Christian Karembeu

Christian Karembeu (born December 3, 1970 in Lifou, New Caledonia) is a former French international football (soccer) player. He announced his retirement on October 13 2005, although he added that he would "be having a kickabout from time to time."

He last played midfield for Bastia in the French Ligue 1. They obtained him on loan from Swiss side Servette, until they lost their relegation battle. Prior to joining Servette, Karembeu played for Nantes (1990-95), Sampdoria (1995-97), Real Madrid (1997-2000), Middlesbrough (2000-01), and Olympiakos (2001-04). With Real Madrid, he won the Champions League in 1998 and 2000.

Born in the French territory of New Caledonia, he was a vital player in the French team that won the 1998 World Cup and was on the squad, but played just one game, as France won Euro 2000. He compiled 53 caps in his career.

Karembeu is famous for not singing the French national anthem, "La Marseillaise", on the field, since two of his uncles had been exhibited in a human zoo during the Paris Colonial Exposition of 1931. This stance earned him some criticism and a fair amount of respect.

Karembeu is married to Slovak model Adriana Sklenaříková, whom he met on a plane.