Franck Ribery

50 Top Soccer Player their trade today, based on a combination of current form, potential and overall ability.  Ranking  determined by a panel of contributors to ESPN's soccer.

Franck Ribery    Rank Player 12

Profile
Birth name                   Franck Ribéry
Birth date                    April 7, 1983
Birth place                   Boulogne-sur-Mer, France
Height                         1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)
Weight                         72 kg
National team               France
Playing position            Winger/Midfielder
Current club                 Bayern Munich
Number                        7

Biography
Franck Ribéry  is a French international footballer who currently plays for German club Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga. Since joining Bayern, he has been recognised on the world stage as one of the best French players of his generation. The previous talisman of French national team, Zinedine Zidane, has called Ribéry the "jewel of French football".

Ribéry's career began in 1989 as a youth player for local hometown club Conti Boulogne. He left the club after seven years to join professional outfit Lille, but departed the club after three years after having difficulties adjusting.

Ribéry is a French international. Prior to representing the senior team, he played at under-21 level. At senior level, Ribéry has represented his nation two FIFA World Cups and UEFA Euro 2008. He made his international debut in May 2006 against Mexico. At the 2006 World Cup, Ribéry scored his first international goal against Spain and played in the final match against Italy. Individually, Ribéry is a two-time winner of the French Player of the Year award and has also won the German Footballer of the Year becoming the first player to hold both honours. He has also been named to the UEFA Team of the Year and declared the Young Player of the Year in France.

Scouting thumbnail
Clever playmaker who operates anywhere behind the striker but prefers the wing. Direct player who loves to run at defenders and get to the byline. Impressive work rate.
Ribéry primarily plays as a winger, preferably on the left side, and is known for "pace, energy, skill and precise passing."  Ribéry is described as a player who is "fast, tricky and an excellent dribbler" who "has great control with the ball at his feet".

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.