Rod Fanni

Early career

Fanni began his career with FC Martigues, playing in both Ligue 2 and the Championnat National. He joined RC Lens in 2002 where he made his debut in Ligue 1, as well as both the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Cup. He played the entire 2004–05 season on loan at Châteauroux in Ligue 2.

Nice

In June 2005, he joined Nice but left after only two seasons to sign a four-year contract with Rennes, where he was viewed as a replacement for Dutch defender Mario Melchiot, who had departed for Premier League club Wigan Athletic. Fanni was named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year for the 2008–09 season. He expressed desire to play in the Premier League and was strongly linked with a move to Newcastle United before signing for Rennes. He was also linked with Everton and West Ham United prior to signing a one-year contract extension with Rennes in November 2009, which kept Fanni tied to Les Rouges et Noirs until June 2012.

Marseille

In December 2010, Marseille successfully acquired the services of Fanni.

Al-Arabi SC and Charlton Athletic

In 2015 Fanni left Marseille after his contract ended. On 11 July 2015 Qatari side Al-Arabi SC signed Fanni on a free transfer. On 1 February 2016, Fanni signed for Charlton Athletic on loan until the end of season.

Return to Marseille

On 31 August 2016, Fanni returned to Marseille. In February 2018, Marseille announced it had agreed to terminate Fanni's contract at the end of January. Fanni had…

Fanni made his debut for the France national team against Tunisia on 14 October 2008 in a 3–1 victory. Despite stiff competition from players such as Bacary Sagna and François Clerc, Fanni was named regularly in Raymond Domenech's squad as second choice right-back behind Sagna.

Fanni's family originates from Benin. He began his football career whilst pursuing his studies, earning a BEP (French secondary school diploma) and then going on to study for a bachelor's degree in Industrial Science and Technology.

Marseille

Coupe de la Ligue: 2010–11, 2011–12 Trophée des Champions: 2011 Individual

UNFP Team of the Year: 2008–09, 2009–10