31 Facts About Geremi

Geremi was a versatile player able to play at right back, right midfield or defensive midfielder, known for his power, pace, combative style and free-kick ability.

Geremi earned 118 caps for Cameroon from 1996 to 2010, scoring 13 goals.

Geremi was a member of their squad for seven Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, winning in 2000 and 2002, as well as the World Cup in 2002 and 2010 and a gold medal at the 2000 Olympics.

Geremi gave up on studying for his university entrance exams and began playing professionally.

Geremi began his career with a local side in Bafoussam, Racing FC, in 1995.

In 1996, Geremi received an offer from Cerro Porteno, which he took, after being scouted whilst playing for the Cameroon U21 national team in Brazil.

In 1997, Geremi was teammates with compatriot Cyrille Florent Bella, the Uruguayan Ricardo Bitancort, Brazilian Felippe Ximenes, and Paraguayans Diego Gavilan, Jorge Martin Nunez, Paulo da Silva, Aldo Bobadilla and Roberto Fernandez in Cerro Porteno's team.

Geremi was the star of the title decider in Paraguay's 1997 Apertura Tournament, which Cerro Porteno lost.

Geremi only disputed one tournament with Cerro Porteno during six months at the club, reportedly not adapting to Paraguayan football before emprending to travel to Turkey.

Geremi mentioned that in Paraguay he was too far from his family and wished to go to European football.

Geremi spent two seasons in Turkey with Genclerbirligi, racking up 57 appearances, before a move to Real Madrid materialised for him.

Geremi scored two goals whilst at Madrid; his first was a late winner in a 2000 FIFA Club World Championship tie against Raja Casablanca after his side had been reduced to eight men.

At Real Madrid, Geremi was nominated for the Ballon d'Or of 2000.

Geremi came on as an extra-time substitute and went on to have his penalty saved by Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina, and Chelsea ultimately lost.

Geremi signed for Newcastle United on 6 July 2007 on a three-year deal, making him the fourth signing of the summer by manager Sam Allardyce.

In January 2008, Geremi departed for the 2008 African Cup of Nations with Cameroon.

Geremi made 27 league appearances for Newcastle United during his first season at the club, starting 24 of the 27 league games and scoring on two occasions, with five assists.

Geremi left Newcastle in the 2010 January transfer window to join Turkish club MKE Ankaragucu.

On 25 August 2010, Geremi moved to Superleague Greece club AEL on a two-year contract.

Geremi began his Cameroon international career with the youth teams, most notably in the 1995 U-20 Youth World Cup finals.

Geremi started all four games for the national team before they lost to Argentina in the quarterfinals.

Geremi won Olympic Gold with Cameroon in Sydney in 2000 when he captained his country.

Geremi has won two Africa Cup of Nations titles in 2000 and 2002 as they demonstrated their superiority not only in Africa but at world level too.

Geremi started nine of the squad's ten games at holding midfielder and scored twice during the campaign.

Geremi again played every one of Cameroon's games and was named to the Team of the Tournament for his performances.

Geremi played in 11 2010 World Cup qualification matches Cameroon finished top of Group A in the third round of qualification, scoring one goal along the way.

Geremi was part of the Cameroon squad that took part in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Geremi's father, Samuel, is a former footballer who represented Cameroon in the 1970s.

Geremi was allowed five wives due to his status as a footballer, which led to Geremi having 17 siblings.

Geremi's cousin, Pierre Webo, was a professional footballer and played alongside Geremi for Cameroon at the 2010 World Cup.

In March 2024, Geremi filed for divorce after discovering his twin children were fathered by his wife's ex-partner.