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Date of Birth: Wednesday, August 17, 1977
Birth Place: France
Height: 181cm
Position: Defender
Former Clubs/Teams: Chelsea FC, Olympique Marseille, SM Caen

Biography

William Gallas is a defender for France and Arsenal in the English Premier League. He is a defender who is comfortable on the ball, and keeps calm under pressure. His pace and power have led to him being played as a left-wing back, but his favoured position is in the centre of defence. He has captained both France and Arsenal.

Childhood

William Gallas was born on 17th August 1977 in Arsnieres, France. He was never a child to shy away from a challenge, and won himself a reputation as a central midfielder in his youth. He signed up for the Caen youth team, and progressed through their ranks whilst also playing for the junior sides of the French national side.

Early Career

Gallas signed for Caen professionally in July 1995, weeks after his 18th birthday. He fought hard to win a place in the team, playing in the French second division, and his work rate was rewarded with the left-back spot in the successful Caen team. Gallas helped them win promotion in his first year at the club, and enjoyed some good performances in Le Championnat before his transfer to Marseille a season later. Four accomplished seasons as a centre-back followed, with Gallas playing against Chelsea in the Champions League the season before he joined them for £6m.

Gallas partnered John Terry at the heart of the Chelsea defence, with the partnership working so well that Chelsea won two Premier League titles and had a spell of 17 games without conceding a goal! Gallas’ loyalty to Chelsea was tested by Jose Mourinho who consistently played Gallas in the left-back spot, prompting Gallas to start asking questions, and refusing to sign a new contract.

Current Club

William Gallas arrived at Arsenal on transfer-deadline day, August 31st 2006, as part of the transfer that took Ashley Cole to Chelsea – with Cole valued at £5m more than Gallas. He made a notable contribution for Arsenal, playing at centre-back and helping younger team-mates such as Phillipe Senderos and Johan Djourou through games.

He was the established first-choice centre back in 07/08, and was awarded the Arsenal captaincy ahead of team-mate Kolo Toure. He has been a constant steadying force for Arsenal, and has used his experience to lift some of the pressure off some of the younger players that Arsenal field.

International

Gallas made his international debut in October 2002, although he had previously represented France at U18 and U21 level. Gallas was drafted in following the disastrous World Cup 2002 campaign in Japan-Korea, and he developed a fantastic partnership with Lilian Thuram. Gallas was part of the side that lost in the World Cup Final 2006, but had more success in the victorious 2003 Confederations Cup winning side. He remains integral to the national side.