Career
Although born in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, Boli moved to France at an early age and began his career in local youth football in Paris before signing for AJ Auxerre in 1982. A powerful defender, Boli soon made his way into the Auxerre first team and soon made his debut for the French national team in 1986 (going on to win 45 caps altogether). His form meant that he soon became a transfer target for the leading clubs in France. Finally in 1990 Boli signed for Olympique de Marseille who, under Bernard Tapie, were fast becoming the leading club in France. Boli starred as the club won Ligue 1 in 1991 and 1992 and was also a regular in the UEFA Champions League 1992-93 campaign, topping the season off by scoring the only goal of the final against A.C. Milan that gave the cup to OM. Whilst at the club he even joined team mate Chris Waddle in recording a song entitled 'We've Got a Feeling'. He is remembered by football fans in England for his appearance for France against the England team in Euro 92 where he headbutted Stuart Pearce.
Despite his success at Marseille Boli was forced to leave in 1994 following revelations of a match fixing scandal and the relegation of the club. He signed for Rangers F.C. for £2 million in the summer of that year and went to make 28 league appearances (2 goals) during the 1994-95 season, securing a league winners' medal. Boli left Rangers at the end of that season and wound down his career with a season back in France with AS Monaco FC before ending his career in 1997 after a spell in Japan with Urawa Red Diamonds
Since retiring from football Boli has become involved in politics as a supporter of Nicolas Sarkozy.
Read more about this topic: Basile Boli
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