Pascal Chimbonda
Encyclopedia
Pascal Chimbonda is a French
footballer who currently plays for Doncaster Rovers, having been released early from a short term deal by Queens Park Rangers
. Chimbonda can play at centre back or left back but prefers right back.
, Guadeloupe
and began his career at Le Havre
in France in 1999, making his debut against Strasbourg
on 29 April 2000. He spent four years with the club, until Le Havre were relegated to Ligue 2
, when he transferred to Bastia
. During his stay at Bastia, Chimbonda received racist taunts from his own fans after a heavy loss against Saint-Étienne
; this may have contributed to his leaving the club. However, his former teammates at Bastia firmly denied Chimbonda's accusations of racism.
After Bastia were relegated in July 2005, he left the club, turning down an offer from Marseille
, and moved to Wigan Athletic
for £500,000 on a three-year contract. He cited the fact that he was "ready for a new challenge and coming to Wigan is the perfect opportunity to test myself against the best players in the world" as the reason for selecting Wigan Athletic.
, Chimbonda was one of the stars of the Latics' first ever season in the Premier League. He played 44 times for the club in all competitions and featured in all but one game of the 2005–06 Premier League season. He scored two goals for the club, both in the 2005–06 season, in consecutive league games against Fulham and Portsmouth. After a hugely successful first season in English football, Chimbonda was named in the PFA Team of the Year
for the 2005–06 season, having been voted as best right back in the Premiership, ahead of Gary Neville
, Steve Finnan
and Paulo Ferreira
. Whilst at Wigan he started in the 2006 Football League Cup Final.
He was linked with a move to a range of clubs and was subject to an offer from West Ham United
based on a clause in his contract that allowed him to switch clubs for an offer of £1 million – which was subsequently renegotiated and removed. On the final day of the 2005–06 season, he handed in a transfer request after Wigan lost 4–2 to Arsenal in the final game played at Arsenal's old Highbury ground, only six months after renegotiating his contract for a further four years. This riled the Wigan management, who set a high price – higher than many prospective buyers were willing to pay – and informed Chimbonda that he could "play in the reserves until his contract is over", if he was not bought.
Tottenham Hotspur
replied with a £2 million transfer offer and then a £3 million offer; however, both were rejected, as Wigan had stated that any offers below £6 million would not be accepted, despite previously stating that, according to his agent Willie McKay
, "they wouldn't step in the player's way if a top club came in for him". Further, according to McKay, £3 million "was a terrific offer", and Chimbonda was still hopeful of a move to Tottenham. Chimbonda has stated that "moving to Tottenham will help me take the next step forward", and has called Wigan a "stepping stone". West Ham also made a bid, reportedly £4 million, for the player, though this was also turned down because it fell short of the asking price.
He made his last appearance for Wigan on 26 August 2006 in a win against Reading
as a substitute. He replaced Emile Heskey
in the 79th minute, Heskey having scored the winning goal earlier. He eventually joined Tottenham on transfer deadline day, 31 August 2006, after a summer of negotiations.
accepted a bid from Tottenham Hotspur of £4.5 million, with the transfer being completed just before midnight. He made his Tottenham debut against Manchester United
on 9 September 2006.
Chimbonda played in a 2–1 victory over Chelsea
in which it later transpired he had played on with knee ligament damage resulting from a strong challenge by Frank Lampard
in the opening minutes of the game. Tottenham manager Martin Jol
singled out Chimbonda after the match as the best example of the players' spirit and character that day. However, on 14 January 2007 Chimbonda was involved in a controversial incident in his team's match against Newcastle United
when he slapped Nicky Butt
in the face with his glove; an incident that provoked a skirmish between the members of the two teams.
He scored the equaliser, and his first goal for Tottenham on 20 January 2007 in the 1–1 draw with Fulham
. He started for Spurs in the 2008 Football League Cup Final
victory over Chelsea. On 12 March 2008, he missed an important penalty kick in a penalty shootout, following a series of penalties at the end of the match with PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Cup
. PSV went to the next round (quarter finals) and Tottenham were knocked out.
, joining up with former team mates Teemu Tainio
and Steed Malbranque
.
and the deal was completed the following day. Sunderland manager Ricky Sbragia
declined to reveal the fee, although it is thought that Sunderland would recoup what they originally paid for Chimbonda, somewhere around the £3 million mark. His second Tottenham debut came in a 3–2 defeat against Bolton Wanderers
on 31 January, where he set up Darren Bent to pull one back for Spurs, after coming on as a substitute. During this second spell with Tottenham he appeared in 5 games in all competitions including playing in three league matches, and the other two matches he featured in were in the UEFA Cup.
on a two-year contract for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £2.5 million. He made his debut against West Ham United
on 29 August, in the 0–0 draw. On 18 October 2009, Chimbonda scored his first goal for the club in the East Lancashire derby
against Burnley at Ewood Park in the 3–2 victory. At the end of this season, Chimbonda made 29 appearances, and scored one goal in all competitions. In January 2011 Blackburn Rovers agreed to terminate Chimbonda's contract with immediate effect.
on a six-month contract, reportedly taking a 75% pay cut to join. Chimbonda made his debut against Nottingham Forest
coming on as a substitute on the 73rd minute. On 21 April 2011 it was confirmed that Chimbonda was to be released by Queens Park Rangers and would not play for the club again after manager Neil Warnock
stated that the club was not prepared to offer him a long-term deal.
's 2006 World Cup
squad, he was selected on the quality of his performances, despite having no previous international experience. During a World Cup warm-up friendly match, a 2–0 win against Denmark
on 31 May 2006, he appeared amongst the substitutes, appearing briefly on the pitch in the final minutes of the game, replacing Willy Sagnol in the 87th minute for his debut. Chimbonda did not make a single appearance during the 2006 World Cup, and as of 5 May 2010, his cap against Denmark is his only appearance for the national side, competitive or friendly.
In 2003, he played three matches for Guadeloupe
in the Caribbean qualifiers for the CONCACAF Gold Cup
.
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
footballer who currently plays for Doncaster Rovers, having been released early from a short term deal by Queens Park Rangers
Queens Park Rangers F.C.
Queens Park Rangers Football Club is an English professional football club, based in White City, Hammersmith and Fulham, west London. As the 2010-11 Football League Championship champions, they now play in the top tier of English football the Premier League, for the first time in 15 years...
. Chimbonda can play at centre back or left back but prefers right back.
Early career
Chimbonda was born in Les AbymesLes Abymes
Les Abymes is the most populated commune in the French overseas region and department of Guadeloupe, in the Lesser Antilles. It is located on the west side of the island of Grande-Terre, and is part of the metropolitan area of Pointe-à-Pitre, the largest urban area in Guadeloupe.Pointe-à-Pitre...
, Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe is an archipelago located in the Leeward Islands, in the Lesser Antilles, with a land area of 1,628 square kilometres and a population of 400,000. It is the first overseas region of France, consisting of a single overseas department. As with the other overseas departments, Guadeloupe...
and began his career at Le Havre
Le Havre AC
Le Havre Athletic Club Football Association is a French association football club based in Le Havre. The club was founded originally as an athletics and rugby club in 1872, thus making it the oldest association football and rugby club registered in France...
in France in 1999, making his debut against Strasbourg
RC Strasbourg
Racing Club de Strasbourg is a French association football club founded in 1906 and professional since 1933, based in the city of Strasbourg, in Alsace...
on 29 April 2000. He spent four years with the club, until Le Havre were relegated to Ligue 2
Ligue 2
Ligue 2 , formerly known as Division 2, is a French professional football league. The league serves as the second division of French football and is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel , the other being Ligue 1, the country's top football division...
, when he transferred to Bastia
SC Bastia
Sporting Club de Bastia is a French association football club based in Bastia on the island of Corsica. The club currently plays in the Championnat National, the third division of French football. Bastia previously had stints in both Ligue 1 and Ligue 2...
. During his stay at Bastia, Chimbonda received racist taunts from his own fans after a heavy loss against Saint-Étienne
AS Saint-Étienne
Association Sportive de Saint-Étienne Loire is a French association football club based in Saint-Étienne. The club was founded in 1919 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top division of French football. Saint-Étienne plays its home matches at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard located within the city...
; this may have contributed to his leaving the club. However, his former teammates at Bastia firmly denied Chimbonda's accusations of racism.
After Bastia were relegated in July 2005, he left the club, turning down an offer from Marseille
Olympique de Marseille
Olympique de Marseille is a French association football club based in Marseille. Founded in 1899, the club plays in Ligue 1 and have spent most of its history in the top tier of French football. Marseille have been French champions nine times and have won the Coupe de France a record ten times. In...
, and moved to Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic F.C.
Wigan Athletic Football Club is an English Premier League Association football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, having been promoted from the Championship in 2005. Wigan's current spell in the Premier League is the only top flight run in the club's history.They have played at the DW...
for £500,000 on a three-year contract. He cited the fact that he was "ready for a new challenge and coming to Wigan is the perfect opportunity to test myself against the best players in the world" as the reason for selecting Wigan Athletic.
Wigan Athletic
After signing for Wigan AthleticWigan Athletic F.C.
Wigan Athletic Football Club is an English Premier League Association football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, having been promoted from the Championship in 2005. Wigan's current spell in the Premier League is the only top flight run in the club's history.They have played at the DW...
, Chimbonda was one of the stars of the Latics' first ever season in the Premier League. He played 44 times for the club in all competitions and featured in all but one game of the 2005–06 Premier League season. He scored two goals for the club, both in the 2005–06 season, in consecutive league games against Fulham and Portsmouth. After a hugely successful first season in English football, Chimbonda was named in the PFA Team of the Year
PFA Team of the Year
The Professional Footballers' Association Team of the Year is an annual award given to a set of 44 footballers in the top four tiers of English football; the Premier League, the Championship, League One and League Two, whom are seen to be deserving of being named in a "Team of the Year".The award...
for the 2005–06 season, having been voted as best right back in the Premiership, ahead of Gary Neville
Gary Neville
Gary Alexander Neville is a former English footballer. He is England's most capped right-back and was Manchester United's club captain for five years....
, Steve Finnan
Steve Finnan
Stephen John "Steve" Finnan is a retired Irish international footballer who played as a right back. He is the only player to have played in the World Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup, all four levels of the English league football and the Football Conference.-Early career:Finnan was born in...
and Paulo Ferreira
Paulo Ferreira
Paulo Renato Rebocho Ferreira is a Portuguese footballer who plays for Chelsea as a defender. However, in his recent years, Ferreira has been noted to play as an attacking forward, in which he is famous for his through balls out to the wingers and/or striker-Early career:He started his career in...
. Whilst at Wigan he started in the 2006 Football League Cup Final.
He was linked with a move to a range of clubs and was subject to an offer from West Ham United
West Ham United F.C.
West Ham United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Upton Park, Newham, East London. They play in The Football League Championship. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and reformed in 1900 as West Ham United. In 1904 the club relocated to their current...
based on a clause in his contract that allowed him to switch clubs for an offer of £1 million – which was subsequently renegotiated and removed. On the final day of the 2005–06 season, he handed in a transfer request after Wigan lost 4–2 to Arsenal in the final game played at Arsenal's old Highbury ground, only six months after renegotiating his contract for a further four years. This riled the Wigan management, who set a high price – higher than many prospective buyers were willing to pay – and informed Chimbonda that he could "play in the reserves until his contract is over", if he was not bought.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur F.C.
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane....
replied with a £2 million transfer offer and then a £3 million offer; however, both were rejected, as Wigan had stated that any offers below £6 million would not be accepted, despite previously stating that, according to his agent Willie McKay
Willie McKay
Willie McKay is a Scottish football agent based in Monaco. He is the agent of many top-level footballers, mainly based in England and France - specifically the Premier League...
, "they wouldn't step in the player's way if a top club came in for him". Further, according to McKay, £3 million "was a terrific offer", and Chimbonda was still hopeful of a move to Tottenham. Chimbonda has stated that "moving to Tottenham will help me take the next step forward", and has called Wigan a "stepping stone". West Ham also made a bid, reportedly £4 million, for the player, though this was also turned down because it fell short of the asking price.
He made his last appearance for Wigan on 26 August 2006 in a win against Reading
Reading F.C.
Reading Football Club is an English association football club based in the town of Reading, Berkshire who currently play in the Championship...
as a substitute. He replaced Emile Heskey
Emile Heskey
Emile William Ivanhoe Heskey is an English footballer who plays for Aston Villa as a striker.Born in Leicester, Heskey started his career with hometown club Leicester City after progressing through their youth system, making his first team debut in 1995...
in the 79th minute, Heskey having scored the winning goal earlier. He eventually joined Tottenham on transfer deadline day, 31 August 2006, after a summer of negotiations.
Tottenham Hotspur
On 31 August 2006, Wigan AthleticWigan Athletic F.C.
Wigan Athletic Football Club is an English Premier League Association football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, having been promoted from the Championship in 2005. Wigan's current spell in the Premier League is the only top flight run in the club's history.They have played at the DW...
accepted a bid from Tottenham Hotspur of £4.5 million, with the transfer being completed just before midnight. He made his Tottenham debut against Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
on 9 September 2006.
Chimbonda played in a 2–1 victory over Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
in which it later transpired he had played on with knee ligament damage resulting from a strong challenge by Frank Lampard
Frank Lampard
Frank James Lampard is an English professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Chelsea and the England national team. He also holds the position of vice-captain for his club side...
in the opening minutes of the game. Tottenham manager Martin Jol
Martin Jol
Maarten Cornelis "Martin" Jol is a Dutch football manager and former midfielder who currently manages Fulham in the Premier League. Jol played over 400 games during his career which included spells in the Netherlands, Germany, and England, as well as earning three caps with the Dutch national team...
singled out Chimbonda after the match as the best example of the players' spirit and character that day. However, on 14 January 2007 Chimbonda was involved in a controversial incident in his team's match against Newcastle United
Newcastle United F.C.
Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger...
when he slapped Nicky Butt
Nicky Butt
Nicholas "Nicky" Butt is an English footballer. He began his career with Manchester United and spent 12 years in their first-team before moving to Newcastle United in 2004. He spent one season on loan to Birmingham City in 2005–06...
in the face with his glove; an incident that provoked a skirmish between the members of the two teams.
He scored the equaliser, and his first goal for Tottenham on 20 January 2007 in the 1–1 draw with Fulham
Fulham F.C.
Fulham Football Club is a professional English Premier League club based in southwest London Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Founded in 1879, they play in the Premier League, their 11th current season...
. He started for Spurs in the 2008 Football League Cup Final
2008 Football League Cup Final
The 2008 Carling Cup Final was a football match played on 24 February 2008. It was the first League Cup Final to be played at the new Wembley Stadium, and the first to be played in England since the old Wembley was demolished in 2000. The defending champions were Chelsea, who beat Arsenal in the...
victory over Chelsea. On 12 March 2008, he missed an important penalty kick in a penalty shootout, following a series of penalties at the end of the match with PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Cup
UEFA Cup
The UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
. PSV went to the next round (quarter finals) and Tottenham were knocked out.
Sunderland
On 26 July 2008, Chimbonda signed for SunderlandSunderland A.F.C.
Sunderland Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear who currently play in the Premier League...
, joining up with former team mates Teemu Tainio
Teemu Tainio
Teemu Tainio is a Finnish footballer, who currently plays for New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer.He can play both as a defensive and attacking midfielder and out wide. Tainio also played at right-back under Juande Ramos at Tottenham.-Early career:...
and Steed Malbranque
Steed Malbranque
Steed Malbranque is a Belgian-born French footballer who last played for Saint-Étienne. Malbranque had previously played professionally for Lyon in his native France before moving to England where he had spells with Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland.-Lyon:He was a trainee at Lyon youth...
.
Return to Tottenham Hotspur
On 26 January 2009, Chimbonda underwent a medical at Tottenham Hotspur ahead of a proposed return to White Hart LaneWhite Hart Lane
White Hart Lane is an all-seater football stadium in Tottenham, London, England. Built in 1899, it is the home of Tottenham Hotspur and, after numerous renovations, the stadium has a capacity of 36,230....
and the deal was completed the following day. Sunderland manager Ricky Sbragia
Ricky Sbragia
Richard "Ricky" Sbragia is a Scottish former footballer and manager. As a coach, he spent time at Manchester United and Bolton, before joining Roy Keane's backroom staff at Sunderland. Sbragia became manager of Sunderland following Keane's departure, although he himself resigned in 2009 after...
declined to reveal the fee, although it is thought that Sunderland would recoup what they originally paid for Chimbonda, somewhere around the £3 million mark. His second Tottenham debut came in a 3–2 defeat against Bolton Wanderers
Bolton Wanderers F.C.
Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the area of Horwich in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. They began their current spell in the Premier League in 2001....
on 31 January, where he set up Darren Bent to pull one back for Spurs, after coming on as a substitute. During this second spell with Tottenham he appeared in 5 games in all competitions including playing in three league matches, and the other two matches he featured in were in the UEFA Cup.
Blackburn Rovers
On 27 August 2009, Chimbonda joined Blackburn RoversBlackburn Rovers F.C.
Blackburn Rovers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the town of Blackburn, Lancashire. The team currently competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football....
on a two-year contract for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £2.5 million. He made his debut against West Ham United
West Ham United F.C.
West Ham United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Upton Park, Newham, East London. They play in The Football League Championship. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and reformed in 1900 as West Ham United. In 1904 the club relocated to their current...
on 29 August, in the 0–0 draw. On 18 October 2009, Chimbonda scored his first goal for the club in the East Lancashire derby
East Lancashire derby
The East Lancashire Derby is a football match between Blackburn Rovers F.C. and Burnley F.C..The derby is one of the oldest and fiercest derby matches in the game...
against Burnley at Ewood Park in the 3–2 victory. At the end of this season, Chimbonda made 29 appearances, and scored one goal in all competitions. In January 2011 Blackburn Rovers agreed to terminate Chimbonda's contract with immediate effect.
Queens Park Rangers
On 21 January 2011, Chimbonda signed for Queens Park RangersQueens Park Rangers F.C.
Queens Park Rangers Football Club is an English professional football club, based in White City, Hammersmith and Fulham, west London. As the 2010-11 Football League Championship champions, they now play in the top tier of English football the Premier League, for the first time in 15 years...
on a six-month contract, reportedly taking a 75% pay cut to join. Chimbonda made his debut against Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest F.C.
Nottingham Forest Football Club is an English Association Football club based in West Bridgford, Nottingham, that plays in the Football League Championship...
coming on as a substitute on the 73rd minute. On 21 April 2011 it was confirmed that Chimbonda was to be released by Queens Park Rangers and would not play for the club again after manager Neil Warnock
Neil Warnock
Neil Warnock is an English former footballer who is currently manager of English Premier League club Queens Park Rangers....
stated that the club was not prepared to offer him a long-term deal.
Doncaster Rovers
On 28 September 2011, Chimbonda signed a short term deal with Championship club Doncaster Rovers. Upon signing for Rovers, Chimbonda joined his sixth English club, and became manager Dean Saunders' first signing at the club.International career
Despite early concerns that he would not make FranceFrance national football team
The France national football team represents the nation of France in international football. It is fielded by the French Football Federation , the governing body of football in France, and competes as a member of UEFA, which encompasses the countries of Europe...
's 2006 World Cup
2006 FIFA World Cup
The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament. It was held from 9 June to 9 July 2006 in Germany, which won the right to host the event in July 2000. Teams representing 198 national football associations from all six...
squad, he was selected on the quality of his performances, despite having no previous international experience. During a World Cup warm-up friendly match, a 2–0 win against Denmark
Denmark national football team
The Denmark national football team represents Denmark in association football and is controlled by the Danish Football Association , the governing body for the football clubs which are organized under DBU...
on 31 May 2006, he appeared amongst the substitutes, appearing briefly on the pitch in the final minutes of the game, replacing Willy Sagnol in the 87th minute for his debut. Chimbonda did not make a single appearance during the 2006 World Cup, and as of 5 May 2010, his cap against Denmark is his only appearance for the national side, competitive or friendly.
In 2003, he played three matches for Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe national football team
The Guadeloupe regional football team represents the French overseas department and region of Guadeloupe in international football. The team is controlled by the Ligue Guadeloupéenne de Football , a local branch of French Football Federation ....
in the Caribbean qualifiers for the CONCACAF Gold Cup
CONCACAF Gold Cup
The CONCACAF Gold Cup is the main association football competition of the men's national football teams governed by CONCACAF, determining the regional champion of North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.The Gold Cup is held every two years and when it does not fall the same year as an...
.
Honours
Tottenham HotspurTottenham Hotspur F.C.
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane....
- League CupFootball League CupThe Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English association football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout basis...
: 2007–08