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35 Facts About Joël Matip

Desirae Dimarco

Written by Desirae Dimarco

Modified & Updated: 05 Dec 2024

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Source: Tribuna.com

Joël Matip, born on August 8, 1991, in Bochum, Germany, is a name that resonates with football fans worldwide. Known for his towering height of 6'4" and strong defensive skills, Matip has carved out an impressive career. Why did he choose to represent Cameroon internationally despite being born in Germany? The answer lies in his deep family ties to Cameroon, following in his father's footsteps. From his early days at SC Weitmar 45 to his significant contributions at Schalke 04 and Liverpool, Matip's journey is filled with remarkable achievements. Let's dive into 35 fascinating facts about this talented centre-back.

Key Takeaways:

  • Joël Matip's journey from Bochum to Liverpool showcases the impact of early experiences on a successful football career, highlighting the importance of dedication and seizing opportunities.
  • Matip's towering presence, goal-scoring ability, and resilience through injuries have left a lasting legacy, inspiring young footballers and earning him a special place in the hearts of fans.
Table of Contents
01Early Life and Career Beginnings
02Rise at Schalke 04
03International Career with Cameroon
04Move to Liverpool
05Achievements with Liverpool
06Personal Achievements and Recognition
07Family and Personal Life
08Return to Gelsenkirchen
09Legacy and Impact
10Joël Matip's Lasting Impact

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Joël Matip's journey in football began at a young age. His early experiences laid the groundwork for his future success.

  1. Born in Bochum, Germany: Matip was born on August 8, 1991, in Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. This city is known for its rich football culture.

  2. Youth Career at SC Weitmar 45: Matip started playing football at SC Weitmar 45, a local club where he honed his skills.

  3. Move to VfL Bochum: In 1997, Matip joined VfL Bochum, a significant step in his youth career. This move provided him with better training facilities and exposure.

Rise at Schalke 04

Matip's talent soon caught the eye of bigger clubs, leading to a pivotal move to Schalke 04.

  1. Joined Schalke 04 in 2000: At just nine years old, Matip joined Schalke 04, one of Germany's top clubs. This move marked the beginning of his professional journey.

  2. First Professional Contract in 2009: Matip signed his first professional contract with Schalke 04 in 2009, officially starting his professional career.

  3. DFB-Pokal and DFL-Supercup Wins: In 2011, Matip helped Schalke 04 win the DFB-Pokal and the DFL-Supercup, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

International Career with Cameroon

Despite being born in Germany, Matip chose to represent Cameroon at the international level, influenced by his father's heritage.

  1. International Debut in 2010: Matip made his international debut for Cameroon on March 3, 2010, in a friendly match against Italy.

  2. 2010 Africa Cup of Nations: Although initially declining to participate, Matip later joined the national team and played in several international tournaments.

  3. 2014 FIFA World Cup: Matip played for Cameroon in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, scoring against Brazil in a 1-4 loss. This goal was Cameroon's only score in the tournament.

  4. International Retirement in 2015: Matip retired from international football in 2015 due to dissatisfaction with the national team's setup, allowing him to focus on his club career.

Move to Liverpool

Matip's career took a significant turn when he joined Liverpool, where he achieved considerable success.

  1. Joined Liverpool in 2016: Matip joined Liverpool on a free transfer in 2016, becoming the second Cameroon international to play for the Reds after Rigobert Song.

  2. Height and Physicality: Standing at 6'4" (1.95 m), Matip's height and physicality have been key factors in his success as a centre-back.

  3. Goal-Scoring Ability: During his time at Schalke 04, Matip averaged a goal every 10 games, making him a valuable asset in both defense and attack.

Achievements with Liverpool

Matip's time at Liverpool was marked by numerous achievements, solidifying his place in the club's history.

  1. UEFA Champions League Debut: Matip made his UEFA Champions League debut with Schalke 04 during the 2010-11 season, gaining valuable experience.

  2. First Champions League Goal: On April 5, 2011, Matip scored his first Champions League goal in a quarter-final match against Inter Milan.

  3. UEFA Champions League Win in 2019: Matip won the UEFA Champions League with Liverpool in 2019, starting in the final against Tottenham Hotspur and assisting Divock Origi's goal.

  4. UEFA Super Cup Win: Matip won the UEFA Super Cup with Liverpool in 2019, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.

  5. Premier League Title in 2019-20: Matip helped Liverpool win the Premier League title in the 2019-20 season, marking a significant milestone in his career.

  6. FA Cup and EFL Cup Wins: During the 2021-22 season, Matip contributed to Liverpool's FA Cup and EFL Cup victories.

  7. FA Community Shield: In 2022, Matip helped Liverpool win the FA Community Shield.

Personal Achievements and Recognition

Matip's individual performances have also earned him several accolades and recognition.

  1. PFA Player of the Month: In September 2019, Matip was named PFA Player of the Month, highlighting his outstanding performance.

  2. Premier League Player of the Month: In February 2022, Matip was named Premier League Player of the Month, further solidifying his status as a top defender.

  3. CAF Team of the Year: In 2019, Matip was included in the CAF Team of the Year, recognizing his outstanding performance at the international level.

Family and Personal Life

Matip's family has played a significant role in his life and career, with strong ties to football.

  1. Family Ties: Matip's older brother, Marvin, also played for Cameroon. Their cousin Joseph-Desire Job earned 52 caps for Cameroon between 1998 and 2011.

  2. Injury Issues: Throughout his career, Matip has faced several injury setbacks, including an ACL injury in December 2023. Despite these challenges, he has shown resilience.

  3. Coaching Aspirations: After leaving Liverpool in 2024, Matip expressed interest in coaching. He has already begun coaching children at SSV Buer, an amateur sports club in Gelsenkirchen.

Return to Gelsenkirchen

After a successful stint at Liverpool, Matip returned to his hometown, exploring new opportunities.

  1. Return to Gelsenkirchen in 2024: Matip returned to Gelsenkirchen in the summer of 2024, allowing him to be closer to his family.

  2. Schalke 04 Interest: Despite his departure from Liverpool, Schalke 04 remains interested in signing Matip. The club has held talks with him over the summer.

Legacy and Impact

Matip's contributions to football have left a lasting impact, both at the club and international levels.

  1. Legacy at Liverpool: Matip is remembered as a key player in Liverpool's successful squad from 2018 to 2022. His humility and dedication have earned him a special place in the hearts of Liverpool fans.

  2. Career Statistics: As of December 2023, Matip has made 348 appearances in his professional career, scoring 27 goals. He has also played 79 international matches for Cameroon, scoring one goal.

  3. Honors and Awards: Matip has won several honors, including the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Premier League title, FA Cup, EFL Cup, and FA Community Shield.

  4. Style of Play: Known for his strong and clever playing style, Matip is capable of dribbling up the pitch to create momentum, making him a versatile defender.

  5. Impact on Liverpool: Matip's presence at Liverpool was instrumental in the team's success during the 2018-2022 period. His partnership with Virgil van Dijk was particularly notable.

  6. Personal Life: Matip is married and has a child. His decision to return to Gelsenkirchen was influenced by his family's needs.

  7. Future Aspirations: As Matip transitions from playing to potentially coaching, his legacy as a footballer continues to grow. His humility, dedication, and contributions to both club and country have cemented his place in football history.

Joël Matip's Lasting Impact

Joël Matip's career is a testament to hard work, resilience, and dedication. From his early days in Bochum to his rise at Schalke 04 and his triumphs with Liverpool, Matip has consistently proven his worth. His decision to represent Cameroon, despite being born in Germany, added a unique chapter to his story. Winning the UEFA Champions League, Premier League, and other major titles with Liverpool solidified his place among football's elite. Even with injury setbacks, his determination never wavered. Now, as he transitions to coaching, Matip's legacy continues to inspire. His humility, on-field intelligence, and contributions to both club and country ensure he remains a celebrated figure in football history. As he embarks on this new chapter, Matip's journey serves as a beacon for aspiring footballers worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What position does Joël Matip play on the field?
Joël Matip shines as a central defender. His towering presence and keen sense of positioning make him a formidable force at the back, thwarting opponents' attacks with ease.
How did Matip end up playing for Liverpool?
His journey to Liverpool began as a free transfer from Schalke 04 in 2016. Matip's impressive performances in the Bundesliga caught the Reds' eye, leading them to secure his services without a transfer fee.
Has Joël Matip won any titles with Liverpool?
Absolutely! Matip has played a crucial role in Liverpool's recent successes, including clinching the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.
What makes Joël Matip stand out among other defenders?
Beyond his defensive prowess, Matip is known for his ability to initiate attacks from the back. His calmness under pressure and skillful ball-handling allow him to contribute significantly to the team's offensive play.
Can Matip play for any national team besides Cameroon?
Born in Germany to a German mother and a Cameroonian father, Matip had the choice to represent either nation. However, he chose to play for Cameroon and has been capped by their national team.
What's a little-known fact about Joël Matip?
Off the pitch, Matip is quite the chess enthusiast. This strategic game mirrors his approach on the field, where anticipation and smart decisions are key.
How does Matip contribute to Liverpool's defense?
His height, combined with excellent aerial ability, makes him a key asset during set pieces, both defensively and offensively. Matip's knack for reading the game also helps Liverpool maintain a solid backline.
What's next for Joël Matip?
Continuously improving, Matip remains a vital part of Liverpool's squad. Fans eagerly watch as he upholds his defensive duties and helps the team in their quest for more silverware.

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