Fabrice Muamba

Fabrice Ndala Muamba (born 6 April 1988) is an English retired professional footballer who played for Arsenal, Birmingham City and Bolton Wanderers as a central midfielder. Born in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), Muamba moved to England at the age of 11 and subsequently played for England up to under-21 level.

Fabrice Muamba
Muamba with Birmingham City in 2007
Personal information
Full name Fabrice Ndala Muamba[1]
Date of birth (1988-04-06) 6 April 1988[1]
Place of birth Kinshasa, Zaire
Height 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)[2]
Playing position(s) Central midfielder
Youth career
2002–2005 Arsenal
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2005–2007 Arsenal 0 (0)
2006–2007 → Birmingham City (loan) 34 (0)
2007–2008 Birmingham City 37 (2)
2008–2012 Bolton Wanderers 130 (3)
Total 201 (5)
National team
2002–2003 England U16 7 (0)
2004–2005 England U17 7 (0)
2005–2006 England U18 2 (0)
2006–2007 England U19 8 (0)
2007–2011 England U21 33 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Muamba began his career in 2002, joining Arsenal's youth academy. After three years, he turned professional in 2005. He made his debut for Arsenal in the League Cup, but played only one other professional match for the club. Following a loan spell with Birmingham City, he made the move permanent in 2007. He stayed with Birmingham City for one additional year, and left after making more than 70 appearances and making his England under-21 debut while with the team. He joined Bolton Wanderers in 2008.

In March 2012, Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest during a televised FA Cup match between Bolton and Tottenham Hotspur, from which he recovered despite his heart having stopped for 78 minutes. Following medical advice, he announced his retirement from professional football in August 2012. As of September 2018, he is a youth coach at Rochdale.

Early life

Muamba was born in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo).[1] His father fled the country in 1994 because of his political views and arrived in the United Kingdom seeking asylum. In 1999, he was granted indefinite leave to remain, at which time he was joined by the rest of the family.[3] They settled in east London, where Muamba attended Kelmscott School in Walthamstow.[4] Despite having arrived in Britain aged 11, unable to speak English,[5] he went on to achieve 10 GCSEs and A-levels in English, French and mathematics.[6]

Club career

Arsenal

Muamba was associated with Arsenal's youth system as a schoolboy from 2002, joining their Academy as a first-year scholar in August 2004. He signed his first professional contract in October 2005 and made his first team debut on 25 October in a League Cup tie against Sunderland, in front of a 47,000 crowd at the Stadium of Light.[7] He made his second and final first team appearance for Arsenal in the next round, against Reading, where he contributed to a 3–0 victory.[8]

Birmingham City

In August 2006, Muamba joined Championship club Birmingham City on a season-long loan.[9] After a slow start, his energetic style of play, which has been likened to that of his hero Patrick Vieira,[7] established him as a regular starter in central midfield. The fans were equally impressed, voting him their Young Player of the Season.[10]

On 11 May 2007 Muamba made his move to Birmingham City permanent,[11] signing a three-year contract for a fee reported by the club of £4 million.[12] He scored his first goal for the club, a close-range volley from a corner, on 12 March 2008 in a 4–2 defeat at Portsmouth.[13] He made 37 appearances as Birmingham were relegated from the Premier League after one season back in the top tier.

Bolton Wanderers
Muamba warming up before a Bolton Wanderers game in 2011

On 16 June 2008, Muamba joined Premier League Bolton Wanderers for a fee of £5 million, with add-ons worth a further £750,000, on a four-year contract.[14] He scored his first goal for the club against Wigan Athletic on 13 March 2010.[15] In recognition of his impressive 2009–10 season at Bolton, he was named as The Bolton News Player of the Season.[16] On 7 August, Muamba signed a new four-year contract with Bolton.[17]

Muamba scored on the opening day of the 2011–12 league season, in Bolton's 4–0 away win against Queens Park Rangers.[18] He then scored his first ever goal in the League Cup, against his old club Arsenal in a 2–1 defeat.[19]

Cardiac arrest and retirement

On 17 March 2012, Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed during the first half of an FA Cup quarter-final match between Bolton and Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane. After receiving lengthy attention on the pitch from medical personnel – including a consultant cardiologist who was at the game as a fan – Muamba was taken to the specialist coronary care unit at the London Chest Hospital.[20] Bolton manager Owen Coyle and club captain Kevin Davies accompanied Muamba in the ambulance.[21] The match was abandoned by referee Howard Webb, and Bolton's next game, against Aston Villa, due to be played three days later, was postponed at the club's request.[22] Aston Villa raised no objection.

Bolton fans show their support for Muamba at their first match after the incident, against Blackburn Rovers on 24 March 2012.[23]
Arsenal fans showing their support for Muamba shortly after his cardiac arrest.

Bolton's club doctor later confirmed that Muamba had received numerous defibrillator shocks both on the pitch and in the ambulance, but his heart had stopped for 78 minutes.[24] The player was initially kept under anaesthesia in intensive care.[25] By 19 March, his heart was beating without medication and he was able to move his limbs.[26] Later that day his condition was described as "serious" rather than "critical" and he was able to recognise family members and respond appropriately to questions.[27] By 21 March, his consultant suggested that Muamba's progress had "exceeded our expectations" and that although he faced a "lengthy recovery period", "normal life is within the spectrum of possibility".[24]

Two weeks after the incident, a photograph was released of Muamba sitting up in his hospital bed and smiling.[28] He was discharged from hospital on 16 April, having been fitted with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD).[29] Muamba attended Bolton's home match against Tottenham Hotspur on 2 May, where he expressed his gratitude for the support he had received.[30]

On 15 August 2012, Bolton announced that Muamba had retired from professional football, based on the recommendation of his medical team. Muamba said:[31]

Since suffering my heart attack and being discharged from hospital, I have remained utterly positive in the belief I could one day resume my playing career and play for Bolton Wanderers once again. As part of my on-going recovery, last week I travelled to Belgium to seek further medical advice from a leading cardiologist. But the news I received was obviously not what I had hoped it would be and it means I am now announcing my retirement from professional football. Football has been my life since I was a teenage boy and it has given me so many opportunities. Above all else, I love the game and count myself very lucky to have been able to play at the highest level. While the news is devastating, I have much to be thankful for. I thank God that I am alive and I pay tribute once again to the members of the medical team who never gave up on me. I would also like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my career, and the Bolton fans who have been incredible. I am blessed to have the support of my family and friends at this time.

On Thursday 8 November 2012, Muamba returned to White Hart Lane for the first time since his cardiac arrest and received a standing ovation from the crowd.[32]

He later played 15 minutes in Ian Goodison's testimonial match in 2015.

Post football career

Media work

Following his retirement from the game, Muamba was part of ITV's coverage of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.[33] He was also a co-commentator alongside Derek Rae on BT Sport's coverage of the African World Cup qualification third round play-offs.

Journalism

Muamba studied for a BA in sports journalism at Staffordshire University; as part of his course he went on work placement at BBC North West Tonight.[34] In July 2015, he graduated with honours.[35]

Coaching

In March 2015, Muamba took some coaching sessions at Liverpool's academy.[36] In September 2018, it was revealed that Muamba is coaching the under-16 side at Rochdale while completing his coaching badges.[37]

International career

As a naturalised British citizen, Muamba was eligible to play for any of the Home Nations in which he had received three years of full-time education before the age of 18 or lived in for five years. In Muamba's case, that was just England, whom he represented at all youth levels,[38] and captained the U-19 team.[5] He received his first call-up for England U21 for the friendly against Romania U-21 on 21 August 2007 at Ashton Gate, Bristol,[39] and made his debut as a second-half substitute.[40]

Muamba had also been called up to the DR Congo squad in May 2007, but declined so as to remain eligible for England.[41]

Personal life

Muamba became engaged to Shauna Magunda on 14 February 2012. The pair met while he was playing for Birmingham City and she was studying for a master's degree at Birmingham City University. They have a son, Joshua Jeremiah.[6][42] On 21 October 2012, Shauna and Fabrice married at Peckforton Castle in Cheshire.[43] Muamba has been described as "deeply religious"[44] and claimed he would have sought a career in accountancy had he not become a professional footballer.[45]

In July 2012, the University of Bolton awarded an honorary doctorate to Muamba, which he accepted on behalf of those involved in saving his life.[46] He took part in the 2012 Christmas Special edition of the BBC programme Strictly Come Dancing.[47]

Career statistics
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Arsenal 2005–06[48] Premier League 0000200020
Birmingham City (loan) 2006–07[49] Championship 3403040—410
Birmingham City 2007–08[50] Premier League 3721000—382
Total 7124040—792
Bolton Wanderers 2008–09[51] Premier League 3801010—400
2009–10[52] Premier League 3614030—431
2010–11[53] Premier League 3615000—411
2011–12[18] Premier League 2012021—242
Total 130312061—1484
Career total 2015160121—2296

Honours

England U21

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References
  1. Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2010). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11. Edinburgh: Mainstream Publishing. p. 298. ISBN 978-1-84596-601-0.
  2. "First-Team Profiles: Fabrice Muamba". Bolton Wanderers F.C. Archived from the original on 15 June 2012.
  3. Shepherd, Rob (28 February 2005). "Muamba handed Highbury haven". The Times. London. Retrieved 11 October 2012.
  4. Chronnell, Paul (7 December 2005). "Muamba: Can he really be the new Vieira?". Islington Gazette. Archived from the original on 25 January 2009.
  5. Dickinson, Matt (21 November 2006). "Muamba may be answer to England's prayers". The Times. London. Retrieved 11 October 2012.
  6. Copping, Jasper & Duffin, Claire (17 March 2012). "Fabrice Muamba collapses at Tottenham v Bolton game". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 28 September 2015. Retrieved 17 March 2012.
  7. Lambrou, Lambros (2 November 2005). "Young Guns – Fabrice Muamba". Arsenal F.C. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007.
  8. "Arsenal 3–0 Reading". BBC Sport. 29 November 2005. Retrieved 20 March 2012.
  9. "Arsenal pair to join Birmingham". BBC Sport. 27 July 2006. Retrieved 12 May 2007.
  10. Tattum, Colin (3 May 2007). "Clemence scoops top award at Blues". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 23 April 2013.
  11. "Muamba signs deal with Birmingham". BBC Sport. 11 May 2007. Retrieved 12 May 2007.
  12. "Blues snap up Muamba". Birmingham City F.C. 11 May 2007. Archived from the original on 12 June 2007.
  13. Hassan, Nabil (12 March 2008). "Portsmouth 4–2 Birmingham". BBC Sport. Retrieved 13 March 2008.
  14. "Muamba joins Bolton". Birmingham City F.C. 16 June 2008. Archived from the original on 25 January 2009.
  15. Phillips, Owen (13 March 2010). "Bolton 4–0 Wigan". BBC Sport. Retrieved 13 March 2010.
  16. Iles, Marc (10 May 2010). "Reebok's Korean ace is simp-Lee the best". The Bolton News. Retrieved 10 May 2010.
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  20. Randhawa, Kiran (19 March 2012). "Fans praise "hero" doctor who rushed on pitch to save Muamba". The Evening Standard. Retrieved 20 March 2012.
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  28. "Fabrice Muamba's first picture since collapse put on his Twitter feed". The Guardian. Press Association. 30 March 2012. Retrieved 3 April 2012.
  29. "Fabrice Muamba: Bolton midfielder discharged from hospital". BBC Sport. 16 April 2012. Retrieved 16 April 2012.
  30. "Fabrice Muamba happy to be back at 'special' Bolton". BBC Sport. 2 May 2012. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
  31. "Fabrice Muamba Statement". Bolton Wanderers F.C. 15 August 2012. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
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  33. "Watch 2013 Africa Cup of Nations live on ITV4". ITV. 24 January 2013. Archived from the original on 10 April 2013. Retrieved 23 April 2013.
  34. "Fabrice Muamba: BBC placement helps start journalism career". BBC Sport. 13 December 2013. Retrieved 12 April 2016.
  35. Rucki, Alexandra (9 July 2015). "Ex-Bolton Wanderers star Fabrice Muamba graduates from University with BA in Sports Journalism". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 12 April 2016.
  36. Olver, Tom (7 March 2015). "Fabrice Muamba taking training sessions at Liverpool academy". Metro. Retrieved 12 April 2016.
  37. Fabrice Muamba: Former Bolton and Birmingham midfielder coaches at Rochdale BBC Sport. 24 September 2018. Retrieved 24 September 2018.
  38. "Fabrice Muamba". The Football Association. Retrieved 12 August 2010.
  39. "Agbonlahor in England U21 squad". BBC Sport. 16 August 2007. Retrieved 4 October 2010.
  40. "England U21 1–1 Romania U21". BBC Sport. 21 August 2007. Retrieved 22 August 2007.
  41. "Muamba turns down DR Congo call". BBC Sport. 23 May 2007. Retrieved 20 March 2012.
  42. "About Shauna". Shauna Muamba. Archived from the original on 27 May 2012.
  43. White, Steve (22 October 2012). "What a fab day! Heart-stop footballer Muamba marries his fiancee". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 23 October 2012.
  44. "Fabrice Muamba: Devoted Father And Footballer". Sky News. 18 March 2012. Archived from the original on 19 March 2012. Retrieved 19 March 2012.
  45. "Boy's A Bit Special: Fabrice Muamba". fourfourtwo.com. February 2008. Retrieved 19 March 2012.
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  47. "Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2012". BBC. 25 December 2012. Retrieved 23 April 2013.
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  49. "Games played by Fabrice Muamba in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 September 2016.
  50. "Games played by Fabrice Muamba in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 September 2016.
  51. "Games played by Fabrice Muamba in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 September 2016.
  52. "Games played by Fabrice Muamba in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 September 2016.
  53. "Games played by Fabrice Muamba in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 September 2016.
  54. McIntyre, David (29 June 2009). "Germany U21 4–0 England U21". BBC Sport. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
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