Blaise Matuidi

At 37 years old, Blaise Matuidi has this physical status:

Blaise Matuidi (born 9 April 1987) is a French professional footballer who most recently played as a midfielder for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami.

Matuidi began his football career playing for amateur clubs in the Île-de-France region, such as US Fontenay-sous-Bois and CO Vincennois. In 1999, he was selected to attend the prestigious Clairefontaine academy. After departing Clairefontaine, Matuidi joined semi-professional club Créteil and spent three years developing in the club's youth academy. In 2004, he signed with professional club Troyes and made his professional debut in the 2004–05 season. After three seasons with Troyes, Matuidi joined Saint-Étienne. With Saint-Étienne, he played European football for the first time after participating in the 2008–09 edition of the UEFA Cup. In the 2009–10 season, he was named first-choice captain under manager Alain Perrin. In July 2011, after four seasons with Saint-Étienne, Matuidi transferred to Paris Saint-Germain on a three-year deal. He won 16 domestic honours during his time with the club, including four consecutive Ligue 1 titles. In 2017, he joined Italian side Juventus, winning a domestic double in his first season, followed by two more consecutive league titles over the next two seasons, as well as the 2018 Supercoppa Italiana. He joined MLS club Inter Miami in the summer of 2020.

Matuidi is a former France youth international, having represented his nation at under-19 and under-21 level. In August 2010, Matuidi was called up to the senior team for the first time under new manager Laurent Blanc. He made his international debut in September 2010 in a UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying match against Bosnia and Herzegovina and has since represented his nation at two UEFA European Football Championships and two FIFA World Cups, winning a runners-up medal at Euro 2016, and a winner's medal at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Early life

Matuidi was born in Toulouse, Haute-Garonne, to an Angolan father, Faria Rivelino, and a Congolese mother, Élise. Rivelino emigrated to France at a young age. Matuidi has four other siblings and was raised in the Parisian suburb of Fontenay-sous-Bois. He grew an attraction to the sport of football watching Paris Saint-Germain and became an admirer of former PSG attacker Jay-Jay Okocha.

Personal life

The rapper Niska paid tribute to Matuidi by creating the song "Matuidi Charo (PSG)" and dance of the Charo, dance of the vulture, which was then popularised on the football field by Matuidi.

In May 2016, he released his autobiography, "Au bout de mes rêves", written in collaboration with Ludovic Pinton (publishers Solar OCLC 953083014).

In 2018, he was named champion of the year and champion for peace by the organisation Peace and Sport, for his work with his organisation 'Tremplin Blaise Matuidi' which helps the reintegration of youths from the suburbs.

Source

Club career

Matuidi began playing for his hometown team, Fontenay-sous-Bois, at the age of six. He joined CO Vincennes in Vincennes, where he was teammates with Yacine Brahimi for a year. Matuidi was named one of the top players in the Île-de-France region in 1999 and was subsequently chosen to attend the prestigious Clairefontaine academy. He enrolled at the academy for three seasons, spent weekdays at the academy while simultaneously playing for Vincennes on the weekends. Matuidi left Vincennes to join Créteil, a semi-professional club, on an aspirant (youth) deal in 2001. He spent four years in the club youth academy, quickly becoming one of the club's most popular after prospects. Despite Lyon's intriguing bid as the club's training center was the primary reason for his departure, Matuidi joined Troyes.

Matuidi began his playing with Troyes in the Championnat de France amateur 2 championship, France's fifth division. In November 2004, he was called up to the senior team by manager Jean-Marc Furlan and made his professional debut on the team's Ligue 2 match against Gueugnon on November 23. Matuidi dominated the game and ruled over 60 minutes in a 2–1 victory. In a league match against Guingamp, his only other appearance with the senior team in the 2004-05 season came on February 4, 2005. Matuidi was recalled back to the club's reserve team for the remainder of the season, where he helped the team finish in sixth place. Matuidi was promoted to the senior team, who were then playing in Ligue 1, on a permanent basis in the following season. He was inserted as a starter by Furlan and played in 31 league games. Matuidi was also one of the top card buyers in the league, with 11 of the 11 greatest players. In a 1–0 win over Lille on January 11, 2006, he scored his first professional goal, ending a volley that had been dubbed "impressive" by the media. Despite Matuidi's stellar individual season, the Troyes only ranked one spot above the relegation table.

Matuidi signed his first professional deal in 2006 after the season, despite a skepticism from English club Charlton Athletic. Despite Furlan's dismissal, Matuidi remained first-choice under new boss Denis Troch. He appeared in 35 total matches and scored three goals. His card collection was also reduced to just six. Matuidi's finest appearance in a Troyes shirt came against Sedan, whom the Troyes were battling in a relegation fight with. Matuidi scored an equalizing goal in the 75th minute with Troyes trailing 2–1 at home with 15 minutes remaining. Troyes beat Troyes 3–2 after eight minutes. He had scored the winning goal 8 minutes before. Matuidi won by 3–0 on the final match day of the season, but the Troyes have since finishing in 18th place in Ligue 2. Matuidi's future with the club caused rumors regarding the club's relegation to Ligue 2!

Matuidi had agreed to join Saint-Étienne following an agreement of four years with the club, despite being linked to a number of Ligue 1 clubs, including Bordeaux, Lille, and Monaco. On his arrival, Matuidi was issued the number 12 shirt and was inserted into the starting XI, where he formed midfield friendships with Lozan and Christophe Landrin. He also developed a friendship with former and fellow Troyen Bafétimbi Gomis, who had a breakout season. Matuidi made his club debut against Valenciennes on August 11, 2007 in a league match against Valenciennes. Under Laurent Roussey, he was first-choice for the entire season. The club's campaign this season culminated in a fifth-place finish and qualifying for the UEFA Cup.

Matuidi's performances during the 2008–09 season piqued the attention of English club Arsenal, who sent scout Gilles Grimandi to watch him. Grimandi referred the player to fellow Frenchman and Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger. Matuidi was also tracked by Italian club Milan during the season. In a 2–1 victory over Sochaux on August 16, he scored his first goal for Saint-Étienne in his career. Matuidi made his European debut in the team's first leg tie against Israeli club Hapoel Tel Aviv on September 18th. Saint-Étienne made eight appearances in the tournament before losing to German club Werder Bremen in the Round of 16. Matuidi continued to play in the league until receiving his first red card in the team's 3–0 loss to Lille. Matuidi and the team as a whole suffered with injuries in the second half of the season. With the team's broken collective, Saint-Étienne barely escaped relegation after surviving on the last day of the season. Matuidi declared his intention to leave the team earlier this season, telling French daily L'Equipe, "My intention is to leave because it's time." Matuidi has also stated that if he stayed at Saint-Étienne, he would be content. Matuidi will continue to play in the 2009-10 season after struggling to receive any major bids from clubs in the 2009 summer, according to sporting director Damien Comolli.

Following the first league match of the 2009–10 season due to injuries to incumbent captain Loc Perrin, Matuidi was named as the club's captain by incoming manager Alain Perrin. Despite Loc Perrin's return to the team in September 2009, Matuidi retained the armband. Saint-Étienne beat Bordeaux 3–1 under his new chairmanship on October 3–1, 2009, a defending champions. Following Alain Perrin's dismissal midway through the season, new captain Christophe Galtier returned the captaincy to Loc Perrin. During the team's 1–0 loss to Toulouse on May 18, 2010, Matuidi was involved in a physical altercation with teammate Dimitri Payet. Payet was chastised by teammate Yohan Benalouane for displaying a lack of aggression midway through the first half. Matuidi followed him as he was confronted with Benalouane's words. Matuidi and Payet met face to face, with the latter player delivering a blow to Matuidi's head before being separated by referee Bruno Coue and colleagues. Payet was forced out after 31 minutes and disciplined by club president Roland Romeyer for his participation in the incident. Matuidi and Payet's call up to the France national team on October 6th, 2010, Matuidi described the change as a "lack of maturity" on both players and the team's part, while Payet described it as "an apology that had no place" and that "the two players were on new ground" and that "the incident was described as "an excuse that had no place."

The club had signed Matuidi to a three-year contract as a replacement for the departed Claude Makélélé, who resigned from the sport, on July 25, 2011. The transfer fee was undisclosed, but future incentives are projected to be in the region of €7.5 million to $7.5 million. Matuidi appeared in the media on the same day as fellow new signing and international teammate Jérémy Ménez, who was given the number 14 shirt. In the Emirates Cup's 1–0 loss to the New York Red Bulls, he made his club debut for the team. Matuidi made his PSG debut on August 6th, 2011, following the team's opening 1–0 league loss to Lorient. Matuidi scored in victories against Bastia (0–4), Troyes (4–0), 0–1), Lyon (1–0), and Brest, PSG's first victory in 19 years during the 2012–13 season. In a 4–0 loss of Dinamo Zagreb at the Parc des Princes on November 6, 2012, he scored his first UEFA Champions League goal, and went on to score a stoppage time equalizing goal in a 2–2 draw with Barcelona in the quarter-final first leg.

Matuidi was one of five PSG players selected in the Year's Ligue 1 Team of the Year on May 24th.

Matuidi's four-year deal contract extension was agreed on February 26, 2014. In PSG's 3–1 victory over Lille on May 10, the Parisians set a new points record in Ligue 1.

Matuidi scored the winning goal for PSG in a 3–2 home victory over Barcelona in the 2014-15 UEFA Champions League group stage, on September 30.

He scored in a 2–1 victory over Montpellier on May 16th, his third straight French league victory for Paris Saint-Germain.

For the second time in the 2015–16 season, Matuidi was selected in the UNFP Ligue 1 Team of the Year. He scored the first goal of PSG's 2016 Coupe de France Final victory over Marseille on May 21, 2016, his second straight league treble for the team.

Matuidi scored the equalizing goal for PSG in PSG's second UEFA Champions League Group A match against Ludogorets Razgrad on September 28, 2016, his first goal for PSG since the 2016 Coupe de France Final.

Matuidi joined Juventus in August 2017 on a three-year contract that will expires on June 30, 2020. The initial transfer fee was €20 million, plus a €10.5 million in potential bonuses, which would depend on the number of appearances made by him in Juventus' competitive matches over the next three seasons. In a 3–0 home victory over Cagliari, he made his club and Serie A debut on August 19, 2017. Matuidi scored his first goal for Juventus on December 17th, the last goal in a 3–0 away victory over Bologna.

Matuidi scored his first goal of the 2018-19 season in a 2–1 away victory over Parma in Serie A on September 1st. Matuidi made his 100th appearance for Juventus in a 2–1 home win over Genoa in Serie A on October 30th.

Matuidi's deal with Juventus came to an end on a consensual basis on August 12th. Matuidi's three seasons with the club, three Serie A titles, one Coppa Italia, and one Supercoppa Italiana; he appeared in all competitions for Juventus since his arrival, other than Paulo Dybala (134) — scored eight goals and five assists.

Matuidi joined Inter Miami as a free agent on August 13, 2020. In a scoreless home draw against Nashville in the MLS on September 6, he made his club debut on September 6th. Inter Miami had to pay a $2 million fine for breaking MLS rules in May 2021, rather than the permitted three.

Matuidi was left off Inter Miami's roster for the 2022 season in January 2022.

International career

Matuidi is a former French youth international who has represented his country under the age of 19 and under 21. He went unnoticed while growing with Crété and Troyes during the 2006–07 season, but then coach Guy Ferrier called him up to the under-19 team. Matuidi made his youth international debut on October 5, 2005, defeating Norway 4–0 in a friendly match. He then competed for the UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship, 2006, in qualifying matches. France did not qualify for the tournament in the first place, but Matuidi ended the season with nine appearances and no goals.

Matuidi received his first call up to the under-21 team under new head coach René Girard's tenure in the team's first match after the 2006 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship against Belgium, where he was a half-time replacement for Jimmy Briand. He appeared in qualifying games for the 2007 European Under-21 Football Championship, and he was a replacement in both legs of the team's humiliating loss to Israel in the qualifying playoffs. Matuidi was one of a handful of underage players who stayed with the team following its elimination after the team's first match against Sweden, which France won 4–0. Matuidi was with the team in the next ten games, which included qualifiers for the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship. He rejoined the team against Spain for their first match of 2008. Matuidi remained with the team for the remainder of the qualifying season. Following the team's loss to Germany in a two-legged play-off that determined who would qualify for a place in the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship, his under-21 career came to an end.

Matuidi was called up to the senior team by Laurent Blanc for the team's friendly match against Norway on August 11, 2010, after struggling to appear on international stage for nearly two years. He was unable to participate in the game, but he was called back to the team the following month as an injury substitute for UEFA Euro 2012 qualification matches against Belarus, Bosnia, and Herzegovina. Matuidi made his international debut in the team's 2–0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, serving as a replacement. He made his first appearance in the team's 0–0 draw with Croatia on March 29, 2011.

Matuidi was selected in France's squad for Euro 2012 but did not participate in the tournament due to injury. During 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification, he appeared nine times in midfield and starred in midfield in the team's 3–0 play-off victory over Ukraine at the Stade de France to gain qualification.

Matuidi scored his first international goal with a scissor kick in a 2–0 friendly victory over the Netherlands on March 5th.

Matuidi was selected in Didier Deschamps' squad for the 2014 World Cup on May 13th. France beat Jamaica 8–0 in their final World Cup warm-up match on June 8th. He scored twice twice.

Matuidi was seated in midfield with Paul Pogba and Yohan Cabaye in France's first match of the tournament, a 3–0 victory over Honduras. Matuidi scored his first goal in a competitive international as Les Bleus defeated Switzerland 5–2 and qualified for the knockout stage in the second match.

Matuidi was named by national team boss Deschamps to France's 23-man squad for Euro 2016, which was held on home soil in May 2016. Matuidi assisted Olivier Giroud's opening goal in the tournament's quarter-finals at Stade de France on July 3rd. He began in the tournament's final on July ten years ago, when France lost by 1–0 extra time to Portugal.

He was selected in Moscow's 23-man French squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Matuidi launched France's 4–2 win over Croatia in the tournament's final on July 15th.

Career statistics

Source:

After each Matuidi goal, France ranks first, while the score column indicates the score.

Source