Steven Nzonzi, the quiet giant of French football
Steven Nzonzi is a name we have come to know well, especially since the 2018 World Cup. Born on December 15, 1988, in La Garenne-Colombes, he has an imposing physique: 192 cm, which stands out on the pitch. For a young guy from the Paris suburbs, making such a career is something remarkable.
You know, he didn’t have a straightforward path, far from it. He started at RC Levallois before moving through PSG, Caen, then Amiens where he made his pro debut. Clearly, his height has always worked in his favor, but his age at his first selections shows he didn’t skip any steps.
His role? Defensive midfielder, originally, a position that demands calmness, vision, and honestly, he has plenty. Steven is above all a rock, a guy who knows how to break up the play and restart smoothly, which explains why he’s had a rich career despite some uncertainties.
But his story is also full of surprises. For example, even though he is French, the DRC was also interested in him. He chose France, which wasn’t easy, especially at 29 when he earned his first cap. Hats off.
The atypical journey before international fame
So, before becoming a football staple, Steven moved around. He’s not the guy who exploded on the front pages straight after youth level. No, you have to know that even at PSG, he couldn’t establish himself. It was only in Normandy, more precisely in Lisieux, that he clearly found his way.
After that, things slowly fell into place. Amiens first. That’s where he made his pro debut without making much noise, at least that’s what I thought back then. Then the classic English path: Blackburn and Stoke City. You quickly become a fan when you realize how much his build and presence make the midfield solid.
I remember the moment he signed for Sevilla. That’s when it stepped up a notch. In Spain, he shone, winning the Europa League in 2016. You can tell he was made to play at that level. With 89 kilos well distributed, he commands respect on the pitch.
His age surely helped, because at 31, he discovered Ligue 1 with Stade Rennais, after having traveled all over. That’s quite a remarkable detail when you think about it, he didn’t follow the classic path of young French stars.
The career and major successes of the French colossus
You certainly followed 2018. Steven Nzonzi, defensive midfielder, came on in the World Cup final. I admit, it was unexpected but so well deserved. Meanwhile, he had already delivered solid performances with clubs across Europe: Spain, Italy, Turkey, Qatar, and even Iran.
Yes, it’s crazy when you look at his career, he didn’t hesitate to take improbable turns. His signing with Sepahan SC in Iran made big noise last summer, but with the war and insecurity, he had to slam the door. Not easy to see a world champion end like that.
In terms of numbers, 20 caps, 5 matches in Russia, a record including the Europa League as well. So, fortune? Not the largest, but with such a diverse career, he managed to make a place for himself and protect his family. His height and weight, 192 cm for 89 kg, have remained his major assets.
Currently, Steven trains with Stoke City, a club where he has already left a strong mark. He is free, but the guy never gives up, you can feel it. He is still there, ready to kick the ball despite his 37 full years.
A private life discreet but with some juicy anecdotes
You may have noticed that the man is quite discreet off the pitch. Married, he protects his private life, especially after the upheavals in Iran. Little is said about his family, but I imagine that for him, the safety of his loved ones comes first.
A nice anecdote? In 2024, just after signing in Iran, a war broke out. His decision to leave was not just a whim but a true life choice. He made it clear on his social networks, showing that he puts his family above all.
His path also crossed other players like Wissam Ben Yedder or Gaël Kakuta, who also left Iran recently. A small expatriate community that dispersed, an aspect often forgotten in a player’s career.
In summary, behind this colossus, there is a man who has experienced ups and downs and who still holds projects and ambitions. He is back in England, and it’s almost a pleasure to see him like that.
Steven Nzonzi’s recent projects and collaborations to follow closely
Since his return to England, Steven trains with Stoke City, a club he knows well. He hasn’t signed a new contract yet, but the willingness is there, you can feel it. Maybe one last dance in the Championship?
We know that he has multiplied experiences: Italy, Turkey, Qatar, Iran. This wealth in his journey opens quite a few doors for him, in terms of image, sponsorships, and even coaching soon, who knows?
He has also collaborated with several former World Cup teammates, Didier Deschamps still trusts him, even if the competition is tough. Steven remains a role model for many youngsters, his imposing height often leaving a strong memory.
Rumors speak of a bigger role in management or training, which would be great, given his career. The guy has traveled everywhere, he has stories to tell, that’s for sure. A new chapter is coming.
A list of key facts about Steven Nzonzi
If you want a complete and up-to-date profile, the go-to reference remains the very well-made site Transfermarkt, which details all his moves and current values.
For those who want to dig into stats and records, I also recommend Football Database which is very detailed.
And for the latest developments on his departure from Iran, this is where you can find firsthand information.
