Mario Melchiot
Encyclopedia
Mario Deno Patrik Melchiot (born 4 November 1976 in Amsterdam
) is a Dutch
football defender who currently plays for Qatar
i Stars League club Umm Salal
. He can play as either a right-back or a central defender, and has also occasionally played in midfield.
, living with his two brothers and two sisters. He enjoyed a close relationship with his eldest brother, Winston, who acted as Mario's mentor after their parents split up. When Winston died of a heart attack at the age of 25, Melchiot considered giving up football.
in a 4-1 defeat against Juventus. Melchiot spent three seasons at the club, winning the Eredivisie
in 1998 and the KNVB Cup
in 1998 and 1999. In the summer of 1999, he signed a three-year contract with Chelsea
under the Bosman ruling
.
. A month later he played in the FA Cup final against Aston Villa where he played a major role in helping Chelsea
win the match.
At the start of the 2000–01 season, he scored his first goal for Chelsea in a 2-0 win against Manchester United
in the Charity Shield
. Under new manager Claudio Ranieri
, Melchiot quickly established himself as the club's first choice right-back, and was soon rewarded with a contract extension, keeping him at the club until 2004.
on a three-year contract in July 2004, and made his debut in a 1–1 draw against Portsmouth
. In his second season, Birmingham found themselves in a relegation battle. He soon became a scapegoat
for the club's poor performances, and was booed by his own supporters in a match against Tottenham Hotspur. Birmingham were finally relegated in April 2006 after a 0–0 draw with Newcastle United
. He played his last game for Birmingham in their 1–0 defeat to Bolton Wanderers
on 7 May 2006. He scored two league goals during his spell at Birmingham, against Charlton and Wigan.
Round of 16 tie against Ligue 2
club Libourne-Saint-Seurin
. Melchiot endeared himself to the Rennes faithful when he scored his first league goal for the club in a 2–0 win over fierce rivals Nantes
. Melchiot's contract with Rennes lasted until the summer of 2007.
on a free transfer on 15 June 2007. On 24 July 2007, he was given the Wigan captaincy, following the departure of his compatriot Arjan de Zeeuw
. He became a fan-favourite at the JJB, and made Latics history when he became the first Wigan player to play in a major international tournament by coming on for the Netherlands against Romania at the UEFA Euro 2008 tournament. He made over 100 appearances for Wigan during his three years at the club.
and agreed to join Umm-Salal Sports Club
on a free transfer after his existing contract expired at the end of the month. He was signed by Umm Salal manager, Henk ten Cate
, as he was reportedly interested in an experienced defender after signing Spanish midfielder Gabri. He made his debut in a 2-2 draw against Al-Arabi.
since making his international debut on 11 October 2000 in a 2–0 World Cup qualifier
defeat against Portugal
. His last international appearance was in the final group match of UEFA Euro 2008 against Romania
on 17 June 2008.
and Dean Gorre, calling themselves BMD, released a rap/R & B
track called "Midas Touch". He has also campaigned for the British Heart Foundation
and has appeared on the quiz show A Question of Sport
.
|-
|1996-97||rowspan="3"|Ajax||rowspan="3"|Eredivisie
|23||0||1||0||colspan="2"|-||9||1||33||1
|-
|1997-98
|26||0||3||0||colspan="2"|-||4||0||33||0
|-
|1998-99
|24||1||4||1||colspan="2"|-||1||0||29||2
|-
|1999–00||rowspan="5"|Chelsea
||rowspan="7"|Premier League
|5||0||1||0||-||-||-||-||6||0
|-
|2000–01
|31||0||1||0||1||0||1||0||34||0
|-
|2001–02
|37||2||6||0||4||0||3||0||50||2
|-
|2002–03
|34||0||5||0||2||0||-||-||41||0
|-
|2003–04
|23||2||3||0||2||0||5||0||33||2
|-
|2004–05||rowspan="2"|Birmingham City
|33||1||2||0||2||0||-||-||37||1
|-
|2005–06
|23||1||5||0||1||0||-||-||29||1
|-
|2006–07||Rennes||Ligue 1
|30||2||1||0||3||1||-||-||34||3
|-
|2007–08||rowspan="3"|Wigan Athletic
||rowspan="3"|Premier League
|31||0||1||0||1||0||-||-||33||0
|-
|2008–09
|34||0||-||-||1||0||-||-||35||0
|-
|2009–10
|32||0||1||0||-||-||-||-||33||0
|-
73||1||8||1||colspan="2"|-||14||1||95||3
283||6||25||0||14||0||9||0||331||6
30||2||1||0||3||1||-||-||34||3
386||9||34||1||17||1||23||1||460||12
Chelsea
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands. The current position of Amsterdam as capital city of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is governed by the constitution of August 24, 1815 and its successors. Amsterdam has a population of 783,364 within city limits, an urban population...
) is a Dutch
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
football defender who currently plays for Qatar
Qatar
Qatar , also known as the State of Qatar or locally Dawlat Qaṭar, is a sovereign Arab state, located in the Middle East, occupying the small Qatar Peninsula on the northeasterly coast of the much larger Arabian Peninsula. Its sole land border is with Saudi Arabia to the south, with the rest of its...
i Stars League club Umm Salal
Umm-Salal Sports Club
Umm-Salal Sport Club is a Qatari football team playing at the first level. It is based in Umm Salal. It was previously known as Al-Tadamun Club....
. He can play as either a right-back or a central defender, and has also occasionally played in midfield.
Early life
Melchiot was born and raised in AmsterdamAmsterdam
Amsterdam is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands. The current position of Amsterdam as capital city of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is governed by the constitution of August 24, 1815 and its successors. Amsterdam has a population of 783,364 within city limits, an urban population...
, living with his two brothers and two sisters. He enjoyed a close relationship with his eldest brother, Winston, who acted as Mario's mentor after their parents split up. When Winston died of a heart attack at the age of 25, Melchiot considered giving up football.
Ajax
Melchiot started his career in the youth system at Ajax, and made his debut in the 1996–97 season. He scored his first goal for the club in the semi-final of the Champions LeagueUEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
in a 4-1 defeat against Juventus. Melchiot spent three seasons at the club, winning the Eredivisie
Eredivisie
The Eredivisie is the highest football league in the Netherlands. The league was founded in 1956 two years after the start of professional football in the Netherlands. It is currently ranked the ninth best league in Europe by UEFA....
in 1998 and the KNVB Cup
KNVB Cup
The KNVB Cup is a competition in the Netherlands organized by the Royal Dutch Football Association since 1899. It was based on the format of the English FA Cup. Outside of the Netherlands, it is often referred to as the Dutch Cup...
in 1998 and 1999. In the summer of 1999, he signed a three-year contract with Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
under the Bosman ruling
Bosman ruling
Union Royale Belge des Sociétés de Football Association ASBL v Jean-Marc Bosman is a 1995 European Court of Justice decision concerning freedom of movement for workers, freedom of association, and direct effect of article 39 of the EC Treaty...
.
Chelsea
For most of his first season at the club, Melchiot did not feature in the first-team due to injuries. However, on 22 April 2000, following an injury to Albert Ferrer, Melchiot finally made his debut in a 1-1 draw against MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough F.C.
Middlesbrough Football Club , also known as Boro, are an English football club based in Middlesbrough, who play in the Football League Championship. Formed in 1876, they have played at the Riverside Stadium since August 1995, their third ground since turning professional in 1889...
. A month later he played in the FA Cup final against Aston Villa where he played a major role in helping Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
win the match.
At the start of the 2000–01 season, he scored his first goal for Chelsea in a 2-0 win against Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
in the Charity Shield
FA Community Shield
The Football Association Community Shield is English football's annual match contested between the champions of the previous Premier League season and the holders of the FA Cup at Wembley Stadium. If the Premier League champions also won the FA Cup then the league runners-up provide the opposition...
. Under new manager Claudio Ranieri
Claudio Ranieri
Claudio Ranieri, is an Italian football manager, currently in charge as head coach of Internazionale.He has also managed many other well-known clubs in Europe, including Cagliari, Napoli, Fiorentina, Valencia, Atlético Madrid, Chelsea, Parma, Juventus and Roma.-Early life:Ranieri attended St...
, Melchiot quickly established himself as the club's first choice right-back, and was soon rewarded with a contract extension, keeping him at the club until 2004.
Birmingham City
He signed for Birmingham CityBirmingham City F.C.
Birmingham City Football Club is a professional association football club based in the city of Birmingham, England. Formed in 1875 as Small Heath Alliance, they became Small Heath in 1888, then Birmingham in 1905, finally becoming Birmingham City in 1943.They were relegated at the end of the...
on a three-year contract in July 2004, and made his debut in a 1–1 draw against Portsmouth
Portsmouth F.C.
Portsmouth Football Club is an English football club based in the city of Portsmouth. The club is nicknamed Pompey. Portsmouth's home matches have been played at Fratton Park since the club's formation in 1898. The team currently play in the Football League Championship after being relegated from...
. In his second season, Birmingham found themselves in a relegation battle. He soon became a scapegoat
Scapegoat
Scapegoating is the practice of singling out any party for unmerited negative treatment or blame. Scapegoating may be conducted by individuals against individuals , individuals against groups , groups against individuals , and groups against groups Scapegoating is the practice of singling out any...
for the club's poor performances, and was booed by his own supporters in a match against Tottenham Hotspur. Birmingham were finally relegated in April 2006 after a 0–0 draw with Newcastle United
Newcastle United F.C.
Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger...
. He played his last game for Birmingham in their 1–0 defeat to Bolton Wanderers
Bolton Wanderers F.C.
Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the area of Horwich in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. They began their current spell in the Premier League in 2001....
on 7 May 2006. He scored two league goals during his spell at Birmingham, against Charlton and Wigan.
Rennes
In August 2006, Melchiot joined French outfit Rennes on a one-year contract. He scored his first goal for the club in a Coupe de la LigueCoupe de la Ligue
The Coupe de la Ligue , known outside of France as the French League Cup, is a knockout cup competition in French football organized by the Ligue de Football Professionnel...
Round of 16 tie against Ligue 2
Ligue 2
Ligue 2 , formerly known as Division 2, is a French professional football league. The league serves as the second division of French football and is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel , the other being Ligue 1, the country's top football division...
club Libourne-Saint-Seurin
FC Libourne-Saint-Seurin
FC Libourne-Saint-Seurin are a French football team from the town of Libourne in Aquitaine. They currently play in the Championnat de France amateur Group C.-History:...
. Melchiot endeared himself to the Rennes faithful when he scored his first league goal for the club in a 2–0 win over fierce rivals Nantes
FC Nantes Atlantique
Football Club de Nantes is a French association football club based in Nantes, Pays de la Loire. The club was founded on 21 April 1943, during World War II, as a result of local clubs based in the city coming together to form one big club. From 1992–2007, the club was referred to as FC Nantes...
. Melchiot's contract with Rennes lasted until the summer of 2007.
Wigan Athletic
Melchiot joined Wigan AthleticWigan Athletic F.C.
Wigan Athletic Football Club is an English Premier League Association football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, having been promoted from the Championship in 2005. Wigan's current spell in the Premier League is the only top flight run in the club's history.They have played at the DW...
on a free transfer on 15 June 2007. On 24 July 2007, he was given the Wigan captaincy, following the departure of his compatriot Arjan de Zeeuw
Arjan de Zeeuw
Adrianus "Arjan" de Zeeuw is a retired Dutch footballer, who played as a centre-back.-Club career:...
. He became a fan-favourite at the JJB, and made Latics history when he became the first Wigan player to play in a major international tournament by coming on for the Netherlands against Romania at the UEFA Euro 2008 tournament. He made over 100 appearances for Wigan during his three years at the club.
Umm Salal
In June 2010, Melchiot turned down a new contract from Wigan AthleticWigan Athletic F.C.
Wigan Athletic Football Club is an English Premier League Association football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, having been promoted from the Championship in 2005. Wigan's current spell in the Premier League is the only top flight run in the club's history.They have played at the DW...
and agreed to join Umm-Salal Sports Club
Umm-Salal Sports Club
Umm-Salal Sport Club is a Qatari football team playing at the first level. It is based in Umm Salal. It was previously known as Al-Tadamun Club....
on a free transfer after his existing contract expired at the end of the month. He was signed by Umm Salal manager, Henk ten Cate
Henk ten Cate
Henk ten Cate is a Dutch football manager and a former professional player.In the 2005–06 season, he was the assistant of Frank Rijkaard at Barcelona that guided the team to a Champions League Trophy and La Liga title...
, as he was reportedly interested in an experienced defender after signing Spanish midfielder Gabri. He made his debut in a 2-2 draw against Al-Arabi.
International career
Melchiot has picked up 22 caps for the NetherlandsNetherlands national football team
The Netherlands National Football Team represents the Netherlands in association football and is controlled by the Royal Dutch Football Association , the governing body for football in the Netherlands...
since making his international debut on 11 October 2000 in a 2–0 World Cup qualifier
FIFA World Cup qualification
The FIFA World Cup qualification is the process that a national association football team goes through to qualify for the FIFA World Cup Finals. The FIFA World Cup is a global event, so qualification is required to reduce the large field of participants from about 200 to 32.Qualifying tournaments...
defeat against Portugal
Portugal national football team
The Portugal national football team represents Portugal in association football and is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation, the governing body for football in Portugal. Portugal's home ground is Estádio Nacional in Oeiras, and their head coach is Paulo Bento...
. His last international appearance was in the final group match of UEFA Euro 2008 against Romania
Romania national football team
The Romania national football team is the national football team of Romania and is controlled by the Romanian Football Federation.Romania is one of only four national teams, the other three being Brazil, France, and Belgium, that took part in the first three World Cups.However, after that...
on 17 June 2008.
Outside football
In 1998, Melchiot and Ajax teammates Benni McCarthyBenni McCarthy
Benedict Saul "Benni" McCarthy is a South African footballer who is currently contracted to Orlando Pirates in South Africa.McCarthy holds the record of international goals for a South African...
and Dean Gorre, calling themselves BMD, released a rap/R & B
Rhythm and blues
Rhythm and blues, often abbreviated to R&B, is a genre of popular African American music that originated in the 1940s. The term was originally used by record companies to describe recordings marketed predominantly to urban African Americans, at a time when "urbane, rocking, jazz based music with a...
track called "Midas Touch". He has also campaigned for the British Heart Foundation
British Heart Foundation
The British Heart Foundation is a charity organisation in Britain that funds research, education, care and awareness campaigns aimed to prevent heart diseases in humans.-Foundation:...
and has appeared on the quiz show A Question of Sport
A Question of Sport
A Question of Sport is a long-running BBC quiz show which started on 2 December 1968 and continues to this day. It is currently recorded at The Studios, MediaCityUK...
.
Career statistics
As of 9 May 2010|-
|1996-97||rowspan="3"|Ajax||rowspan="3"|Eredivisie
Eredivisie
The Eredivisie is the highest football league in the Netherlands. The league was founded in 1956 two years after the start of professional football in the Netherlands. It is currently ranked the ninth best league in Europe by UEFA....
|23||0||1||0||colspan="2"|-||9||1||33||1
|-
|1997-98
|26||0||3||0||colspan="2"|-||4||0||33||0
|-
|1998-99
|24||1||4||1||colspan="2"|-||1||0||29||2
|-
|1999–00||rowspan="5"|Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
||rowspan="7"|Premier League
|5||0||1||0||-||-||-||-||6||0
|-
|2000–01
|31||0||1||0||1||0||1||0||34||0
|-
|2001–02
|37||2||6||0||4||0||3||0||50||2
|-
|2002–03
|34||0||5||0||2||0||-||-||41||0
|-
|2003–04
|23||2||3||0||2||0||5||0||33||2
|-
|2004–05||rowspan="2"|Birmingham City
Birmingham City F.C.
Birmingham City Football Club is a professional association football club based in the city of Birmingham, England. Formed in 1875 as Small Heath Alliance, they became Small Heath in 1888, then Birmingham in 1905, finally becoming Birmingham City in 1943.They were relegated at the end of the...
|33||1||2||0||2||0||-||-||37||1
|-
|2005–06
|23||1||5||0||1||0||-||-||29||1
|-
|2006–07||Rennes||Ligue 1
Ligue 1
Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
|30||2||1||0||3||1||-||-||34||3
|-
|2007–08||rowspan="3"|Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic F.C.
Wigan Athletic Football Club is an English Premier League Association football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, having been promoted from the Championship in 2005. Wigan's current spell in the Premier League is the only top flight run in the club's history.They have played at the DW...
||rowspan="3"|Premier League
|31||0||1||0||1||0||-||-||33||0
|-
|2008–09
|34||0||-||-||1||0||-||-||35||0
|-
|2009–10
|32||0||1||0||-||-||-||-||33||0
|-
73||1||8||1||colspan="2"|-||14||1||95||3
283||6||25||0||14||0||9||0||331||6
30||2||1||0||3||1||-||-||34||3
386||9||34||1||17||1||23||1||460||12
Playing Honours
Ajax- EredivisieEredivisieThe Eredivisie is the highest football league in the Netherlands. The league was founded in 1956 two years after the start of professional football in the Netherlands. It is currently ranked the ninth best league in Europe by UEFA....
: 1997–98 - KNVB CupKNVB CupThe KNVB Cup is a competition in the Netherlands organized by the Royal Dutch Football Association since 1899. It was based on the format of the English FA Cup. Outside of the Netherlands, it is often referred to as the Dutch Cup...
: 1998, 1999 - Bruges Matins Trophy: 1997
Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
- FA Premier LeagueFA Premier LeagueThe Premier League is an English professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the English football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. Contested by 20 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with The Football League. The Premier...
: runner-up 2003–04 - FA CupFA CupThe Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
: 2000, runner-up 2002 - FA Charity Shield: 2000