Fabrice Muamba

Last updated

Fabrice Muamba
FabriceMuamba cropped.jpg
Muamba with Birmingham City in 2007
Personal information
Full name Fabrice Ndala Muamba [1]
Date of birth (1988-04-06) 6 April 1988 (age 36) [1]
Place of birth Kinshasa, Zaire
(now DR Congo)
Height 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) [2]
Position(s) Central midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Burnley (Academy coach)
Youth career
2002–2005 Arsenal
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps(Gls)
2005–2007 Arsenal 0 (0)
2006–2007 → Birmingham City (loan) 34 (0)
2007–2008 Birmingham City 37 (2)
2008–2012 Bolton Wanderers 130 (3)
Total201(5)
International career
2002–2003 England U16 7 (0)
2004–2005 England U17 7 (0)
2005–2006 England U18 2 (0)
2006–2007 England U19 8 (0)
2007–2011 England U21 33 (0)
Medal record
Men's football
Representing Flag of England.svg  England
UEFA European Under-21 Championship
Runner-up 2009 Sweden
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Fabrice Ndala Muamba (born 6 April 1988) is a Congolese-born English former professional footballer who played for Arsenal, Birmingham City and Bolton Wanderers as a central midfielder. Born in Zaire, Muamba moved to England at the age of 11 and subsequently played for England up to under-21 level.

Contents

Muamba began his career in 2002, joining Arsenal's youth academy. After three years, he turned professional in 2005. He made his debut for Arsenal in the League Cup, but played only one other professional match for the club. Following a loan spell with Birmingham City, he made the move permanent in 2007. He stayed with Birmingham City for one additional year, and left after making more than 70 appearances and making his England under-21 debut while with the team. He joined Bolton Wanderers in 2008.

In March 2012, Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest during a televised FA Cup match between Bolton and Tottenham Hotspur, from which he recovered despite his heart having stopped for 78 minutes. Following medical advice, he announced his retirement from professional football in August 2012. He later completed a degree in sports journalism before making a return to football as a youth coach.

Early life

Muamba was born in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo). [1] His father fled the country in 1994 because of his political views and arrived in the United Kingdom seeking asylum. In 1999, he was granted indefinite leave to remain, at which time he was joined by the rest of the family. [3] They settled in east London, where Muamba attended Kelmscott School in Walthamstow. [4] Despite having arrived in Britain aged 11, unable to speak English, [5] he went on to achieve 10 GCSEs and A-levels in English, French and mathematics. [6]

Club career

Arsenal

Muamba was associated with Arsenal's youth system as a schoolboy from 2002, joining their Academy as a first-year scholar in August 2004. He signed his first professional contract in October 2005 and made his first team debut on 25 October in a League Cup tie against Sunderland, in front of a 47,000 crowd at the Stadium of Light. [7] He made his second and final first team appearance for Arsenal in the next round, against Reading, where he contributed to a 3–0 victory. [8]

Birmingham City

In August 2006, Muamba joined Championship club Birmingham City on a season-long loan. [9] After a slow start, his energetic style of play, which has been likened to that of his hero Patrick Vieira, [7] established him as a regular starter in central midfield. The fans were equally impressed, voting him their Young Player of the Season. [10]

On 11 May 2007 Muamba made his move to Birmingham City permanent, [11] signing a three-year contract for a fee reported by the club of £4 million. [12] He scored his first goal for the club, a close-range volley from a corner, on 12 March 2008 in a 4–2 defeat at Portsmouth. [13] He made 37 appearances as Birmingham were relegated from the Premier League after one season back in the top tier.

Bolton Wanderers

Muamba warming up before a Bolton Wanderers game in 2011 Fabrice Muamba warmup Arsenal vs Bolton, 2011.jpg
Muamba warming up before a Bolton Wanderers game in 2011

On 16 June 2008, Muamba joined Premier League Bolton Wanderers for a fee of £5 million, with add-ons worth a further £750,000, on a four-year contract. [14] He scored his first goal for the club against Wigan Athletic on 13 March 2010. [15] In recognition of his impressive 2009–10 season at Bolton, he was named as The Bolton News Player of the Season. [16] On 7 August, Muamba signed a new four-year contract with Bolton. [17]

Muamba scored on the opening day of the 2011–12 league season, in Bolton's 4–0 away win against Queens Park Rangers. [18] He then scored his first ever goal in the League Cup, against his old club Arsenal in a 2–1 defeat. [19]

Cardiac arrest and retirement

On 17 March 2012, Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed during the first half of an FA Cup quarter-final match between Bolton and Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane. After receiving lengthy attention on the pitch from medical personnel – including a consultant cardiologist, Dr Andrew Deaner who was at the game as a fan – Muamba was taken to the specialist coronary care unit at the London Chest Hospital. [20] Bolton manager Owen Coyle and club captain Kevin Davies accompanied Muamba in the ambulance. [21] The match was abandoned by referee Howard Webb, and Bolton's next game, against Aston Villa, due to be played three days later, was postponed at the club's request. [22] Aston Villa raised no objection.

Bolton fans show their support for Muamba at their first match after the incident, against Blackburn Rovers on 24 March 2012. BWFC show of support for Fabrice Muamba vs Blackburn Rovers on 24th March 2012.jpg
Bolton fans show their support for Muamba at their first match after the incident, against Blackburn Rovers on 24 March 2012.
Arsenal fans showing their support for Muamba shortly after his cardiac arrest. Fabrice Muamba Tribute (6867537924).jpg
Arsenal fans showing their support for Muamba shortly after his cardiac arrest.

Bolton's club doctor later confirmed that Muamba had received numerous defibrillator shocks both on the pitch and in the ambulance, but his heart had stopped for 78 minutes. [24] The player was initially kept under anaesthesia in intensive care. [25] By 19 March, his heart was beating without medication and he was able to move his limbs. [26] Later that day his condition was described as "serious" rather than "critical" and he was able to recognise family members and respond appropriately to questions. [27] By 21 March, his consultant suggested that Muamba's progress had "exceeded our expectations" and that although he faced a "lengthy recovery period", "normal life is within the spectrum of possibility". [24]

Two weeks after the incident, a photograph was released of Muamba sitting up in his hospital bed and smiling. [28] He was discharged from hospital on 16 April, having been fitted with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). [29] Muamba attended Bolton's home match against Tottenham Hotspur on 2 May, where he expressed his gratitude for the support he had received. [30]

On 15 August 2012, Bolton announced that Muamba had retired from professional football, based on the recommendation of his medical team. Muamba said: [31]

Since suffering my heart attack and being discharged from hospital, I have remained utterly positive in the belief I could one day resume my playing career and play for Bolton Wanderers once again. As part of my on-going recovery, last week I travelled to Belgium to seek further medical advice from a leading cardiologist. But the news I received was obviously not what I had hoped it would be and it means I am now announcing my retirement from professional football. Football has been my life since I was a teenage boy and it has given me so many opportunities. Above all else, I love the game and count myself very lucky to have been able to play at the highest level. While the news is devastating, I have much to be thankful for. I thank God that I am alive and I pay tribute once again to the members of the medical team who never gave up on me. I would also like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my career, and the Bolton fans who have been incredible. I am blessed to have the support of my family and friends at this time.

On 8 November 2012, Muamba returned to White Hart Lane for the first time since his cardiac arrest and received a standing ovation from the crowd. [32] Muamba later played 15 minutes in Ian Goodison's testimonial match in 2015.

Post-playing career

Media work

Following his retirement from the game, Muamba was part of ITV's coverage of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. [33] He was also a co-commentator alongside Derek Rae on BT Sport's coverage of the African World Cup qualification third round play-offs.

Journalism

Muamba studied for a BA in sports journalism at Staffordshire University; as part of his course he went on work placement at BBC North West Tonight. [34] In July 2015, he graduated with honours. [35]

Coaching

In March 2015, Muamba took some coaching sessions at Liverpool's academy. [36] He later did his UEFA B Licence at Manchester City and A Licence at Stoke City. [37]

In September 2018, he coached Rochdale's under-16 side while studying for his coaching badges, [38] and in 2022, he returned to Bolton Wanderers to work in their academy where he was appointed as under-15s coach. [39] [37]

In March 2024, he announced that he had taken up a role coaching with the Burnley academy, whilst also working as a Player Services Executive for the PFA. [40]

International career

As a naturalised British citizen, Muamba was eligible to play for any of the Home Nations in which he had received three years of full-time education before the age of 18 or lived in for five years. In Muamba's case, that was just England, whom he represented at all youth levels, [41] and captained the U-19 team. [5] He received his first call-up for England U21 for the friendly against Romania U-21 on 21 August 2007 at Ashton Gate, Bristol, [42] and made his debut as a second-half substitute. [43]

Muamba had also been called up to the DR Congo squad in May 2007, but declined so as to remain eligible for England. [44]

Personal life

Muamba met Shauna Magunda while he was a Birmingham City player and she was studying for a master's degree at Birmingham City University. They became engaged on 14 February 2012, [6] [45] married at Peckforton Castle, Cheshire, on 21 October 2012, [46] and, as of June 2021, have four children. [47] Muamba has been described as "deeply religious", [48] and stated he would have sought a career in accountancy had he not become a professional footballer. [49]

In July 2012, the University of Bolton awarded an honorary doctorate to Muamba, which he accepted on behalf of those involved in saving his life. [50] He took part in the 2012 Christmas Special edition of the BBC programme Strictly Come Dancing . [51]

Career statistics

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeague FA Cup League Cup OtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Arsenal 2005–06 [52] Premier League 0000200020
Birmingham City (loan) 2006–07 [53] Championship 3403040—410
Birmingham City 2007–08 [54] Premier League3721000—382
Total7124040—792
Bolton Wanderers 2008–09 [55] Premier League3801010—400
2009–10 [56] Premier League3614030—431
2010–11 [57] Premier League3615000—411
2011–12 [18] Premier League2012021—242
Total130312061—1484
Career total2015160121—2296

Honours

England U21

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sebastian Larsson</span> Swedish footballer

Bengt Ulf Sebastian Larsson is a Swedish former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. Beginning his career at hometown club IFK Eskilstuna, Larsson was signed by Arsenal. He made three Premier League appearances for the Gunners, before joining Birmingham City, initially on loan for the 2006–07 season, before a permanent transfer in the winter of 2007. Larsson spent five years at Birmingham, experiencing promotion to, and relegation from, the Premier League on two occasions. He joined Sunderland on 1 July 2011 upon the expiry of his contract, after Birmingham suffered relegation. He left Sunderland in 2017 to sign for Hull City in the EFL Championship where he spent one season. He returned to his native Sweden in 2018 to sign for AIK, and helped them win the 2018 Allsvenskan title before retiring in 2022. Larsson is renowned for being a set-piece specialist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nicky Hunt</span> English footballer

Nicholas Brett Hunt is an English former footballer. He is a coach for Warrington Rylands 1906. He is best known for his spell at Bolton Wanderers at the beginning of his career. Originally a right-back, he converted to centre-back in 2016 in order to extend his playing career.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roger Johnson (footballer)</span> English footballer

Roger Johnson is an English football manager and retired footballer who was most recently manager at Brackley Town.

Benjamin Robert Alnwick is an English former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stephen Crainey</span> Scottish footballer

Stephen Daniel Crainey is a Scottish former professional footballer. He is currently assistant manager for Bolton Wanderers.

Hayden Ian Mullins is an English former professional footballer and current manager. He played primarily as a defensive midfielder, but he also played as a sweeper and at right-back. He is currently the U21 Head Coach at Fulham.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lee Carsley</span> Footballer and coach (born 1974)

Lee Kevin Carsley is a professional football coach and former player who is currently head coach of England U21s

Mark Nicholas Davies is an English former professional footballer who played as a midfielder.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Wheater</span> English association football player

David James Wheater is an English former professional footballer who played as a defender. Primarily a centre back, he announced his retirement on 1 September 2023. In 2023, he began coaching young players in his own academy W2 Football Academy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gary Cahill</span> English footballer (born 1985)

Gary James Cahill is an English former professional footballer who played as a centre-back.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paul Robinson (footballer, born December 1978)</span> English footballer

Paul Peter Robinson is an English former professional footballer who played as a left-sided defender. Also capable of playing at centre-back, he represented five clubs in the Premier League and Football League between 1996 and 2018. He was capped three times for the England under-21 team in 1999.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Craig Gardner</span> English footballer (born 1986)

Craig Gardner is an English professional football coach and former player who made 260 appearances in the Premier League and a further 67 in the Championship. He joined the coaching staff at Birmingham City in January 2021 and was appointed technical director in June.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alex Baptiste</span> English footballer

Alexander Aaron John Baptiste is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre-back.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dorian Dervite</span> French footballer (born 1988)

Dorian Dervite-Vaussoue, known as Dorian Dervite, is a French professional footballer who plays as a defender. He is also a former French youth International having played at every youth level from U16 to U21 level.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matt Gilks</span> Footballer (born 1982)

Matthew Gilks is a former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He is the goalkeeping coach for Bolton Wanderers, the last team he played for.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kieran Gibbs</span> English footballer (born 1989)

Kieran James Ricardo Gibbs is an English former professional footballer who played as a left-back.

The 2006–07 season was Birmingham City Football Club's 104th consecutive season played in the English football league system, their 46th in the second tier of English football, and their first season at that level under the name of the Football League Championship. Managed by Steve Bruce, Birmingham were promoted back to the Premier League after just one season in the Championship. They reached the fourth round of both the 2006–07 FA Cup and League Cup. The 2006–07 season also marked the 100th anniversary of the first match held at their St Andrew's stadium.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jay Spearing</span> English footballer (born 1988)

Jay Francis Spearing is an English professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Premier League club Liverpool, where he is also a coach at their academy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jason Lowe (footballer)</span> English footballer (born 1991)

Jason John Lowe is an English professional footballer who plays for EFL League Two club Port Vale. He has played much of his career as a midfielder but has also been used as a right-back.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rob Holding</span> English footballer (born 1995)

Robert Samuel Holding is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Premier League club Crystal Palace.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2010). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11. Edinburgh: Mainstream Publishing. p. 298. ISBN   978-1-84596-601-0.
  2. ↑ "First-Team Profiles: Fabrice Muamba". Bolton Wanderers F.C. Archived from the original on 15 June 2012.
  3. ↑ Shepherd, Rob (28 February 2005). "Muamba handed Highbury haven". The Times. London. Retrieved 11 October 2012.
  4. ↑ Chronnell, Paul (7 December 2005). "Muamba: Can he really be the new Vieira?". Islington Gazette. Archived from the original on 25 January 2009.
  5. 1 2 Dickinson, Matt (21 November 2006). "Muamba may be answer to England's prayers". The Times. London. Retrieved 11 October 2012.
  6. 1 2 Copping, Jasper & Duffin, Claire (17 March 2012). "Fabrice Muamba collapses at Tottenham v Bolton game". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 28 September 2015. Retrieved 17 March 2012.
  7. 1 2 Lambrou, Lambros (2 November 2005). "Young Guns – Fabrice Muamba". Arsenal F.C. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007.
  8. ↑ "Arsenal 3–0 Reading". BBC Sport. 29 November 2005. Retrieved 20 March 2012.
  9. ↑ "Arsenal pair to join Birmingham". BBC Sport. 27 July 2006. Retrieved 12 May 2007.
  10. ↑ Tattum, Colin (3 May 2007). "Clemence scoops top award at Blues". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 23 April 2013.
  11. ↑ "Muamba signs deal with Birmingham". BBC Sport. 11 May 2007. Retrieved 12 May 2007.
  12. ↑ "Blues snap up Muamba". Birmingham City F.C. 11 May 2007. Archived from the original on 12 June 2007.
  13. ↑ Hassan, Nabil (12 March 2008). "Portsmouth 4–2 Birmingham". BBC Sport. Retrieved 13 March 2008.
  14. ↑ "Muamba joins Bolton". Birmingham City F.C. 16 June 2008. Archived from the original on 25 January 2009.
  15. ↑ Phillips, Owen (13 March 2010). "Bolton 4–0 Wigan". BBC Sport. Retrieved 13 March 2010.
  16. ↑ Iles, Marc (10 May 2010). "Reebok's Korean ace is simp-Lee the best". The Bolton News. Retrieved 10 May 2010.
  17. ↑ "Midfielder Fabrice Muamba signs new Bolton contract". BBC Sport. 7 August 2010. Retrieved 17 March 2012.
  18. 1 2 "Games played by Fabrice Muamba in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 September 2016.
  19. ↑ Chowdhury, Saj (27 October 2011). "Arsenal 2–1 Bolton". BBC Sport. Retrieved 17 March 2012.
  20. ↑ Randhawa, Kiran (19 March 2012). "Fans praise "hero" doctor who rushed on pitch to save Muamba". The Evening Standard. Retrieved 20 March 2012.
  21. ↑ "Bolton's Fabrice Muamba collapses during Spurs–Bolton match". BBC Sport. 17 March 2012. Retrieved 19 March 2012.
  22. ↑ "Spurs offer 'support' to players after Fabrice Muamba collapse". BBC Sport. 19 March 2012. Retrieved 23 April 2013.
  23. ↑ "Bolton fans stage Fabrice Muamba mosaic tribute". BBC Manchester. 24 March 2012. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
  24. 1 2 "Fabrice Muamba was 'dead' for 78 minutes – Bolton doctor". BBC Sport. 21 March 2012. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
  25. ↑ "Muamba remains critical". Evening Standard. PA Sport. 18 March 2012. Retrieved 19 March 2012.
  26. ↑ "Fabrice Muamba Update – Monday 19 March, 15.30". Bolton Wanderers F.C. 19 March 2012. Archived from the original on 21 June 2012.
  27. ↑ "Fabrice Muamba can recognise family, say hospital and Bolton". BBC Sport. 19 March 2012. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
  28. ↑ "Fabrice Muamba's first picture since collapse put on his Twitter feed". The Guardian. Press Association. 30 March 2012. Retrieved 3 April 2012.
  29. ↑ "Fabrice Muamba: Bolton midfielder discharged from hospital". BBC Sport. 16 April 2012. Retrieved 16 April 2012.
  30. ↑ "Fabrice Muamba happy to be back at 'special' Bolton". BBC Sport. 2 May 2012. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
  31. ↑ "Fabrice Muamba Statement". Bolton Wanderers F.C. 15 August 2012. Archived from the original on 16 August 2012. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
  32. ↑ "Fabrice Muamba makes emotional return to White Hart Lane". Sky Sports. 8 November 2012. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
  33. ↑ "Watch 2013 Africa Cup of Nations live on ITV4". ITV. 24 January 2013. Archived from the original on 10 April 2013. Retrieved 23 April 2013.
  34. ↑ "Fabrice Muamba: BBC placement helps start journalism career". BBC Sport. 13 December 2013. Retrieved 12 April 2016.
  35. ↑ Rucki, Alexandra (9 July 2015). "Ex-Bolton Wanderers star Fabrice Muamba graduates from University with BA in Sports Journalism". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 12 April 2016.
  36. ↑ Olver, Tom (7 March 2015). "Fabrice Muamba taking training sessions at Liverpool academy". Metro. Retrieved 12 April 2016.
  37. 1 2 "Loving the game again: Fabrice Muamba". Coaches' Voice. February 2023. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
  38. ↑ "Fabrice Muamba: Former Bolton and Birmingham midfielder coaches at Rochdale". BBC Sport. 24 September 2018. Retrieved 24 September 2018.
  39. ↑ Iles, Marc (15 March 2022). "Bolton Wanderers to offer Fabrice Muamba coaching role 10 years after collapse". The Bolton News. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
  40. ↑ https://www.thepfa.com/about-us/meet-the-team, Fabrice Muamba profile at the PFA, Professional Footballers' Association, Retrieved 2 March 2024
  41. ↑ "Fabrice Muamba". The Football Association. Retrieved 12 August 2010.
  42. ↑ "Agbonlahor in England U21 squad". BBC Sport. 16 August 2007. Retrieved 4 October 2010.
  43. ↑ "England U21 1–1 Romania U21". BBC Sport. 21 August 2007. Retrieved 22 August 2007.
  44. ↑ "Muamba turns down DR Congo call". BBC Sport. 23 May 2007. Retrieved 20 March 2012.
  45. ↑ "About Shauna". Shauna Muamba. Archived from the original on 27 May 2012.
  46. ↑ White, Steve (22 October 2012). "What a fab day! Heart-stop footballer Muamba marries his fiancee". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 23 October 2012.
  47. ↑ Muamba, Fabrice (14 June 2021). "Mental battle is the toughest part of Christian Eriksen's journey ahead" . The Times. London. p. 10. Retrieved 15 June 2021– via Gale OneFile: News.
  48. ↑ "Fabrice Muamba: devoted father and footballer". Sky News. 18 March 2012. Archived from the original on 19 March 2012. Retrieved 19 March 2012.
  49. ↑ "Boy's A Bit Special: Fabrice Muamba". FourFourTwo. February 2008. Retrieved 19 March 2012.
  50. ↑ "Fabrice Muamba gets University of Bolton honorary doctorate". BBC News. 13 July 2012. Retrieved 28 July 2012.
  51. ↑ "Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2012". BBC. 25 December 2012. Retrieved 23 April 2013.
  52. ↑ "Games played by Fabrice Muamba in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 September 2016.
  53. ↑ "Games played by Fabrice Muamba in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 September 2016.
  54. ↑ "Games played by Fabrice Muamba in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 September 2016.
  55. ↑ "Games played by Fabrice Muamba in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 September 2016.
  56. ↑ "Games played by Fabrice Muamba in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 September 2016.
  57. ↑ "Games played by Fabrice Muamba in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 September 2016.
  58. ↑ McIntyre, David (29 June 2009). "Germany U21 4–0 England U21". BBC Sport. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.