Johann Vogel

Early career

Born in Geneva, to German father, and Swiss mother, Vogel joined Swiss amateur club FC Meyrin in his youth, but made the cut into professional football by joining Grasshopper Club Zürich. In his time at Grasshoppers, he usually played central defence or rightback although on occasion, he could be called to feature in a central defensive midfield role. In his role as a defensive midfield player, in which he uses his ability to pass accurately and to effectively retain possession of the ball, Vogel can be counted on to add depth to either defence or attack.

PSV and AC Milan

Dutch club PSV sought his services in 1999 and he became a prominent member of the team until he decided to leave to join A.C. Milan at the end of the 2004–05 season. In his final season with PSV, he was noted for forming a formidable midfield partnership with Mark van Bommel and Phillip Cocu where the club managed to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League tournament.

Real Betis

On 31 August 2006, he joined Real Betis in an exchange deal for Ricardo Oliveira. Vogel made his Betis debut against Athletic Bilbao on 10 September 2006 at the Manuel Ruiz de Lopera, which Betis won 3–0. Vogel made his last La Liga appearance for Betis on 19 May 2007 against Tarragona. On 27 December 2007, he agreed to leave Betis after suing them. Everton confirmed they were in talks to sign the player after being told he could leave his then club Real Betis in July 2007. However the…

Vogel made his debut for Switzerland on 8 March 1995 in a 1–1 draw against Greece. Vogel has played in Euro 1996, Euro 2004, 2006 World Cup and has made 94 appearances in total for his country. He scored his first goal on 10 March 1999 in a friendly against Austria. Until 8 March 2007, he was the captain of Switzerland.

Club

International

Grasshoppers

Swiss National League A: 1994–95, 1995–96, 1997–98 Swiss Cup: 1994 PSV Eindhoven

Eredivisie: 1999–00, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2004–05 KNVB Cup: 2004–05 Johan Cruijff-schaal: 2000, 2001, 2003 Individual

Dutch Footballer of the Year: 2001