Tell me a bio of Franck Ribéry.

Include key facts about their life, career, achievements, and impact.

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Franck Ribéry is a French former professional footballer who played as a left winger. Born on April 7, 1983, in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, Ribéry's early life was marked by hardship and a passion for football.

**Early Life and Career**

Ribéry grew up in a working-class family and was raised by his mother, a single parent. He began playing football at a young age and joined the local club, Boulogne, before moving to Côte d'Azur in 1997. Ribéry's talent caught the attention of scouts, and he joined the youth academy of Marseille in 1997.

**Professional Career**

Ribéry's professional career began in 2000 when he joined Marseille's reserve team. He made his debut for the first team in 2002 and quickly established himself as a key player. In 2004, Ribéry moved to Galatasaray in Turkey, but his stay was short-lived due to a dispute with the club's management.

In 2005, Ribéry joined Olympique de Marseille, but his time at the club was marked by controversy and disciplinary issues. In 2007, he joined Bayern Munich in Germany, where he spent the majority of his career. During his time at Bayern, Ribéry won numerous titles, including five Bundesliga championships, four DFB-Pokals, and the UEFA Champions League in 2013.

**International Career**

Ribéry made his debut for the French national team in 2006 and went on to earn 81 caps, scoring 16 goals. He was a key player for France during the 2006 World Cup, where they reached the final. Ribéry also played in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, as well as the 2008 and 2012 European Championships.

**Achievements and Impact**

Ribéry's achievements on the pitch are numerous, but his impact extends beyond his playing career. He is known for his exceptional speed, skill, and work rate, which made him a nightmare for defenders. Ribéry's success on the pitch inspired a generation of young players, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

In 2013, Ribéry was named the UEFA Best Player in Europe, and in 2014, he was named the Ligue 1 Player of the Year. Ribéry was also named to the UEFA Team of the Year in 2013 and 2014.

**Personal Life and Legacy**

Ribéry's personal life has been marked by controversy and scandal. In 2010, he was involved in a high-profile affair with an 18-year-old woman, which led to a media frenzy. Ribéry has also been involved in several charity initiatives, including the "Franck Ribéry Foundation," which supports underprivileged children.

In 2020, Ribéry announced his retirement from professional football, citing a combination of injuries and personal reasons. Today, Ribéry is remembered as one of the greatest players of his generation, known for his exceptional skill, work rate, and dedication to the sport.
Franck Ribéry is a French former professional footballer who played as a left winger or left forward. He was born on April 7, 1983, in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France.

**Early Life and Career**

Ribéry began his football career at the local club Tavan, before joining Boulogne C.F. in 1997. He made his professional debut at 18 years old, playing for Boulogne, before joining the French club SC Cannes in 2002. In 2004, he moved to Schalke 04 in the German Bundesliga, where he spent two seasons and helped the team finish as runners-up in the Bundesliga.

**Bayern Munich and International Career**

In 2007, Ribéry transferred to Bayern Munich in the German Bundesliga. During his eight-year stint with the club, he won numerous titles, including four Bundesliga championships, four DFB-Pokals, and the 2013 UEFA Champions League title. Ribéry's exceptional skills and performances on the left wing, including his speed, skill, and ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates, made him an integral part of the team.

Ribéry also had a successful international career, earning 81 caps for the French national team and scoring 16 goals. He was a key player in the French squad that finished as runners-up at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

**Legacy and Impact**

Throughout his career, Ribéry earned numerous accolades and recognition for his outstanding performances. He was named the UEFA Best Player in Europe in 2013 and was a runner-up for the Ballon d'Or in the same year. Ribéry was also a two-time runner-up for the FIFA World Player of the Year and was named to the UEFA Team of the Year twice.

In 2014, Ribéry won the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball award as the tournament's best player. However, he suffered a series of injuries, which limited his appearances for both club and country towards the end of his career.

Ribéry announced his retirement from professional football in 2021, with a final match played for his hometown club, Olympique de Marseille, in 2021.

**Personal Life**

Ribéry is known to be a passionate player who wears his heart on his sleeve. He has been married to his wife, Wahida Cherifi, since 2003, and the couple has four children together. Ribéry has also been an advocate for social justice, using his platform to raise awareness about various causes, including immigration reform and poverty alleviation.

**Key Stats and Achievements**

* Club career: 675 appearances, 154 goals
* International career: 81 appearances, 16 goals
* Titles: 4 Bundesliga championships, 4 DFB-Pokals, 1 UEFA Champions League
* Individual accolades: UEFA Best Player in Europe (2013), Ballon d'Or runner-up (2013), FIFA World Cup Golden Ball (2014)

Overall, Franck Ribéry is a legendary French footballer who left an indelible mark on the game with his incredible speed, skill, and goal-scoring ability. His on-field achievements and his commitment to social justice have made him a beloved figure in the world of football.