Claude Makelele Sinda is a defensive midfielder for Chelsea F.C. in the Barclay Premiere League. He is known as one of the greatest defensive midfielders in the game. The position has since earned the nickname “The Makélélé Role,”. A consistent defender, he has enabled his teamates to move the ball forward with great success.

He originally played for Nantes from 1992-1997 and then moved to Olympique de Marseille. The other teams he played for, prior to Chelsea, include Celta Vigo and Real Madrid. Real Madrid completely undervalued Makelele and the management even ventured to say that he would not be missed. Chelsea FC begged to differ, offering £16.6 million for him. They have not been wrong yet. Other teams understand the value of Makelele and have won games by effectively keeping him from getting to the ball.

He has won several awards including, Chelsea Player of the Year (2004), was a member of the World XI FIFAPro Awards, and won both the FA Community Shield and the English Premiership (2005).

He is married to the gorgeous Noemie Lenoir, and they have a son, Kelyan. He also has two sons from a previous relationship. To learn more about him,visit the Chelsea website.