International Soccer Archive - Player Profiles - William Gallas (Chelsea & France)

Full Name: William Gallas
Date of Birth: August 17th, 1977
Place of Birth: Asnieres, France
Previous Clubs: Caen, Mareille

William Gallas may not look the most imposing of central defenders, but his frame masks a player of immense speed and strength who has profited hugely from playing alongside Marcel Desailly.

Born in Asnières in 1977, Gallas emerged on to the French scene as a teenager with AS Cannes in the 1995/96 season, playing 16 games. More fine showings in 18 matches the following term alerted Olympique de Marseille, who signed the player.

In 1998 Gallas continued to mature at the Vélodrome, where he was a regular for three seasons. His development was helped by Marseille's European campaigns, Gallas making seven UEFA Champions League outings in 1999/00.

2001 saw a number of the continent's leading clubs were tracking the defender, but Chelsea FC's €12.8m was enough to seal Gallas's coveted signature. He settled well into Premiership and London life, clocking up 30 appearances in his debut season. Gallas was then ever-present, and one of Chelsea's best performers, as they finished fourth in the Premiership in 2003 to reach the Champions League. In July he signed a one-year extension to his contract, keeping him at Stamford Bridge until 2007.

Gallas remained an integral member of the Chelsea side despite the arrival of several expensive signings, often filling well at right-back. He helped the Blues finish runners-up in the Premiership and reach the last four of the Champions League.