Blaise Matuidi facts for kids

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Blaise Matuidi

Matuidi playing for Paris Saint-Germain in 2012
Personal information
Full name	Blaise Matuidi
Date of birth	(1987-04-09) 9 April 1987 (age 38)
Place of birth	Toulouse, France
Height	1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Position(s)	Midfielder
Youth career
1993–1998	US Fontenay-sous-Bois
1998–2001	CO Vincennes
2001–2002	Créteil
2000–2003	INF Clairefontaine
2003–2004	Troyes
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2004–2007	Troyes	67	(4)
2007–2011	Saint-Étienne	132	(3)
2011–2017	Paris Saint-Germain	203	(23)
2017–2020	Juventus	98	(6)
2020–2021	Inter Miami	47	(2)
Total		547	(38)
International career
2006–2007	France U19	9	(0)
2007–2010	France U21	25	(0)
2010–2019	France	84	(9)
Medal record Men's football Representing  France FIFA World Cup Winner 2018 Russia UEFA European Championship Runner-up 2016 France
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Blaise Matuidi (born 9 April 1987) is a French former professional footballer. He played as a midfielder, a player who helps both defense and attack. Blaise is famous for playing with top clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus. He also played for the French national team. With France, he achieved a huge win: the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Blaise started his football journey at amateur clubs in the Île-de-France area of France. These clubs included US Fontenay-sous-Bois and CO Vincennois. In 2000, he was chosen to join the famous Clairefontaine football academy. He signed with the professional club Troyes in 2004. He made his first professional appearance during the 2004–05 season.

After three seasons with Troyes, Matuidi moved to Saint-Étienne. There, he played in a European competition for the first time. This was the 2008–09 UEFA Cup (now called the UEFA Europa League). In the 2009–10 season, his manager, Alain Perrin, made him the team's main captain.

In July 2011, after four years at Saint-Étienne, Matuidi joined Paris Saint-Germain. This club had just been bought by Qatar Sports Investments. He signed a three-year contract. During his time with PSG, he won many awards. These included sixteen national trophies, like four Ligue 1 titles in a row. In 2017, he moved to the Italian team Juventus. In his first season, he won two major trophies. He then won two more league titles in the next two seasons. He also won the 2018 Supercoppa Italiana. Blaise then played for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami for two seasons. He officially retired from professional football in 2022.

Matuidi also played for France's youth teams. He represented his country at the under-19 and under-21 levels. In August 2010, he was called up to the senior national team for the first time. This was under the new manager, Laurent Blanc. He played his first international game in September 2010. Since then, he has played for France in two UEFA European Football Championships and two FIFA World Cups. He won a silver medal at Euro 2016. He then won a gold medal at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Early Life and Football Start

Blaise Matuidi was born and grew up in Toulouse, France. His father, Faria Rivelino, was from Angola. His mother, Élise, was from the Congo. Blaise has four brothers and sisters. He was raised in a suburb of Paris called Fontenay-sous-Bois. He loved football from a young age. He enjoyed watching Paris Saint-Germain play. He especially admired their former player, Jay-Jay Okocha.

Blaise started playing football at age six for his local club, US Fontenay-sous-Bois. After five years, he joined CO Vincennes. There, he played with Yacine Brahimi for a year. In 1999, Blaise was seen as one of the best young players in the Île-de-France region. Because of this, he was chosen to train at the famous INF Clairefontaine academy. He trained there for three seasons during the week. On weekends, he still played for Vincennes.

In 2001, Matuidi left Vincennes to join the semi-professional club Créteil. He spent one year in their youth academy. He quickly became one of the club's most promising young players. Even though Lyon, a big club, wanted him, Matuidi chose to sign with Troyes. He said he liked their training center the most.

Club Career Highlights

Starting at Troyes

Matuidi began his time at Troyes playing for the club's reserve team. This team was in the fifth division of French football. In November 2004, he was called up to the main team. He made his professional debut on November 23 in a Ligue 2 match. He played for over 60 minutes in a 2–1 win. He played one more game that season.

For the next season, Matuidi became a full-time player for the main team. They were now playing in Ligue 1, the top league. He became a regular starter and played in 31 league matches. He scored his first professional goal on January 11, 2006. It was a "magnificent" volley in a 1–0 win against Lille. Even with Matuidi's good play, Troyes barely avoided being sent back to the lower league.

On June 16, 2006, Matuidi signed his first professional contract. He agreed to a four-year deal with Troyes. He continued to be a key player, playing in 35 matches and scoring three goals. On April 28, 2007, he had a great game against Sedan. Troyes was losing 2–1, but Matuidi scored two goals to win the game 3–2. Despite his efforts, Troyes was relegated to Ligue 2 at the end of the season. This made people wonder if Matuidi would stay.

Moving to Saint-Étienne

Matuidi signing autographs in 2011

On July 12, 2007, Matuidi joined Saint-Étienne. He signed a four-year deal. He was given the number 12 shirt and became a starter right away. He played well with other midfielders like Loïc Perrin. He also became good friends with Bafétimbi Gomis, a former Troyes player. Matuidi played his first game for Saint-Étienne on August 11, 2007. He was a key player all season. The team finished fifth, which meant they qualified for the UEFA Cup.

During the 2008–09 season, big clubs like Arsenal and Milan noticed Matuidi. On August 16, 2008, he scored his first goal for Saint-Étienne in a 2–1 win. He played in the European competition for the first time. Saint-Étienne reached the Round of 16 before being knocked out. Matuidi played regularly until he received his first red card. Later in the season, the team struggled with injuries. They barely avoided being relegated on the last day. After the season, Matuidi said he wanted to leave. However, he stayed with the club for the 2009–10 season.

Matuidi was named captain by the new manager, Alain Perrin, at the start of the 2009–10 season. This happened because the usual captain, Loïc Perrin, was injured. Even when Loïc Perrin returned, Matuidi kept the captain's armband. Under his leadership, Saint-Étienne beat the champions, Bordeaux, 3–1. Later, the new manager, Christophe Galtier, gave the captaincy back to Loïc Perrin. On May 18, 2010, Matuidi had an argument with teammate Dimitri Payet during a game. They were separated by the referee and other players. Both players later said it was a "lack of maturity" and that they had moved past it.

Success at Paris Saint-Germain

Matuidi playing for Paris Saint-Germain in 2011

On July 25, 2011, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) announced they had signed Matuidi. He signed a three-year contract. He was brought in to replace Claude Makélélé, who had retired. The transfer fee was about €7.5 million. Matuidi was given the number 14 shirt. He made his first competitive appearance for PSG on August 6, 2011. It was a 1–0 league defeat to Lorient.

During the 2012–13 season, Matuidi scored goals in several wins. PSG won Ligue 1 for the first time in 19 years. He scored his first UEFA Champions League goal on November 6, 2012. This was in a 4–0 win against Dinamo Zagreb. He also scored a late goal in a 2–2 draw with Barcelona in the quarter-finals.

On May 24, 2013, Matuidi was named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year. On February 26, 2014, he extended his contract for four more years. On May 10, 2014, he scored in PSG's 3–1 win at Lille. This win set a new points record for PSG in Ligue 1. On September 30, 2014, Matuidi scored the winning goal for PSG. It was a 3–2 home victory over Barcelona in the Champions League group stage.

On May 16, 2015, he scored in a 2–1 win at Montpellier. This confirmed PSG's third French league title in a row. In the 2015–16 season, Matuidi was again named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year. On May 21, 2016, he scored the first goal in PSG's 2016 Coupe de France Final win against Marseille. This helped the club win a domestic treble for the second year in a row. On September 28, 2016, Matuidi scored an equalizing goal for PSG. This was in a 3–1 away win against Ludogorets Razgrad in the Champions League.

Time at Juventus

On August 18, 2017, Matuidi joined Juventus in Italy. He signed a three-year contract. The transfer fee was €20 million, with possible bonuses. He made his debut for Juventus and in Serie A on August 19, 2017. This was in a 3–0 home win against Cagliari. Matuidi scored his first goal for Juventus on December 17. It was the final goal in a 3–0 away win over Bologna.

On September 1, 2018, Matuidi scored his first goal of the 2018–19 season. This was in a 2–1 away win over Parma in Serie A. On October 30, 2019, Matuidi played his 100th game for Juventus. This was in a 2–1 home win against Genoa in Serie A.

On August 12, 2020, Matuidi left Juventus by agreement. In his three seasons there, he won three Serie A titles. He also won one Coppa Italia and one Supercoppa Italiana. He played 133 games for Juventus in all competitions. He scored eight goals and made five assists.

Playing for Inter Miami and Retirement

On August 13, 2020, Matuidi signed with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami in the USA. He joined them for free. He played his first game for the club on September 6. It was a scoreless draw against Nashville. In May 2021, Inter Miami had to pay a fine. This was because Matuidi was their fourth "designated player," but only three are allowed.

In January 2022, Matuidi was not included in Inter Miami's team roster for the 2022 season. On December 23, 2022, Blaise Matuidi announced he was retiring from professional football. He had played for 18 years.

International Career for France

Matuidi playing for France against Georgia, 2013

Matuidi played for France's youth teams. He represented his country at the under-19 and under-21 levels. He made his youth international debut on October 5, 2005. This was in a 4–0 friendly win against Norway. He played in qualifying matches for the 2006 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship. France did not qualify, and Matuidi finished with nine appearances.

Matuidi was first called up to the under-21 team by coach René Girard. He played in qualifying matches for the 2007 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship. He also played in the team's surprising loss to Israel in the playoffs. Matuidi continued to play for the under-21 team in many matches. His under-21 career ended after France lost to Germany in a playoff. This game decided who would go to the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship.

Matuidi and his children posing with the FIFA World Cup Trophy, 2018

After almost two years, Matuidi was called up to the senior team. This was on August 5, 2010, by new manager Laurent Blanc. He was called up for a friendly match against Norway. He did not play in that game. However, he was called back the next month due to an injury to another player. This was for UEFA Euro 2012 qualification matches.

Matuidi made his international debut on September 7, 2010. This was in France's 2–0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. He came on as a substitute. On March 29, 2011, he made his first start in a 0–0 draw with Croatia.

Matuidi was part of France's team for Euro 2012. However, he did not play in the tournament due to an injury. He played nine times during 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification. He played very well in midfield. This helped France win 3–0 against Ukraine in a playoff. This win secured their spot in the World Cup.

Matuidi scored his first international goal with a scissor kick. This was in a 2–0 friendly win against the Netherlands on March 5, 2014. On May 13, 2014, Matuidi was named in Didier Deschamps' team for the 2014 World Cup. On June 8, he scored two goals as France beat Jamaica 8–0. This was their final warm-up match.

Matuidi started in midfield in France's first World Cup match. They won 3–0 against Honduras. In the second match, Matuidi scored his first goal in a competitive international game. Les Bleus (the French team) beat Switzerland 5–2. This win helped them qualify for the knockout stage.

In May 2016, Matuidi was chosen for France's team for Euro 2016. This tournament was held in France. On July 3, Matuidi helped set up Olivier Giroud's first goal. This was in the quarter-finals, where France beat Iceland 5–2. He started in the final on July 10. France lost 1–0 to Portugal after extra time.

On May 17, 2018, he was called up for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. On July 15, Matuidi started on the left wing in the final. France won 4–2 against Croatia.

Playing Style

Blaise Matuidi was known for his energy, hard work, and strength. He was a "fierce and strong tackler." He was also good at defending. He had great discipline and understood where to be on the field. This made him excellent in a holding role in midfield. He could close down spaces, get loose balls, and win back possession.

Even though he wasn't the most skillful player, he was very versatile. He could play in many midfield positions. He was good at carrying the ball and starting attacks after winning it back. He often played as a box-to-box player. This meant he helped both defense and attack. His movement often pulled opponents out of position. This created space for his teammates. He could also make good runs into the box and score goals. At Juventus, he sometimes played in a more attacking, left-sided central midfield role. His playing style was compared to Claude Makélélé and Jean Tigana.

During the 2018 World Cup, Matuidi played in a new position for France. He played as a left-sided winger or attacking midfielder. In this role, he was still very effective. He could track back and limit the opposing full-backs' attacks. He also moved into the center to help Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kanté defend. This helped stop opponents' main playmakers. Matuidi's defensive role on the left also balanced the team. It allowed Kylian Mbappé to attack freely from the right wing. He was also used in a similar role at Juventus. Matuidi was left-footed. Sometimes, he even played as a left-back. Besides his skills, he was known for being consistent and having a strong mindset. In 2011, he was called one of the best ball-winners in Europe.

Personal Life

In April 2014, Matuidi's home in Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche was broken into. This happened while he was playing a match for PSG.

The rapper Niska created a song called "Matuidi Charo (PSG)." This song and a dance called the "Charo" (vulture dance) became popular. Matuidi helped make the dance famous on the football field.

In May 2016, he released his autobiography. It was called "Au bout de mes rêves," which means "At the End of My Dreams."

In 2018, he was named "champion of the year" and "champion for peace." This was by the organization Peace and Sport. He received this award for his work with his organization, 'Tremplin Blaise Matuidi.' This organization helps young people from difficult areas get back on track.

Career Statistics

Club

International

Matuidi (left) marking England's Dele Alli while on French international duty, 2015

France score listed first, score column indicates score after each Matuidi goal.

International goals by date, venue, cap, opponent, score, result and competition

No.	Date	Venue	Cap	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	5 March 2014	Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France	20	Netherlands	2–0	2–0	Friendly
2	8 June 2014	Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France	23	Jamaica	2–0	8–0	Friendly
3					6–0
4	20 June 2014	Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, Brazil	25	Switzerland	2–0	5–2	2014 FIFA World Cup
5	7 September 2015	Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France	37	Serbia	1–0	2–1	Friendly
6					2–0
7	25 March 2016	Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam-Zuidoost, Netherlands	42	Netherlands	3–2	3–2	Friendly
8	30 May 2016	Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes, France	43	Cameroon	1–0	3–2	Friendly
9	7 October 2017	Vasil Levski National Stadium, Sofia, Bulgaria	59	Bulgaria	1–0	1–0	2018 FIFA World Cup qualification

Honours and Awards

Matuidi (centre) after winning the Coupe de la Ligue 2014

Paris Saint-Germain

• Ligue 1: 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16
• Coupe de France: 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17
• Coupe de la Ligue: 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17
• Trophée des Champions: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017

Juventus

• Serie A: 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20
• Coppa Italia: 2017–18
• Supercoppa Italiana: 2018

France

• FIFA World Cup: 2018

Individual

• Ligue 1 Team of the Year: 2012–13, 2015–16
• French Player of the Year: 2015
• Globe Soccer Awards Player Career Award: 2018

Orders

• Knight of the Legion of Honour: 2018

See also

In Spanish: Blaise Matuidi para niños