On 4 July 2013, Anelka joined West Bromwich Albion on a free transfer after being released by Shanghai Shenhua, marking another return to the Premier League, the sixth Premier League club he has played for in his career.[113] He said he would like to end his career in England, at West Brom.[114] On 22 August 2013, Anelka reportedly walked out of a training session telling staff he was leaving the club to retire. The reports were quickly denied by the club, which confirmed Anelka would miss one match and that he had left the session early on compassionate grounds following the death of his agent.[115] On 28 August 2013, it was announced that since completing his week of compassionate leave, Anelka had decided to remain with the club and would begin training the following day in preparation for West Brom's forthcoming match against Swansea City.[116] He subsequently returned full-time to the team.[citation needed]

Anelka scored his first goal for the club in a 3–3 draw with West Ham United on 28 December 2013, scoring a first-half brace in his first appearance in over two months. During his goal celebration he performed a quenelle, a hand gesture popularized by his comedian friend Dieudonné, described by some critics as an inverted Nazi salute.[21] The Football Association (FA) and anti-racism organisations investigated the incident following allegations of anti-Semitism.[21] On 27 February 2014, an FA disciplinary hearing banned Anelka for five matches, fined him £80,000 and ordered him to complete an educational course. In the hearing, the FA disciplinary hearing panel concluded, "[W]e did not find that Nicolas Anelka is an anti-Semite or that he intended to express or promote anti-Semitism by his use of the quenelle."[22] Anelka and the FA both decided not to appeal this verdict.[117] In the 2020 documentary Anelka: Misunderstood, Anelka said that the quenelle was only a protest at former West Brom manager Steve Clarke, who is not Jewish.[24]

Anelka used social media to announce he was terminating his contract with West Brom.[118] West Brom responded that Anelka had given the club no official notification of his intention to leave, and later gave him 14 days notice of termination from the club for gross misconduct.[119][120]

Mumbai City FC

[edit]

On 15 September 2014, Anelka joined Mumbai City of the newly formed Indian Super League.[121][122] Following a three-match global ban, he made his debut on 28 October 2014 in a 5–1 defeat at Chennaiyin FC.[123] Five days later, in his first home match at the DY Patil Stadium, Anelka scored the match's only goal to defeat Kerala Blasters.[124] On 5 November, he scored his only other goal of the season, for a home game of the same outcome against the Delhi Dynamos.[125] Anelka played a total of seven matches for Mumbai, as they finished seventh and did not qualify for the end-of-season play-offs.[126]

In January 2015, Anelka had agreed a deal to join Algerian side NA Hussein Dey on an 18-month contract. However, the move was blocked by the Algerian Football Federation as, "Only those aged under 27 and playing on the international level for their countries are allowed to sign up with our clubs."[127] Anelka subsequently returned to Mumbai and was named the team's player-manager on 3 July 2015.[128]

International career

[edit]
Anelka in action for France during a friendly match against Colombia in April 2008.

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[129] and scoring both goals in a comfortable 2–0 win over England at Wembley Stadium in February 1999.[130] 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.[131] 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.[132][133]

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.[134] He scored in the 3–2 win.[135] 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.[136]

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."[137] He also scored in the 2–0 victory against Ukraine on 2 June 2007.[138]

Anelka featured in the France squad for Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland.[139] Anelka started France's first group game against Romania, but was substituted after 72 minutes.[140] 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.[141][142]

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.[143]

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.[144] Following criticism of his positioning by Domenech, Anelka is reported to have said, "Va te faire enculer, sale fils de pute,"[145] meaning, "Go fuck yourself, you dirty son of a whore."[146] 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.[147] The next day, the squad refused to go to training in protest against Anelka's expulsion.[148] 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.[149]

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.[150] In a 2018 documentary, Domenech said that Anelka only insulted his management, not him as a person or his mother.[151]

Retirement

[edit]

After retiring as a player, Anelka joined the technical staff of Dutch Eredivisie side Roda JC in February 2017, claiming he wanted to help his friend and the club's shareholder Aleksey Korotaev.[152] In November 2018, he joined Lille as a youth forwards coach.[153] On 3 February 2021 he became the sporting director of Hyères, under the new ownership of Mourad Boudjellal.[154] He departed three months later, on 4 May, with no first team game taking place during his tenure due to the COVID-19 pandemic in France.[155] On 25 January 2024, Anelka was appointed as president of TFF First League club Ümraniyespor.[156] Less than six months later, on 8 July, Anelka resigned from his position at the club.[157]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[158][159][160][161][162]
Club Season League National cup League cup Continental Other[a] Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Paris Saint-Germain 1995–96 Division 1 2 0 — — — — 2 0
1996–97 Division 1 8 1 — 1 0 1 0 — 10 1
Total 10 1 – 1 0 1 0 – 12 1
Arsenal 1996–97 Premier League 4 0 — — — — 4 0
1997–98 Premier League 26 6 9 3 3 0 2 0 — 40 9
1998–99 Premier League 35 17 5 0 0 0 5 1 1 1 46 19
Total 65 23 14 3 3 0 7 1 1 1 90 28
Real Madrid 1999–2000 La Liga 19 2 0 0 — 9 2 3 3 31 7
Paris Saint-Germain 2000–01 Division 1 27 8 0 0 1 0 9 5 — 37 13
2001–02 Division 1 12 2 — 0 0 7 3 — 19 5
Total 39 10 0 0 1 0 16 8 – 56 18
Liverpool (loan) 2001–02 Premier League 20 4 2 1 — — — 22 5
Manchester City 2002–03 Premier League 38 14 1 0 2 0 — — 41 14
2003–04 Premier League 32 16 4 4 2 0 5 4 — 43 24
2004–05 Premier League 19 7 — 0 0 — — 19 7
Total 89 37 5 4 4 0 5 4 – 103 45
Fenerbahçe 2004–05 Süper Lig 14 4 2 0 — 2 0 — 18 4
2005–06 Süper Lig 25 10 6 2 — 6 0 — 37 12
2006–07 Süper Lig — — — 2 0 — 2 0
Total 39 14 8 2 – 10 0 – 57 16
Bolton Wanderers 2006–07 Premier League 35 11 3 0 1 1 — — 39 12
2007–08 Premier League 18 10 — — 4 1 — 22 11
Total 53 21 3 0 1 1 4 1 – 61 23
Chelsea 2007–08 Premier League 14 1 3 1 2 0 5 0 — 24 2
2008–09 Premier League 37 19 5 4 0 0 12 2 — 54 25
2009–10 Premier League 33 11 4 1 0 0 7 3 1 0 45 15
2010–11 Premier League 32 6 3 1 1 2 9 7 1 0 46 16
2011–12 Premier League 9 1 0 0 2 0 4 0 — 15 1
Total 125 38 15 7 5 2 37 12 2 0 184 59
Shanghai Shenhua 2012 Chinese Super League 22 3 2 0 — 3 1 — 27 4
Juventus (loan) 2012–13 Serie A 2 0 — — 1 0 — 3 0
West Bromwich Albion 2013–14 Premier League 12 2 0 0 0 0 — — 12 2
Mumbai City 2014 Indian Super League 7 2 0 0 — — — 7 2
2015 Indian Super League 6 0 0 0 — — — 6 0
Total 13 2 0 0 – – – 13 2
Career total 508 157 49 17 15 3 93 29 6 4 671 210
  1. ^ Appearances in Trophée des Champions, UEFA Super Cup, Community Shield (1998, 2009, 2010), Supercopa de España, FIFA Club World Cup (2000), Turkish Super Cup, Chinese Super Cup, Supercoppa Italiana

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year[163][164]
National team Year Apps Goals
France 1998 3 1
1999 7 2
2000 10[a] 2
2001 7 1
2002 1 0
2005 2 1
2006 3 1
2007 10 3
2008 11 1
2009 9 2
2010 6 0
Total 69 14
  1. ^ One appearance and one goal from the match against FIFA XI on 16 August 2000 which FIFA and the French Football Federation count as an official friendly match.[165]
Scores and results list France's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Anelka goal.
List of international goals scored by Nicolas Anelka
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition Ref.
1 10 October 1998 Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia  Russia 1–0 3–2 UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying [166]
2 10 February 1999 Wembley Stadium, London, England  England 1–0 2–0 Friendly [167]
3 2–0
4 6 June 2000 Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca, Morocco  Morocco 4–1 5–1 Friendly [168]
5 16 August 2000 Stade Vélodrome, Marseille, France World XI 5–0 5–1 Friendly [169]
6 30 May 2001 Daegu Stadium, Daegu, South Korea  South Korea 3–0 5–0 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup [170]
7 9 November 2005 Stade Pierre-Aliker, Fort-de-France, France  Costa Rica 1–2 3–2 Friendly [171]
8 11 October 2006 Stade Auguste-Bonal, Montbéliard, France  Faroe Islands 3–0 5–0 UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying [172]
9 24 March 2007 Darius and Girėnas Stadium, Kaunas, Lithuania  Lithuania 1–0 1–0 UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying [173]
10 2 June 2007 Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France  Ukraine 2–0 2–0 UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying [174]
11 13 October 2007 Tórsvøllur, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands  Faroe Islands 1–0 6–0 UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying [175]
12 10 September 2008 Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France  Serbia 2–0 2–1 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification [176]
13 10 October 2009 Stade de Roudourou, Guingamp, France  Faroe Islands 4–0 5–0 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification [177]
14 14 November 2009 Croke Park, Dublin, Republic of Ireland  Republic of Ireland 1–0 1–0 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification [178]

Honours

[edit]

Arsenal

Real Madrid

Paris Saint-Germain

Fenerbahçe

Chelsea

Juventus

France U18

France

Individual

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Nicolas Anelka

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Nicolas Anelka (born 14 March 1979) is a French former professional footballer who played primarily as a centre-forward. Known for his pace, technique, and goal-scoring ability, Anelka's club career spanned 12 teams across seven countries, including Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Chelsea, where he accumulated 125 Premier League goals in 364 appearances. His achievements include the 2000 UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid, two English Premier League titles and three FA Cups with Arsenal and Chelsea combined, and Euro 2000 with France. However, Anelka's trajectory was defined by repeated conflicts with managers—such as his fallout with Arsenal's Arsène Wenger leading to a high-profile transfer—and off-field incidents, culminating in a five-match FA ban and £80,000 fine for performing the quenelle gesture in 2013, which authorities deemed grossly offensive despite his claim it symbolized anti-establishment sentiment rather than anti-Semitism. These issues contributed to an abbreviated international career, ending after his role in the 2010 World Cup squad's internal revolt against coach Raymond Domenech.

Early Life

Childhood and Family Background

Nicolas Anelka was born on March 14, 1979, in , a suburb of Versailles in the department of . His parents, Jean-Philippe and Marguerite Anelka, originated from and immigrated to mainland in 1974 seeking better opportunities. Shortly after his birth, the family relocated to , a working-class approximately 30 kilometers west of , where Anelka spent his formative years amid a diverse immigrant community. Marguerite Anelka worked as a secretary at a local high , while details on Jean-Philippe's occupation remain less documented in . Anelka grew up with two older brothers, Claude and , both of whom pursued involvement in football and later acted as his agents during key career negotiations. The family's modest circumstances in , characterized by economic challenges common to many immigrant households in French suburbs during the late 1970s and 1980s, shaped Anelka's early environment, though he has described a supportive home focused on discipline and aspiration.

Youth Football Development

Anelka began his football journey in the Parisian suburb of , joining -Saint-Quentin FC at a young age, with records indicating involvement from 1983 to 1993, spanning his early childhood through adolescence. Initially playing street football with neighborhood friends before transitioning to organized play around age eight at the local Trappes academy, he demonstrated early talent as a forward in a multi-ethnic, working-class environment marked by limited resources. This period laid foundational technical skills through informal and club-based training, though formal youth structures in Trappes emphasized basic proficiency over elite development. At age 14, in 1993, Anelka was selected for the prestigious Institut National du Football de Clairefontaine, France's national youth training center, where he trained from 1993 to 1995. Clairefontaine, established to cultivate technical excellence and tactical awareness among top prospects, provided intensive coaching on ball control, positioning, and game intelligence, producing numerous elite talents through its residential program. During his time there, Anelka honed his speed, , and finishing as a striker, though he exhibited disinterest in academics, prioritizing athletic progress in an environment that prioritized football immersion over schooling. In 1995, at age 16, Anelka transitioned to Paris Saint-Germain's youth academy, serving as a bridge to professional ranks from 1995 to 1996. PSG's setup offered competitive matches against senior reserves and exposure to higher-level scouting, accelerating his physical and mental preparation for first-team football; this culminated in his senior debut for the club in August 1996 at age 17, scoring once in ten appearances during the 1996–97 season. His rapid ascent from suburban origins to professional breakthrough underscored the efficacy of France's tiered youth pathway in identifying and refining raw athletic potential through structured progression.

Personal Life

Family and Relationships

Nicolas Anelka was born on March 14, 1979, in , , to parents Jean-Philippe Anelka and Marguerite Anelka. His mother worked as a secretary at a local high school. Anelka has two older brothers, Claude and Didier, both of whom pursued involvement in football; Claude , a former player, acted as Nicolas's agent during his transfer to Real Madrid in 1999. Anelka married Belgian choreographer and dancer Barbara Tausia on June 9, 2007, in , . The couple has three children: sons Kais, born in 2008, and Kahil, born in 2010, as well as daughter . They have remained married as of 2023. In 2008, British tabloid reports alleged Anelka had an extramarital affair with shop assistant Natalie Merriman, including exchanging explicit text messages with her on his day to Tausia; Anelka denied the claims, attributing them to a setup. The incident drew media attention but did not result in divorce.

Religious Conversion and Personal Beliefs

Nicolas Anelka converted to at the age of 16, around 1995, after discussions with childhood friends and prior observation of practices such as , which he admired in Muslim associates. He later formalized aspects of his faith in 2004 while in the , adopting the Muslim name Abdul-Salam Bilal. In a 2020 statement, Anelka affirmed that more than two decades had passed since his conversion, emphasizing his pre-existing certainty in 's principles and that the change reinforced rather than disrupted his lifestyle, as he had already aligned with its fraternal and ethical elements. Anelka has maintained a degree of privacy regarding his religious observance, focusing on personal conviction over public display, though he has occasionally referenced Islamic influences in his conduct, such as encouraging prayer among teammates in later coaching roles. He publicly critiqued what he described as Islamophobia in France in 2015, linking it to broader societal tensions affecting Muslim communities. In December 2013, Anelka performed the quenelle gesture—a hand-over-heart motion with an extended arm—after scoring for West Bromwich Albion, dedicating it to comedian Dieudonné M'bala M'bala as an anti-establishment symbol rather than an expression of anti-Semitism, despite the gesture's associations with controversial political views. The English Football Association investigated and imposed a five-match ban and £80,000 fine, deeming it abusive and improper conduct, though Anelka appealed and maintained it held no hateful intent. This incident drew scrutiny to his personal affiliations but was framed by Anelka as unrelated to religious animosity.

Club Career

Paris Saint-Germain (Initial Stint, 1995–1997)

Anelka joined Paris Saint-Germain's youth academy in 1995 following his time at the Clairefontaine national training center. As a stagiaire (trainee) rather than a professional contract holder, he initially refused to sign a full professional deal, citing dissatisfaction with the terms offered. His first-team debut came on 7 February 1996, substituting into a match against AS Monaco, where he played 10 minutes in a 1–0 loss. In the 1995–96 season, he made two appearances totaling 11 minutes, without scoring. The following 1996–97 season saw increased opportunities, with eight substitute appearances totaling 172 minutes and one goal. Overall, during his initial stint, Anelka recorded 10 appearances and 1 goal, primarily as a substitute behind established forwards like and . His brief showings demonstrated speed and potential, attracting interest from abroad despite limited starts. PSG won the 1995–96 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, though Anelka did not feature in European matches. In February 1997, at age 17, Anelka transferred to for £500,000, marking Wenger's first signing as manager; the fee reflected his trainee status, allowing a low-cost exit. This move ended his initial PSG period amid reports of internal tensions over his contract demands.

Arsenal (1997–1999)

Anelka signed for from Paris Saint-Germain on 22 February 1997 for a transfer fee of £500,000, marking Arsène Wenger's first acquisition as the club's newly appointed manager. At 17 years old, he initially featured sparingly, making his Premier League debut as a substitute on 5 April 1997 in a 2-0 home win over Blackburn Rovers. During the 1997–98 season, Anelka established himself as a first-team regular, scoring his maiden goal for on 20 November 1997 in a 2-1 league victory against Blackburn Rovers. His pace, technical skill, and goal-scoring contributed to securing both the title and the , achieving a domestic double; Anelka appeared in 33 league matches that season, netting 12 goals. In the 1998–99 campaign, he recorded 17 goals across all competitions, including key strikes in cup ties, though finished second in the . Across his tenure from 1997 to 1999, Anelka amassed 65 appearances with 23 goals and 12 assists, alongside totals of 90 outings and 28 goals in all competitions. He received the PFA Young Player of the Year award for the 1997–98 season, recognizing his rapid emergence as one of Europe's promising forwards. Anelka departed on 28 August 1999, transferring to Real Madrid for £22.3 million—a substantial profit on the initial investment—amid reported tensions over his conduct and contract demands.

Real Madrid (1999–2000)

Anelka transferred from Arsenal to Real Madrid on 2 August 1999 for a fee of £22.3 million, then a record for a teenager. The move followed a protracted dispute with Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger, amid Anelka's expressed dissatisfaction with media scrutiny in England. During the 1999–2000 season, Anelka made 33 appearances across all competitions, scoring 7 goals. In , he featured in 19 matches, starting 8, and netted 2 goals while accumulating 1,188 minutes. His European contributions included notable strikes that advanced Real Madrid in the , helping secure the club's seventh title with a 3–0 final victory over on 24 May 2000. Despite finishing second in behind Deportivo La Coruña, Anelka's pace and finishing provided competition for established forwards like Raúl and . Anelka's tenure was marked by disciplinary issues and interpersonal conflicts. In November 1999, he refused to play in a match against Celta , citing personal reasons, prompting club sanctions including travel obligations without participation. Further tensions arose in March 2000 when he was dropped for missing training, reportedly due to frustration over teammates' lack of celebration for his goals, as later recounted by coach . Anelka later described the experience as a "nightmare," attributing it to isolation from senior players and excessive demands unfit for his youth. Real Madrid sold Anelka back to Paris Saint-Germain in July 2000 for €25 million, ending his brief stint after he failed to fully integrate into the squad's dynamics. Despite the Champions League success, his output and attitude drew criticism from club figures, who viewed him as underperforming relative to his transfer cost.

Paris Saint-Germain (Return, 2000–2002)

Anelka returned to Paris Saint-Germain from Real Madrid on 1 July 2000 in a transfer reportedly valued at €34.5 million. The move, facilitated after Anelka's limited impact at the Spanish club despite contributing to their victory, saw him rejoin the club that had originally developed him as a youth product. PSG, who had finished second in the previous season, hoped the 21-year-old forward would anchor their attack and elevate their European ambitions. In the 2000–01 season, Anelka featured in 27 matches, starting 23, and scored 8 goals with 4 assists, accumulating 2,121 minutes of play. His early contributions included a brace in a 3–1 home win over on 28 2000, marking his first goals since the transfer. Across all competitions that year, he appeared in approximately 37 games and netted 13 goals, though PSG's overall form faltered, culminating in a ninth-place league finish—their worst in recent memory—and the mid-season sacking of manager Philippe Bergerôo amid declining results. The 2001–02 season brought escalating tensions under new coach Vahid Halilhodžić, whom Anelka publicly criticized for tactical decisions and squad management. Limited to 12 Ligue 1 appearances early in the campaign, with minimal goal output, Anelka grew disenchanted, reportedly clashing with club leadership over playing time and refusing to fully commit to training. These disciplinary issues, echoing patterns from his Arsenal and Real Madrid tenures, prompted PSG to loan him to Liverpool on 20 December 2001 until season's end, effectively ending his second stint at the club without a permanent transfer resolution at that point. Over the two years, Anelka's total Ligue 1 output for PSG stood at 11 goals in 49 appearances, underwhelming relative to his transfer fee and expectations.

Liverpool (Loan, 2002)

Anelka arrived at on loan from Paris Saint-Germain on December 20, 2001, with the deal running until May 12, 2002, amid his dissatisfaction with limited playing time and form at his parent club during the 2001–02 season. The move, orchestrated by manager Gérard Houllier, aimed to bolster 's attacking options as they chased a strong finish in the and cup competitions, following Anelka's prior experience at . During his stint, Anelka made 22 appearances across all competitions, scoring 5 goals—4 in the and 1 in the . His league goals included the equalizer in a 1–1 draw against Everton on February 23, 2002, and strikes against on March 2, as well as contributions in wins over Newcastle United and Town. Anelka featured regularly in the second half of the season, starting in several matches and assisting in Liverpool's push to a second-place finish, though his overall impact was mixed, with critics noting inconsistent integration into the team's tactics and occasional lack of sharpness after a disrupted spell in . Liverpool recorded 14 wins, 5 draws, and 3 losses in games involving Anelka, reflecting a positive but not transformative contribution. The loan concluded without extension, as Houllier opted against a permanent transfer despite Anelka's expressed interest in staying and contributions to the campaign's late surge. Factors included a reported prior dispute between Anelka and Houllier, high wage demands from Anelka's representatives, and the manager's preference for alternative targets like in the subsequent window. Anelka returned to PSG before securing a permanent move to Manchester City later in 2002, while later reflected on the decision as a missed opportunity, with club captain Steven Gerrard citing it as a significant error in hindsight.

Manchester City (2002–2005)

Anelka transferred to Manchester City from Paris Saint-Germain on 7 June 2002 for a reported fee of €15 million, marking the club's record signing at the time. He signed a five-year contract and was expected to bolster the attack under manager , following a brief loan spell at earlier that year where he scored one goal in 22 appearances across all competitions. In the 2002–03 season, Anelka featured in 30 matches, scoring 9 goals as City finished ninth, their highest placing since relegation in 1998. His debut came in a 1–0 win over Newcastle United on 24 August 2002. The following 2003–04 campaign saw a significant upturn in form, with Anelka netting 19 league goals in 37 appearances, contributing to 24 goals across all competitions and helping City secure eighth place while qualifying for the UEFA Cup. His performances included a in a 7–1 victory over Leicester City on 30 September 2003. The 2004–05 season proved less productive, with Anelka scoring 7 league goals in 22 appearances amid City's struggles under Keegan, who resigned in March 2005, leading to Stuart Pearce's interim appointment. Overall, Anelka made 89 appearances for City, scoring 37 goals and providing 11 assists, plus additional contributions in cups for a total of around 103 games. His stint ended in January 2005 when he moved to Fenerbahçe for £7 million, seeking more consistent playing time and a fresh challenge after expressing dissatisfaction with City's direction.

Fenerbahçe (2005–2006)

Anelka transferred to Fenerbahçe from Manchester City on 31 January 2005 for a fee of £7 million, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract. Joining mid-way through the 2004–05 season, he made an immediate impact, scoring his first goal for the club on 13 February 2005 in a 3–0 league win over via a tap-in from a cross by Ümit Özat. Over the remainder of the campaign, Anelka contributed to Fenerbahçe's title-winning effort, helping secure the 2004–05 championship with his pace and finishing ability on the wing or as a forward. In the 2005–06 season, Anelka featured prominently, appearing in 27 league matches and scoring 14 goals, placing him among the top scorers in the . His versatility allowed him to operate effectively across the front line, though Fenerbahçe ultimately finished as runners-up to , missing out on the title by three points. Anelka also participated in European competition, as Fenerbahçe competed in the qualifying rounds before dropping to the UEFA Cup group stage, where his contributions included goals in domestic and continental fixtures. Overall, during his 18-month stint at Fenerbahçe spanning January 2005 to August 2006, Anelka recorded 21 goals in 53 appearances across all competitions, revitalizing the team's attack but drawing interest from clubs due to inconsistent form in key matches. He departed for Bolton Wanderers on 25 August 2006 in a deal worth €11 million, ending his time in Turkey without major disciplinary issues but with a reputation for occasional aloofness toward team dynamics.

Bolton Wanderers (2006–2008)

Anelka transferred to Bolton Wanderers from Fenerbahçe on August 25, 2006, for a club-record fee of £8 million (€12 million), signing a four-year contract. The move marked his return to the after stints abroad, with Bolton manager seeking to bolster the attack amid ambitions for European qualification. In the 2006–07 season, Anelka featured in 35 matches, scoring 11 goals and contributing to 's seventh-place finish, which secured UEFA Cup qualification. He became the team's top scorer that campaign, with notable strikes including his first goals for the club in a 2006 match against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the League Cup. Overall, across all competitions, Anelka recorded 23 goals in 61 appearances during his 18-month stint, revitalizing his form after inconsistent periods elsewhere. reached the last 16 of the , with Anelka participating in early rounds before his mid-season exit. Anelka departed for Chelsea on January 11, 2008, in a £15 million transfer, yielding a profit on their investment. The sale occurred amid 's struggles in the 2007–08 season, but Anelka later reflected that his time at the club represented the peak of his career due to the supportive environment and consistent playing time.

Chelsea (2008–2012)

Nicolas Anelka transferred to Chelsea from Bolton Wanderers on 11 January 2008 for a fee of £15 million, signing a contract until the summer of 2011. He debuted later that month in a 5–0 Premier League win over Hull City on 19 January, scoring once. During his first half-season, Anelka contributed 5 goals in 17 league appearances as Chelsea finished second in the Premier League. In the 2008–09 season, Anelka emerged as Chelsea's leading scorer, netting 19 goals across all competitions and securing the with 17 league strikes. Key highlights included a hat-trick in a 5–0 home victory over on 1 2008. He also scored a perfect hat-trick in 15 minutes during a match against in December 2008. However, in the against Manchester United on 21 May 2009, Anelka missed a penalty in the shootout, contributing to Chelsea's defeat after a 1–1 draw. Anelka's form continued into 2009–10, where he scored 13 league goals and helped Chelsea win the title, ending a four-year drought, alongside the against . He also participated in the 2009 triumph over Everton. Over his tenure, Anelka made 184 appearances and scored 59 goals in all competitions. By the 2011–12 season, under manager André Villas-Boas, Anelka's role diminished, with only 15 appearances and 2 goals. In December 2011, he agreed to terminate his contract early to join Shanghai Shenhua on a free transfer, effective January 2012, citing a desire for a new challenge in . Chelsea issued a statement wishing him well, acknowledging his contributions to multiple trophies.

Shanghai Shenhua (2012–2013)

Anelka signed a two-year contract with Shanghai Shenhua on December 12, 2011, effective from January 2012, following his departure from Chelsea on a free transfer. The deal reportedly included a weekly salary of approximately £170,000 to £200,000, though club officials denied figures as high as £285,000. Upon arrival, Anelka initially served as a player under manager , but after a poor start to the 2012 Chinese Super League season—with Shenhua winless in their first five matches—he was appointed player-coach on April 12, 2012, to assist Tigana amid team management changes. In this dual role, Anelka oversaw his debut match as player-manager on April 13, 2012, a 1–0 home loss to Tianjin Teda. Argentine Sergio Batistuta was hired as in late May 2012, shifting Anelka primarily back to playing duties. Didier Drogba joined Shenhua from Shanghai Shenhua on June 20, 2012, reuniting the former Chelsea strike partners on weekly salaries exceeding £170,000 each, which drew attention to the club's aggressive recruitment amid China's football investment boom. Anelka made 24 appearances for Shenhua across all competitions during the 2012 season, scoring 3 goals, primarily in the where the team finished fourth. His output was modest, with critics noting adaptation challenges to the league's physicality and his intermittent involvement in coaching transitions. Club owner Zhu Jun's dispute with public shareholders led to payment delays starting in August 2012, with threats to withhold salaries—including those of Anelka and Drogba—to pressure resolution, amid reports of over $300,000 weekly combined for the duo. By September, Zhu confirmed the standoff continued, risking the players' futures despite Shenhua's on-field ambitions. Anelka entered talks to terminate his contract in December 2012, citing the financial instability and his intent to return to European football. He departed Shenhua on January 30, 2013, joining Juventus on loan, ending a stint marked by high expectations unmet due to administrative turmoil rather than solely performance.

Juventus (Loan, 2013)

On 26 January 2013, Juventus signed Nicolas Anelka on a five-month loan from Shenhua, with the deal including an option to extend for another season; the move was prompted by injuries to key forwards such as and . The 33-year-old Frenchman completed the transfer as a effectively, arriving amid Juventus' title defense in and their Champions League campaign. Anelka made his debut for Juventus on 12 February 2013, substituting in a 2–0 UEFA Champions League round-of-16 second-leg victory over Celtic, where he played 22 minutes without scoring. In Serie A, he featured in only two matches, accumulating 41 minutes of playtime and failing to register a goal or assist. Overall, across three appearances in all competitions during the loan, Anelka contributed no goals, reflecting limited integration into Antonio Conte's squad, which prioritized high-intensity pressing and relied on established players like Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo. Despite his marginal role, Anelka was part of the Juventus team that clinched the title on 5 May 2013 with a 1–0 win over , securing their 29th league championship. The loan expired on 30 June 2013 without extension, as Anelka later described the stint as "terrible," citing dissatisfaction with his lack of playing time and adaptation challenges in .

West Bromwich Albion (2013–2014)

On 4 July 2013, West Bromwich Albion signed Nicolas Anelka on a one-year contract as a following his release from Shanghai Shenhua, marking his return to the after a brief loan at Juventus. Anelka, aged 34, debuted in the league on 17 August 2013 in a 1–0 home defeat to , entering as a substitute. During the 2013–14 Premier League season, Anelka made 12 appearances (11 starts), accumulating 849 minutes and scoring 2 goals, both in league play. His first goal came on 28 December 2013 in a 1–1 draw against West Ham United, celebrated with the "quenelle" gesture—arm extended downward with the opposite hand touching the upper arm—which Anelka described as an salute dedicated to his friend, comedian Dieudonné M'bala M'bala. The gesture, originated by Dieudonné and often interpreted as inverting the , drew immediate condemnation for alleged anti-Semitic connotations, prompting (FA) to charge Anelka on 21 January 2014 with an act that was abusive, indecent, or insulting. Anelka denied the charge and refused to apologize, maintaining the gesture held no racist or anti-Semitic intent, supported by a video statement from a Jewish leader claiming it was not inherently anti-Semitic. On 27 February 2014, an independent FA regulatory commission found him guilty, imposing a 5-match ban and £80,000 fine; West Bromwich Albion immediately suspended him pending an internal investigation. The controversy led property sponsor Zoopla to terminate its deal with the club at season's end, citing public backlash. Amid the fallout, Anelka trained away from the first team and expressed unwillingness to return, leading to a mutual contract termination on 14 March 2014, after which he stated he would leave the club. His tenure, intended to bolster West Brom's attack, yielded limited on-field impact overshadowed by off-field discord, with the club finishing 17th in the .

Mumbai City FC (2014)

On 15 September 2014, Anelka signed as the marquee player for ahead of the inaugural (ISL) season, agreeing to a three-month contract valued at $750,000 that ran until 25 December 2014. A three-match ban imposed by FIFA—stemming from his earlier quenelle gesture at West Bromwich Albion—prevented Anelka from featuring in Mumbai City's opening fixtures, including the league's historic first match on 12 October against Atlético de Kolkata. He debuted on 28 October 2014 against Chennaiyin FC, entering as a substitute in a 5-1 loss, marking a challenging start under head coach Peter Reid. Anelka contributed offensively in subsequent matches, scoring twice during the regular season. On 2 November 2014, he netted a long-range stunner in the 90th minute to secure a 1-0 home victory over at the D. Y. Patil Stadium. Three days later, on 5 November, he scored the decisive goal in the 59th minute for another 1-0 win, this time against Delhi Dynamos FC. These strikes highlighted his experience and finishing ability despite limited minutes as a high-profile import in the eight-team competition. Mumbai City FC, bolstered by Anelka's presence alongside players like , competed in the 14-match regular season but did not advance beyond the initial knockout rounds after the campaign concluded in early December. Anelka departed upon contract expiry, having provided veteran leadership in the nascent league's effort to elevate Indian football standards.

International Career

Youth and Early Senior Teams

Anelka began his international involvement with the French youth system, training at the Clairefontaine national centre from a young age, which served as the primary development hub for promising talents identified by the . He represented at various youth levels, including the under-18 team, where he featured in the 1996 UEFA European Under-18 Championship qualifiers, debuting on 23 July 1996 in a 2–1 victory over . Anelka also played for the under-20 side at the in , appearing in three matches without scoring as exited in the quarter-finals. Transitioning to senior level, Anelka earned his first call-up to the France national team under coach following his club performances at . He made his senior debut on 22 April 1998 in a friendly against at the , entering as a substitute in the goalless draw; at 19 years and one month old, he became one of the youngest players to feature for Les Bleus at that time. Despite this promising start, Anelka was not selected for France's squad, which went on to win the tournament on home soil, as Jacquet prioritized more experienced forwards. In the lead-up to , Anelka accumulated early senior caps primarily in friendlies and qualifiers, scoring his first international goal on 27 March 1999 in a 2–1 friendly win over . These appearances, totaling around a dozen by mid-2000, showcased his speed and finishing but were marked by limited starts amid competition from established strikers like and . His integration into the senior setup reflected France's depth in attacking talent post-World Cup victory, though Anelka's youth experience at Clairefontaine had already positioned him as part of the federation's long-term pipeline.

Senior Appearances and Major Tournaments

Anelka made his senior debut for the France national team on 22 April 1998, starting in a 0–0 friendly draw against in . Over the course of his international career from 1998 to 2010, he accumulated 69 caps and scored 14 goals, often as a versatile forward in various formations. His appearances were marked by intermittent selection amid competition from established strikers like and , as well as occasional disciplinary issues that affected his consistency. Anelka's breakthrough came at in and the , where he featured in four matches for the eventual champions. He entered as a substitute against in the group stage, started the 2–1 win over the —France's only tournament goal coming from —and played the full semi-final victory over on penalties before being an unused substitute in the 2–1 extra-time final win against . Anelka recorded no goals but contributed to an undefeated campaign that saw concede just two goals overall. In the hosted by and , Anelka appeared in all five of France's matches en route to the title, scoring three goals: two in a 4–0 group-stage rout of on 4 June and one in the 4–3 semi-final win over on 10 June. He played the full 90 minutes in the 1–0 final loss to but had already secured the top scorer honors alongside Australia's with his tally. Selected for in despite recent starts, Anelka remained an unused substitute throughout as advanced to the quarter-finals before a 1–0 defeat to . He returned to the starting lineup at in and , playing three group-stage matches without scoring amid 's goalless draws against and the , followed by a 2–0 loss to that eliminated Les Bleus. Anelka was omitted from 's squads for the World Cups of 1998, 2002, and 2006, citing form fluctuations and coaching preferences under , , and .

2010 FIFA World Cup and Subsequent Ban

Anelka participated in the with the national team in , where the squad endured early struggles, drawing 0–0 against on June 11 and losing 0–2 to on June 17. Following the Mexico defeat, Anelka confronted coach in the dressing room with profane insults, reportedly telling him to "go f*** yourself" amid frustrations over team tactics and discipline. On June 19, 2010, the (FFF) expelled Anelka from the tournament squad for gross misconduct, citing his derogatory comments toward the national coach and refusal to apologize, which violated federation disciplinary codes. The decision, announced by FFF vice-president Jean-Pierre Escalettes, emphasized that Anelka's behavior undermined the team's authority structure during a critical phase. Anelka did not board the team flight back , opting to return independently, which escalated internal divisions. The expulsion triggered a broader revolt, as on June 20, several players, including captain , boycotted training sessions in solidarity with Anelka, boarding the team bus and departing the training ground while wearing training bibs over street clothes as a protest gesture. This action, amid ongoing clashes between players and staff, symbolized the squad's disarray under Domenech's leadership, contributing to France's elimination after a 2–1 loss to hosts on June 22. Post-tournament, the FFF's disciplinary commission investigated the unrest, imposing an 18-match suspension on Anelka on August 17, 2010, for his role in the revolt, including the initial insults, non-participation in team activities, and failure to adhere to federation directives. The ban, which extended through friendlies and competitive matches, effectively curtailed his international career, as Anelka retired from duty shortly thereafter and dismissed the penalty as "" in public statements. Other players, such as and Evra, received shorter suspensions, highlighting Anelka's central involvement in the federation's view of the events.

Controversies

Disputes with Managers and Teammates

Anelka's tenure at Arsenal was marked by a high-profile dispute with manager in 1999, following his substitution during a 2-1 league win over Everton on February 20. After being dropped for the subsequent match against on February 27, Anelka refused to train, prompting Wenger to publicly label his behavior as unacceptable and earning him the media nickname "Le Sulk." Anelka attributed the fallout partly to teammate , whom he accused of selfishness on the pitch. This incident contributed to his £22.5 million transfer to Real Madrid in the summer of 1999, with Anelka later stating he left to "punish the fans." At Real Madrid during the 1999–2000 season, Anelka experienced ongoing conflicts, describing his time there as a "" due to media scrutiny and a lack of initial goals—he failed to score in his first five months. He claimed certain squad members were jealous of his status as a high-profile signing, leading to hostility that manifested in teammates not celebrating his goals, which prompted him to stop attending training sessions. Manager later confirmed Anelka's withdrawal from team activities stemmed from perceived lack of support from peers. These tensions, compounded by fights reportedly arising from his departure, resulted in a to Paris Saint-Germain after one season. During his 2001–2002 loan from Paris Saint-Germain to , Anelka clashed with manager over a perceived personality mismatch, with Anelka stating Houllier "did not like my personality" and citing it as the reason Liverpool declined a permanent deal despite his five goals in 22 appearances. Houllier disputed this characterization, and Anelka later escalated the matter in 2015 by accusing him of regarding comments on black players' performances post-contract improvements, a claim Houllier called "ridiculous" and considered pursuing legally. Later career stops saw fewer direct confrontations, though at Manchester City in 2002–2003, Anelka privately referred to some teammates as "lower-level players," reflecting ongoing attitudinal friction amid his adaptation challenges. At West Bromwich Albion in 2013–2014, rumors emerged of disagreements with manager over training regimens, coinciding with a sharp dip in form after just seven appearances by Christmas 2013, alongside a reported training ground altercation with coaching staff. These episodes reinforced Anelka's reputation for nomadic tendencies driven by interpersonal strains, though he maintained in later reflections that many conflicts arose from cultural misunderstandings rather than inherent indiscipline.

Quenelle Gesture and Anti-Semitism Claims

On December 28, 2013, during a Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and West Ham United at The Hawthorns, Nicolas Anelka scored the opening goal in the 2nd minute and celebrated by performing the quenelle gesture, which involves placing one hand over the opposite arm and pointing downwards. Anelka later stated on Twitter that the gesture was dedicated to his friend, the French comedian Dieudonné M'bala M'bala, and emphasized it was "an anti-system gesture and not at all an anti-Semitic one." The quenelle was invented by Dieudonné in a 2005 comedy sketch titled "1905," purportedly as a symbol of resistance against the establishment, akin to a bras d'honneur combined with an inverted salute. However, Dieudonné has faced multiple convictions in France for inciting racial hatred and anti-Semitic speech, including fines for remarks equating the Holocaust to gas chambers and praising Holocaust denier Robert Faurisson. The gesture has been performed at sites like Auschwitz and the Paris Holocaust memorial, contributing to its interpretation by French officials, including Interior Minister Manuel Valls and Sports Minister Valérie Fourneyron, as a "Nazi gesture" with anti-Semitic connotations. Jewish organizations, such as the CRIF and LICRA, condemned Anelka's action as a "reverse Nazi salute," with CRIF president Roger Cukierman initially noting in a video that the gesture is not always anti-Semitic but later clarifying on January 21, 2014, that it predominantly carries such meaning in context. Anelka repeatedly denied any anti-Semitic intent, asserting in January 2014 that he was "neither racist nor anti-Semitic" and citing his personal connections, including friendships with Jewish individuals, as evidence. He referenced Cukierman's video in his defense but faced rebuttal when Cukierman stated his words were misinterpreted and that the quenelle's association with Dieudonné rendered it problematic. Anelka also highlighted the gesture's use by non-anti-Semitic figures and argued it represented "schoolboy humor" or broad sentiment rather than targeted hatred. The incident prompted immediate backlash, including the termination of West Brom's shirt sponsorship by Zoopla on January 2, 2014, due to the gesture's perceived links to rising anti-Semitism in . The Football Association charged Anelka on January 21, 2014, under Rule E3 for improper conduct offensive to others. An independent regulatory commission, after a hearing, ruled on February 27, 2014, that the was abusive and/or indecent, imposing a five-match ban (the standard penalty for racist abuse under FA rules) and an £80,000 fine, though it did not explicitly classify it as anti-Semitic. Anelka's appeal was dismissed on March 3, 2014, leading West Brom to suspend him and mutually terminate his contract on March 17, 2014. While Anelka maintained the gesture's innocence, its creator's documented anti-Semitic record and patterns of use provided evidentiary basis for the prevailing view among authorities and anti-hate groups that it conveyed offensive connotations.

Political Associations and Public Statements

Nicolas Anelka has maintained friendships and public support for figures associated with anti-establishment and anti-Zionist sentiments, most notably French comedian Dieudonné M'bala M'bala. On December 28, 2013, while playing for West Bromwich Albion, Anelka performed the quenelle gesture—a downward-pointing arm extended with the opposite hand touching the shoulder—twice after scoring against West Ham United, explicitly dedicating it to Dieudonné, whom he described as a close friend. Dieudonné, known for promoting the gesture as an "anti-system" symbol while facing multiple convictions in France for inciting hatred against Jews and Holocaust minimization, has positioned it in opposition to what he terms the "Zionist lobby." Anelka defended the act in a January 22, 2014, Facebook post, stating it represented solidarity against "the system" rather than anti-Semitism or racism, and called for the Football Association to drop charges against him. The English charged Anelka under its rules prohibiting abusive or insulting gestures, leading to a five-match ban and £80,000 fine imposed on , 2014. The regulatory commission concluded the was "strongly associated with popular anti-Semitism" in and offensive, but found no evidence Anelka intended anti-Semitic offense, attributing his actions to friendship with Dieudonné and a belief in the gesture's innocuousness as an inverted . Anelka appealed the decision, maintaining his stance, though the ban was upheld; he subsequently left West Brom amid the fallout. Critics, including French officials and Jewish organizations, viewed the gesture as aligning with Dieudonné's broader political rhetoric, which blends with content fined for anti-Semitic content, though Anelka has not publicly endorsed Dieudonné's full ideology. Anelka converted to Islam in the mid-2000s, around age 16 by some accounts or later during his Bolton Wanderers tenure per others, and has credited the faith with fostering patience, calmness, and personal transformation amid career turbulence. In public statements, he has decried Islamophobia in France, stating his conversion addressed spiritual voids and enhanced his moral outlook without altering his core behavior, while expressing affinity for Muslim-majority contexts like visits to Mecca and Pakistan, where he noted a deepened connection post-conversion. These remarks frame Islam as a personal stabilizer rather than a explicit political platform, though his quenelle defense has been interpreted by some as intersecting with Islamist-adjacent anti-establishment critiques of Western institutions. Anelka has avoided formal political affiliations or endorsements of parties, focusing statements on individual convictions over systemic advocacy.

Post-Retirement Activities

Coaching and Advisory Roles

In February 2017, Anelka accepted a consultancy position with Dutch Eredivisie club , where he advised on the development of the club's youth academy and assisted in identifying and signing players from . This role marked his initial involvement in football operations following retirement, leveraging his extensive playing experience across multiple leagues. Anelka transitioned to a youth coaching role with Ligue 1 club LOSC Lille in November 2018, serving as a striker coach within the academy for the 2018–19 season while pursuing his UEFA coaching qualifications. His responsibilities focused on mentoring young forwards, drawing on his own career as a prolific striker. From February to May 2021, Anelka managed , a club in the French fourth-tier , during which the team recorded limited success amid his short tenure. In January 2024, Anelka was appointed of , a Turkish second-division club, ending a three-year hiatus from football involvement; in this executive capacity, he aimed to introduce strategic visions for player recruitment and club operations, particularly targeting European talents. His role extended through at least the 2024–25 season.

Media Appearances and Documentaries

In 2020, Anelka starred in the documentary Anelka: Misunderstood, directed by Éric Hannezo, which premiered on August 5 and chronicles his professional career, personal challenges, and public controversies from his perspective. The film features interviews with Anelka, family members, former teammates, and associates, framing him as a victim of media misrepresentation and institutional biases rather than addressing potential personal shortcomings in depth. Reviewers observed that the documentary largely avoids critical examination of Anelka's role in incidents like managerial disputes and the fallout, prioritizing sympathetic narratives from supporters. Post-retirement, Anelka has made limited television appearances, including guest spots on programs like during his playing days, with no major ongoing punditry roles documented as of 2023. He provided insights into his national team experiences in a 2023 interview aired via coverage, attributing difficulties to cultural clashes between French and English football mentalities rather than individual temperament. Anelka has expressed interest in transitioning to , citing connections in the industry, though no subsequent projects have materialized publicly.

Playing Style and Legacy

Technical Abilities and On-Field Contributions

Nicolas Anelka was recognized for his exceptional pace, technical skill, and versatility as a forward, often deploying as a second striker or wide player capable of both scoring and assisting. His close control and dribbling allowed him to evade defenders effectively, complemented by sharp shooting accuracy and surprising aerial prowess for his lean frame. Anelka's ability to drop deep into midfield positions facilitated link-up play, enabling him to exploit spaces with explosive acceleration rather than relying solely on hold-up play. On the pitch, Anelka's contributions were marked by consistent goal-scoring output across multiple leagues, amassing 125 goals and 50 assists in 364 appearances. In European competitions, he recorded 20 goals and 5 assists over 68 matches, demonstrating reliability in high-stakes games. During his tenure from 1997 to 1999, he netted 38 goals in 94 appearances, including pivotal strikes in the victory over Newcastle United and key league wins that contributed to the club's double triumph. At Chelsea between 2008 and 2012, Anelka formed productive partnerships, notably scoring 15 goals in the 2009-10 season en route to the title, while providing assists to teammates like . His overall career yielded 138 goals and 48 assists in 434 top-tier league games, underscoring his enduring impact despite frequent club moves. Anelka's technical finesse and movement off the ball often unlocked defenses, as evidenced by his role in France's 2000 win, where he contributed goals in qualifying and tournament phases.

Criticisms of Attitude and Career Nomadism

Anelka earned the moniker "Le Sulk" early in his career due to perceived displays of petulance and disengagement, particularly during his time at from 1997 to 1999, where fans grew frustrated with his apparent lack of commitment despite scoring 25 goals in 72 appearances. In August 1998, he publicly criticized teammate as "too selfish," lamenting insufficient service on the pitch, which highlighted interpersonal tensions and a focus on personal grievances over team cohesion. Such incidents fueled perceptions of him as disruptive and uninterested in collective efforts, with observers noting laziness and a reluctance to fully integrate, traits that persisted across clubs. Further examples of attitude issues included training boycotts and suspensions for insubordination; at Paris Saint-Germain in 2001, Anelka refused to train amid contract disputes, resulting in a 45-day ban after he accused the club and teammates of treating him "like a dog." At Real Madrid in 1999–2000, following his £22.5 million transfer from , he clashed with senior players who excluded him from dressing room routines, exacerbating isolation and leading to physical altercations with teammates, as he later described the environment as hostile and unwelcoming. These patterns—public complaints, withdrawal from training, and strained relations—were recurrent, with managers like at Wanderers in 2006 noting his reputation for sulking upon arrival, though Anelka occasionally redeemed short-term form before departing. Anelka's nomadic career, spanning 12 professional clubs from 1995 to 2015, exemplified the consequences of these attitudinal shortcomings, as frequent transfers often stemmed from unresolved conflicts, unmet demands, or failure to adapt rather than purely performance-driven exits. After leaving in July 1999—citing insufficient fan appreciation and a desire for greater recognition—he struggled at Real Madrid, scoring only 2 league goals in 22 appearances before a return to PSG in January 2000. Subsequent moves included a 2001–2002 loan to , where he scored 5 goals in 22 games but departed without a permanent deal after criticizing the club's wage structure; a three-year stint at Manchester City ending in 2005 amid reported unhappiness; and brief spells at Fenerbahçe (2005–2006) and (2006–2008), the latter cut short in January 2008 when he forced a £7 million transfer to Chelsea during a relegation fight. Later transitions to Shanghai Shenhua (2012–2013), Juventus (2013 loan), Albion (2013–2014), and Indian clubs Mumbai City (2014) and Kerala Blasters (2015) reflected diminishing European opportunities, attributed by analysts to an inability to accept authority and sustain loyalty, squandering potential for longer-term success at elite levels. This peripatetic path, with no club retention beyond three seasons except Manchester City, underscored how attitudinal volatility prioritized personal dissatisfaction over stability, limiting his legacy despite technical prowess.

Overall Impact and Reputation Assessment

Nicolas Anelka's on-field impact included scoring over 200 club goals across major leagues and contributing to several domestic titles, notably the 1997–98 and double with , where he emerged as a key forward after joining for £500,000 and later transferring to Real Madrid for £22.3 million. At Chelsea from 2008 to 2012, he netted 59 goals in 184 appearances, including the Golden Boot with 19 goals, while providing selfless support to during title-winning seasons. His technical skills—pace, dribbling, and finishing—enabled versatile play as a striker or winger, influencing teams like Paris Saint-Germain, where he won in 2012–13, and earning a Euro 2000 medal with despite limited international starts. Anelka's reputation, however, suffered from perceptions of moodiness and poor attitude, encapsulated by the nickname "Le Sulk" after sulking during Arsenal's 1999–2000 season amid contract disputes, leading to a fallout with manager . Frequent clashes with coaches, such as at West Brom and during France's 2010 World Cup training mutiny in —which resulted in his expulsion and national team ban—fostered a journeyman image across 12 clubs, including stints in , , and . The 2013 quenelle gesture after scoring for West Brom, defended by Anelka as an anti-system salute but condemned as anti-Semitic by the FA and clubs, culminated in a five-match ban, contract termination, and involvement, further damaging his standing. In assessment, Anelka's legacy reflects a prodigious talent whose empirical output—titles, goals, and individual accolades—contrasts with self-inflicted setbacks from relational conflicts and nomadic transfers, positioning him as an relative to early rather than an all-time great. Peers and analysts note his potential for higher attainment absent attitude issues, with British media often highlighting difficulties while his documentary portrays him as misunderstood, though evidence of repeated disputes substantiates critiques of arrogance and disengagement. This duality underscores a career of intermittent brilliance overshadowed by off-field volatility, limiting broader reverence among fans and leaving a cautionary on in elite football.

Career Statistics and Honours

Club and International Statistics

Anelka appeared in 694 club matches across all competitions during his professional career, scoring 215 goals.
ClubAppearancesGoals
9028
Paris Saint-Germain6919
Manchester City10345
Chelsea18459
Bolton Wanderers6121
Fenerbahçe5718
Additional clubs included brief stints at Real Madrid (33 appearances, 7 goals in all competitions), Liverpool (22 appearances, 5 goals during a 2002 loan), Juventus (3 appearances, 0 goals), Shanghai Shenhua (28 appearances, 3 goals), West Bromwich Albion (13 appearances, 1 goal), and Mumbai City (13 appearances, 2 goals). At international level, Anelka earned 69 caps for between his debut on April 22, 1998, against , and his last appearance on June 22, 2010, scoring 14 goals. He participated in (8 appearances, 2 goals), the (5 appearances, 1 goal), the (3 appearances, 0 goals), and the (1 appearance, 0 goals before expulsion).

Team Honours and Individual Awards

Anelka secured major team honours across multiple clubs and with the France national team. With Arsenal FC, he contributed to the Premier League title and FA Cup victory in the 1997–98 season. At Real Madrid, he was part of the squad that won La Liga, the UEFA Champions League (scoring in the semi-final against Bayern Munich on 18 May 2000), the UEFA Super Cup on 25 August 2000, and the Intercontinental Cup on 28 November 2000. During his second stint at Paris Saint-Germain from 2000 to 2002, he won the Trophée des Champions on 27 July 2001. With Fenerbahçe SK in the 2004–05 season, Anelka helped secure the Turkish Süper Lig title. At Chelsea FC, his honours included the FA Cup in 2007–08 and 2009–10, the Premier League in 2009–10, and the UEFA Champions League in 2011–12 (having participated in the group stage before departing in December 2011). With Juventus FC in the second half of the 2012–13 season, he was a squad member for the Serie A title. Internationally, Anelka earned the UEFA European Championship with France in 2000 (appearing as a substitute in the final against Italy on 2 July 2000) and the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2001 (scoring three goals, including in the final against Japan on 29 June 2001). Individual accolades highlight Anelka's scoring prowess and early promise. He received the PFA Young Player of the Year award for the 1998–99 season after scoring 17 goals for . In February 1999, he was named Player of the Month, the first of two such honours (the second in November 2008 with Chelsea, during which he scored seven goals). Anelka topped the scoring charts in 2008–09 with 19 goals, earning the Golden Boot and selection to the . He also led the scoring at the with three goals. Earlier, as a teenager at Paris Saint-Germain, he was voted Rookie of the Year in 1996–97.

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