Charles Itandje is a Cameroonian-French footballer born in 1982.
He began his professional career at R.C. Lens, where he made 170 league appearances.
In 2007, Itandje signed with Liverpool F.C. as a backup goalkeeper.
Biography
Early Life
Charles Hubert Itandje was born in 1982 in Bobigny, a suburb of Paris, France, to Cameroonian parents. He began his journey in football at a young age, eventually making his professional debut with R.C. Lens in 2001. Over six years, he established himself as a reliable goalkeeper, making 170 league appearances and contributing to the team's European campaigns.
Career
In August 2007, Itandje signed with Liverpool F.C. as a backup to the established goalkeeper Pepe Reina. He made his debut in a League Cup match against Reading, where he showcased his skills in a 4-2 victory. Despite his initial promise, Itandje struggled to secure a regular spot in the first team, making only a handful of appearances before seeking a transfer in 2009. His career continued with stints at various clubs, including A.O. Kavalas, Atromitos F.C., and PAOK FC, before joining Çaykur Rizespor in 2015.
International Career
Itandje's international career began with the France under-21 team, where he gained recognition for his performances. In 2010, he switched allegiance to represent Cameroon, making his debut in a World Cup qualifier against Togo. He went on to play in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where he faced tough competition in the group stage against teams like Mexico, Croatia, and Brazil.
Legacy
Throughout his career, Itandje has been noted for his resilience and adaptability, transitioning from a promising talent in France to a key player for the Cameroon national team. He was part of the squad that won the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2005, marking a significant achievement in his career.
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Gallery
Career & Clubs
Lens
Born in Bobigny (a suburb of Paris) of Cameroonian descent, Itandje began his professional career at French club RC Lens in 2001, for whom he made 170 league appearances and 21 appearances in European games. Lens were prepared to allow Itandje to leave for Liverpool after they signed two goalkeepers in the summer of 2007, saying: "The directors of Lens have concluded the definitive sale of Charles Itandje to Liverpool Football Club. The Lens goalkeeper leaves Lens after six years of good and loyal service."
Liverpool
Itandje signed for Liverpool in August 2007, as cover for Pepe Reina, thus allowing Scott Carson to join Aston Villa on a season-long loan to play regularly. Itandje said of his move: "At Liverpool there is a very good keeper who has been there three years. I am clearly going to be number 2. But, there are 60 matches a season and it is planned that I will play the League Cup and FA Cup." He made his first team debut for Liverpool in a League Cup match against Reading on 25 September, which Liverpool won 4–2, and in total, made three League Cup appearances and four FA Cup appearances for Liverpool in the 2007–08 season. He was made available for transfer in the summer of 2008 after Liverpool signed Diego Cavalieri but turned down a move to Galatasaray. He made no further appearances for Liverpool and by January 2009 was seeking to leave the club. On 30 June 2010, Itandje returned to Liverpool. His contract with Liverpool was due to expire…
Itandje has represented France on several occasions, making his debut against Yugoslavia in November 2002. In 2006, he was called up for pre-selection for the French squad after a fine season at RC Lens. He was selected for the équipe de France espoirs (the under-21 team), and became known for his dance to destabilize opponents during the penalty shootout. In October 2010 he was cleared by FIFA to represent Cameroon after expressing his desire to play for the Cameroon national team. Itandje made his international debut in the World Cup Qualifier against Togo and soon made himself the number 1 choice. He then went on to play in Cameroon's opening game in the World Cup against Mexico. He then continued in their following two games against Croatia and Brazil. Cameroon lost all of these games, resulting in them being knocked out of the World Cup at the group stage.
- Club
- Çaykur Rizespor (2015–)
- Club
- Liverpool F.C. (2007–2011)
- Club
- R.C. Lens (2001–2007)
- Club
- A.O. Kavalas (association football) (2009–2010)
- Club
- Atromitos F.C. (2011–2013)
- Club
- PAOK FC (2013–2015)
- Club
- Red Star F.C. (2000–2001)
- Club
- Konyaspor (2013–2014)
- Club
- France national under-21 association football team (2002–2002)
- National team
- France
- National team
- Cameroon
- Club
- Cameroon men's national football team (2013–)
Legacy
Clubs
- Cameroon men's national football team2013current
- Çaykur Rizespor2015current
- Red Star F.C.2000–2001
- R.C. Lens2001–2007
- France national under-21 association football team2002–2002
- Liverpool F.C.2007–2011
- A.O. Kavalas (association football)2009–2010
- Atromitos F.C.2011–2013
- Konyaspor2013–2014
- PAOK FC2013–2015
Played together with
- Abdel-Zaher El-SaquaKonyaspor · 2005–2007
- Abdelhakim OmraniR.C. Lens · 2008–2012
Abdelkader FerhaouiRed Star F.C. · 2000–2001
Abdellah ZoubirR.C. Lens · 2016–2018
Abdelmajid OulmersR.C. Lens · 1999–2003
Abdelrafik GérardR.C. Lens · 2016–2018- Abderrahman KabousR.C. Lens · 1996–2002
- Abderrahmane SoukhaneRed Star F.C. · 1967–1968
Abdou DialloFrance national under-21 association football team · 2016–2019
Abdou Kader ManganeR.C. Lens · 2007–2008
Abdou Razack TraoréKonyaspor · 2015–2016- Abdou Razack TraoréKonyaspor · 2017–2019
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Charles Hubert Itandje is a retired professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. Born in France, Itandje represented the Cameroon national team.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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