Who Is Marcel Desailly? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on September 7, 1968, Marcel Desailly is a renowned French former professional footballer. With an impressive career spanning over two decades, he has made significant contributions to both club and international football. Desailly is celebrated for his exceptional defensive skills and leadership on the field. As of 2025, he is 57 years old and continues to be a prominent figure in the football world.
| Occupation | Footballer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 7, 1968 |
| Age | 56 Years |
| Birth Place | Accra, Ghana |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | Ghana |
Popularity
Marcel Desailly's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Marcel Desailly stands tall at an impressive height of 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm). His athletic build weighs around 187 lbs (85 kg), showcasing the physical prowess that enabled him to dominate defensively during his playing days. His strong physique and commanding presence made him one of the most effective defenders of his generation.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
In 2025, Marcel Desailly remains a private individual when it comes to his personal life. Known for keeping his relationships away from the public eye, he has been linked with a few noteworthy figures in the past. After his marriage to his former wife, Béatrice Desailly, the couple has remained amicable, focusing on co-parenting their children. As of now, there is no publicly confirmed boyfriend or girlfriend in his life, allowing him to focus on personal pursuits and philanthropic endeavors.
Elizabeth married Mr Abbey, an architect, and became pregnant with Desailly while Marcel Desailly Sr., a diplomat who would become Desailly's adoptive father, was away in France. He was adopted by Desailly Sr.
His mother married Desailly Sr., who adopted all of her children (the former professional footballer Seth Adonkor, seven years his elder, was a half-brother of his). The family relocated to France when Desailly was four years old.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Marcel Desailly’s estimated net worth is around $20 million. His wealth primarily stems from his successful football career, various endorsements, and business ventures. Although retired, Desailly has continued to maintain a lucrative income through appearances, commentary roles, and involvement in football-related activities.
Career, Business, and Investments
Marcel Desailly's illustrious football career began in the early 1990s, with his notable clubs including Nantes, Olympique de Marseille, AC Milan, and Chelsea. His achievements include winning the FIFA World Cup in 1998 and the UEFA Euro 2000 with the French national team. Post-retirement, Desailly transitioned into sports commentary and coaching, sharing his expertise and insights into the game.
In addition to his football ventures, Desailly has invested in various businesses, focusing on sports-related products and philanthropic efforts, particularly aimed at helping underprivileged children through sports education.
Marcel David Desailly (7 September 1968) is a French former professional footballer, who played as a centre-back or defensive midfielder.
During a successful career at club level, lasting from 1986 to 2006, Desailly won several titles, including UEFA Champions League medals with both Marseille and AC Milan, and also played for Nantes and Chelsea, among other teams.
At international level, he collected 116 caps between 1993 and 2004, scoring three goals, and was a member of the France international squads that won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.
Social Network
Marcel Desailly is active on several social media platforms, where he engages with fans and shares insights into his life post-football. You can find him on:
- Instagram: @MarcelDesailly - where he shares personal updates and engages with fans.
- Twitter: @marceldesailly - sharing his thoughts on football and life in general.
He was an important part of the French team which won the 1998 FIFA World Cup, albeit being sent off in the final match, being the only player on the winning team to be dismissed in a World Cup final. Like other team members, he was appointed a Knight of the Legion of Honour in 1998.
Education
Desailly pursued his education while developing his football skills. Although specifics of his academic background are not widely publicized, it is known that he valued education alongside his athletic training. His journey from the streets of Ghana to becoming a world-class footballer serves as an inspiration, emphasizing the importance of hard work and dedication both on and off the field.
Desailly is a supporter of the 1GOAL Education for All campaign. He is also the UNICEF national Goodwill Ambassador for Ghana. He is the Lifetime Goodwill Ambassador for his personal Charity OrphanAid Africa, that helps abandoned children in Ghana. He is a member of the Laureus Sports for Good Foundation.
