Ribery's career took a while to get going as he spent the first four years of his footballing life in France, playing for four different clubs. Boulogne, Alès, Stade Brestois and Metz all had the winger on their books before Galatasaray took a chance on the midfielder. His time at the club turned sour though and after going for four months without pay, he invoked a FIFA ruling which allowed him to cancel his contract. After just 15 matches in Turkey, Ribery chose to head back to France, joining Olympique Marseille on a free transfer.

His performances back home saw him tracked by Europe's elite and, after the disappointment of a World Cup final defeat to Italy, the French star was linked with all the best clubs. Eventually, Bayern Munich won the race for his signature and he signed a four-year deal for a club-record €26m.

It didn't take long for him to make his mark and he scored 11 goals, with seven assists in his first season. He continued to impress in the following seasons, despite injury issues, and helped the side to the Double in 2009-10, finding his place among Europe's elite.

Strengths: Fast, tricky and an excellent dribbler he has great control with the ball at his feet.

Weaknesses: Not the strongest, he also has temperament issues and can fall out with players and managers alike. Injury has also caused him problems.

Career high: Starring for Bayern in 2008-09 saw him linked with a £50 million move to Real Madrid.

Career low: Four months without pay at Galatasaray saw him unsure that he would ever make a name for himself in the world game.

Style: Quick, incisive, committed, a strong winger.

Quotes: ''He is the jewel in French football''. French legend Zinedine Zidane.

Trivia: When he was two years old, he and his family were involved in a car accident in his hometown, colliding with a truck, that result in his scarred appearance.