- DOB/Age: 8th August 1991 – 32 years
- Nationality: Cameroonian; German
- Height: 1.95m
- Position: Defender #32
- Signed/Debut: 1st July 2016; FC Schalke 04; Free
Joel Matip’s debut with Liverpool FC in 2006 embraced a new era for the team’s defensive strategy. Since then, his influence has been palpable, designing key moments and contributing to Liverpool wins. From critical goals to strong defense, Joel Matip has been the backbone of the team’s success assisted by Vigil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, and other key defenders at Anfield. As we concentrate on a closer evaluation of his career, we will dive into his standout achievements, lasting performances, and the roadblocks he has explored throughout his journey.
Early Life and Career
Mohamed Joel Matip, born on August 8th, 1991, in Bochum, Germany, was brought up in a region that adores football and was the son of a Cameroonian footballer Jean Matip. The player’s soccer journey started in the youth ranks of VfL Bochum following early stints with SC Weitmar 45. Interestingly, his passion for soccer caught the eyes of the scouts, leading to his breakthrough with Schalke 04 in 2009. Joel’s impressive performances in Schalke’s youth framework paved the way for his professional debut, marking the onset of a promising career.
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With his transfer to the first team, Joel became a pivotal icon, displaying his defensive capabilities and earning accolades for his hard work in the stadium. The early exposure and experience laid the framework for Joel’s journey to being a formidable center-back for both the club and the nation.
Club Career Before Liverpool FC
Before he joined Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool FC, Joel Matip enjoyed a successful career with Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga. The player made his debut with Schalke in 2009 and swiftly established himself as the main player in the defense. Indeed, he played a vital role in the club’s wins, including scooping the DFB Pokal and DFL Supercup in 2011. His versatility allowed him to succeed in several defensive roles, earning him admiration from supporters and managers alike.
Typically, his performances in Bundesliga and European competitions displayed his pure talent and ability, luring the eyes of the top teams across Europe. Joel’s period at Schalke laid the foundation for his transformation to Liverpool FC where he would proceed to make significant contributions on the pitch.
The Transfer to Liverpool FC
The player’s transfer to Liverpool in 2016 came in as a significant move for Joel and the club. Joel Matip joined the team on a free transfer after his contract with Schalke 04 came to an end. They displayed Liverpool FC’s astute transfer deals. His presence was met with high expectations with supporters eager to see his effect on the defense area. Pundits cheered the signing as a shrewd move, recognizing Joel’s experience and defensive capacities as assets for the team.
There were high expectations for Joel Matip to cement Liverpool’s backline and contribute to their quest for more trophies. As Joel donned the iconic Red jersey, joy reverberated in the entire Anfield, symbolizing the start of a new page in his career and the Red’s defensive resurgence.
Achievements, Moments, and Performances
During his period at Liverpool FC, Joel Matip has etched his identity in the club’s history journals with many record-breaking achievements and long-lasting performances. Joel’s contributions to the club’s achievements have been multifaceted, displaying his defensive abilities, goal-scoring strength, and management in the stadium. One notable success is his instrumental duty in Liverpool’s UEFA Champions League win in 2019, where he began in the final over Tottenham Hotspur. Furthermore, he played an important responsibility in the team’s Premier League title-winning campaign in 2019-2020, offering balance in defense.
Joel’s goal-scoring ability has also been noteworthy, with various important goals contributing to the club’s triumphs. Joel Matip’s capacity to score from set pieces and his aerial presence in the defensive and attacking events have been invaluable assets for the club. Personally, Joel Matip has gotten recognition for his performances, including being named the club’s Player of the Month for his outstanding displays. His consistency and management qualities have rewarded him with respect from teammates, supporters, and pundits.
Various standout events epitomize Joel’s brilliance, including his commanding defensive displays in important games and his capacity to step up in pressure situations. He showed up in the UEFA Champions League final and match-winning contributions in main Premier League games. Unforgotten goals like his header over Manchester United or his critical strikes in Champions League games have left a long-lasting effect on the squad’s journey to greater heights.
Recently, he underwent a successful surgery to address the anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered earlier in December 2023. It’s an injury during the Premier League game over Fulham at Anfield stadium. This forced Joel Matip to leave the pitch in the second leg. Matip who had been in the squad for 8 seasons, had already made 14 appearances in the 2023-2024 season and surpassed 200 appearances overall for the club.
Joel Matip: Personal Life
Beyond the soccer sport, Joel Matip leads a private life rich with family links and personal interests. In June 2021, he tied the knot with his long-time partner, Larissa Stollenwerk, and together they embraced their first child. Joel’s familial ties extend to his sister, Rebecca, who excels as a dermatologist, and his brother, Marvin Matip, who shares his passion for soccer. Outside his professional endeavors, Joel Matip is known for his philanthropic efforts, contributing to several charitable causes and making a positive impact in the societies. Joel’s fame among supporters goes beyond the football stadium, with his global influence designing the Matip effect on Liverpool’s image.
Besides his estimated net worth of approximately 20 million dollars, Joel remains grounded, giving priority to his family, charitable work, and his faith. Larissa, his devoted life partner and avid supporter, stands by his side, displaying their love and admiration for each other in the public domain. While Larissa’s background remains private, her unshaken support for Joel Matip shows the strength of their relationship.
Rumors and Future Prospects
Matip’s future at Liverpool has been the subject of ongoing speculations, with reports suggesting that Liverpool may be open to selling him. Besides his contributions to the club’s success, Joel’s age and injury history have triggered some questions about his long-term suitability for the club. With his contract ending in the summer of 2024, the Reds may be checking options for a possible replacement. While the player’s quality and experience could lure interest from other teams, his fitness will be the key factor in determining his prospects. As the club evaluates its players for the future, Joel’s exit could pave the way for new contracts and a fresh page for the squad.
Conclusion
Joel Matip’s period at Liverpool FC has been defined by consistency, skills, and unshaken support. From his entry in 2016 to his contributions to major triumphs in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, Joel Matip has left an indelible mark on Anfield Stadium. His management has resonated with supporters globally, cementing his status as a beloved icon in the football community. As he probably embraces the next page in his professional career, Joel’s legacy at Liverpool will persist as a testament to his significant contribution.
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