Youri Djorkaeff
French playmaker who won the World Cup and Euro 2000, known for his snake-like dribbling and vision.
Youri Raffi Djorkaeff (born 9 March 1968) is a French former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder or forward. He played for clubs in France, Italy, Germany, England, and the United States. With the France national team, he scored 28 goals in 82 appearances between 1993 and 2002, winning the 1998 FIFA World Cup, Euro 2000, and the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup. He is the son of former player Jean Djorkaeff. After retiring in 2006, he established the Youri Djorkaeff Foundation in 2014 and became CEO of the FIFA Foundation in September 2019.
Quick Facts
- Role
- Attacking Midfielder; Forward
- Nationality
- French
- Nickname
- Le Professeur
- Status
- Retired Legend
Lore & Background
Djorkaeff started his career in 1984 with Grenoble, later playing for RC Strasbourg, AS Monaco, and Paris Saint-Germain. In 1994, he led Division 1 in goals with 20. He won the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup with PSG in 1996. He then played for Inter Milan, Kaiserslautern, Bolton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers, and the MetroStars/New York Red Bulls. He retired on 29 October 2006.
Reader's Guide
Djorkaeff was known as a talented playmaker, nicknamed 'The Snake' for his ability to get past defenders and bend the ball. He played as an attacking midfielder, second striker, or forward, and was noted for his flair, dribbling, vision, and free-kick accuracy. He also contributed defensively and could link defense with attack.
Did You Know?
- Djorkaeff scored a memorable bicycle kick goal for Inter Milan against Roma on 5 January 1997.
- He set up Zinedine Zidane's second goal in the 1998 World Cup final.
- He was the first French player to play in Major League Soccer, joining the MetroStars in 2005.
- Ecuadorian forward Djorkaeff Reasco and Curaçaoan Tahith Chong were named after him.
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