Éric Chelle Bio: Wife, Age, Nationality, Net Worth, Salary, Children, Stats, Tactics, Style of Play

Biography

Éric Sékou Chelle, born on November 11, 1977, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, is a former professional footballer and current coach. He primarily played as a centre-back and represented Mali internationally, earning five caps.

Chelle, who holds dual French and Malian citizenship, spent his playing career in France, featuring prominently for clubs such as Martigues, Valenciennes, RC Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais. Transitioning into coaching after retiring from playing, he initially managed US Boulogne before taking charge of the Mali national team from 2022 until June 2024.

In January 2025, Chelle was appointed as the head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, aiming to guide them through qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His coaching tenure has drawn varied reactions, influenced by his background in lower leagues and his previous stint with Mali.

Éric Chelle
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Éric Sékou Chelle
Stage Name:	Éric Chelle
Born:	11 November 1977 (age 47 years old)
Place of Birth:	Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Nationality:	French, Ivorian, Malian
Education:	N/A
Height:	1.75 m
Parents:	Mr. and Mrs. Chelle
Siblings:	N/A
Spouse:	Clara Chelle
Girlfriend • Partner:	N/A
Children:	Yanis Chelle
Occupation:	Football Manager
Net Worth:	$2 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Éric Sékou Chelle was born on November 11, 1977, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, to a French father and a Malian mother, making him of mixed ethnicity. While information about his religious beliefs is not well-documented, one might speculate potential Christian influences from his French heritage, though this remains unconfirmed.

The names of Chelle‘s parents are not widely known, and there is limited public information about his siblings. Chelle likely received his early education in Abidjan, but specific details about his schooling, including institutions attended, are not readily available.

His football career began in France, where he pursued professional training. His education probably included some formal studies in sports or a related field, although precise information about his educational background is not publicly known.

Career

Éric Sékou Chelle’s football career spans both playing and coaching, marking a notable transition from professional athlete to manager. As a centre-back, Chelle began his playing career in France with FC Martigues, where he made 74 appearances.

He then moved to Valenciennes, becoming a key player with 142 appearances, and helped secure promotion to Ligue 1 in 2006. Chelle’s successful time at Valenciennes led to a transfer to RC Lens in 2008, where he made 87 appearances across Ligue 1 and Ligue 2, contributing to the club’s Ligue 2 title in his debut season.

His later years as a player saw him with Istres and Chamois Niortais, retiring in 2014 after an extensive career in France’s lower and mid-tier leagues. Internationally, Chelle represented Mali, earning five caps, with eligibility through his Malian mother despite being born in Ivory Coast and holding French nationality.

After retiring, Chelle swiftly transitioned into coaching, beginning as an assistant at GS Consolat, a French amateur club, before becoming head coach there in 2016. He returned to his former club, Martigues, in 2017, managing approximately 80 matches across all competitions.

His next significant managerial role was at US Boulogne in May 2021, though his tenure was cut short due to a poor run of results. In May 2022, Chelle became the head coach of the Mali national team, marking his entry into international management. Under his guidance, Mali performed well in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), finishing top of their group, but his tenure ended in June 2024 after underwhelming World Cup qualification results.

After a brief spell at MC Oran in Algeria, Chelle was appointed as the head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles on January 7, 2025. His appointment received mixed reactions, as Nigeria’s struggles in World Cup qualification intensified the pressure on Chelle to deliver, with some viewing his limited experience in high-level coaching as a risk.

Social Media

• Wikipedia: Éric Chelle
• Instagram: E.S.Chelle (@eric_chelle)

Personal Life

Éric Chelle is married to Clara Chelle, and they have a son named Yanis Chelle, who is a basketball player. Éric Chelle‘s height is listed as 1.75 meters, which is approximately 5 feet 9 inches.

Net Worth

Éric Chelle‘s net worth is estimated to be approximately $2 million, largely accumulated through his long career as a professional football player in France and his subsequent managerial roles.

His time with the Mali national team and his current position as head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles contributed to it. His wealth is likely derived from his playing and coaching salaries and potential endorsements or investments. However, specific figures are speculative, as no official disclosures have been made.