Fabrice Muamba

{{Short description|English-Congolese retired professional footballer}}

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Fabrice Muamba

| image = FabriceMuamba cropped.jpg

| caption = Muamba with Birmingham City in 2007

| fullname = Fabrice Ndala Muamba{{cite book |editor-first=Barry J. |editor-last=Hugman |title=The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11 |year=2010 |publisher=Mainstream Publishing |location=Edinburgh |isbn=978-1-84596-601-0 |page=298}}

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1988|4|6|df=y}}

| birth_place = Kinshasa, Zaire
(now DR Congo)

| height = {{height|ft=6|in=2}}{{cite web |url=http://www.bwfc.co.uk/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,1004~35640,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615010338/http://www.bwfc.co.uk/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0%2C%2C1004~35640%2C00.html |title=First-Team Profiles: Fabrice Muamba |publisher=Bolton Wanderers F.C |archive-date=15 June 2012 |url-status=dead}}

| position = Central midfielder

| currentclub = Burnley (Academy coach)

| clubnumber =

| youthyears1 = 2002–2005

| youthclubs1 = Arsenal

| years1 = 2005–2007

| clubs1 = Arsenal

| caps1 = 0

| goals1 = 0

| years2 = 2006–2007

| clubs2 = → Birmingham City (loan)

| caps2 = 34

| goals2 = 0

| years3 = 2007–2008

| clubs3 = Birmingham City

| caps3 = 37

| goals3 = 2

| years4 = 2008–2012

| clubs4 = Bolton Wanderers

| caps4 = 130

| goals4 = 3

| totalcaps = 201

| totalgoals = 5

| nationalyears1 = 2002–2003

| nationalteam1 = England U16

| nationalcaps1 = 7

| nationalgoals1 = 0

| nationalyears2 = 2004–2005

| nationalteam2 = England U17

| nationalcaps2 = 7

| nationalgoals2 = 0

| nationalyears3 = 2005–2006

| nationalteam3 = England U18

| nationalcaps3 = 2

| nationalgoals3 = 0

| nationalyears4 = 2006–2007

| nationalteam4 = England U19

| nationalcaps4 = 8

| nationalgoals4 = 0

| nationalyears5 = 2007–2011

| nationalteam5 = England U21

| nationalcaps5 = 33

| nationalgoals5 = 0

| manageryears1 =

| managerclubs1 =

| medaltemplates = {{Medal|Sport|Men's football}}

{{medal|Country|{{fb|ENG}}}}

}}

Fabrice Ndala Muamba (born 6 April 1988) is a Congolese-born English former professional footballer who played for Arsenal, Birmingham City and Bolton Wanderers as a central midfielder. Born in Zaire, Muamba moved to England at the age of 11 and subsequently played for England up to under-21 level.

Muamba began his career in 2002, joining Arsenal's youth academy. After three years, he turned professional in 2005. He made his debut for Arsenal in the League Cup, but played only one other professional match for the club. Following a loan spell with Birmingham City, he made the move permanent in 2007. He stayed with Birmingham City for one additional year, and left after making more than 70 appearances and making his England under-21 debut while with the team. He joined Bolton Wanderers in 2008.

In March 2012, Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest during a televised FA Cup match between Bolton and Tottenham Hotspur, from which he recovered despite his heart having stopped for 78 minutes. Following medical advice, he announced his retirement from professional football in August 2012. He later completed a degree in sports journalism before making a return to football as a youth coach.

Early life

Muamba was born in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo). His father fled the country in 1994 because of his political views and arrived in the United Kingdom seeking asylum. In 1999, he was granted indefinite leave to remain, at which time he was joined by the rest of the family.{{cite news

|first=Rob |last=Shepherd |title=Muamba handed Highbury haven |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:LTIB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1088FE054E98097C&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB57AB53DF815 |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=28 February 2005 |access-date=11 October 2012}} They settled in east London, where Muamba attended Kelmscott School in Walthamstow.{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Chronnell |title=Muamba: Can he really be the new Vieira? |url=http://www.islingtongazette.co.uk/content/islington/gazette/sport/story.aspx?brand=ISLGOnline&category=sportfootball&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=sportislg&itemid=WeED07%20Dec%202005%2012%3A33%3A56%3A830 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090125082146/http://www.islingtongazette.co.uk/content/islington/gazette/sport/story.aspx?brand=ISLGOnline&category=sportfootball&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=sportislg&itemid=WeED07%20Dec%202005%2012%3A33%3A56%3A830 |newspaper=Islington Gazette |date=7 December 2005 |archive-date=25 January 2009}} Despite having arrived in Britain aged 11, unable to speak English,{{cite news

|first=Matt |last=Dickinson |title=Muamba may be answer to England's prayers |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:LTIB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1158B4FAB0528B60&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB57AB53DF815 |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=21 November 2006 |access-date=11 October 2012}} he went on to achieve 10 GCSEs and A-levels in English, French and mathematics.{{cite news |first1=Jasper |last1=Copping |first2=Claire |last2=Duffin |name-list-style=amp|title=Fabrice Muamba collapses at Tottenham v Bolton game |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/news/9150696/Fabrice-Muamba-collapses-at-Tottenham-v-Bolton-game.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=17 March 2012 |access-date=17 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928091101/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/news/9150696/Fabrice-Muamba-collapses-at-Tottenham-v-Bolton-game.html |archive-date=28 September 2015}}

Club career

=Arsenal=

Muamba was associated with Arsenal's youth system as a schoolboy from 2002, joining their Academy as a first-year scholar in August 2004. He signed his first professional contract in October 2005 and made his first team debut on 25 October in a League Cup tie against Sunderland, in front of a 47,000 crowd at the Stadium of Light.{{cite web |first=Lambros |last=Lambrou |title=Young Guns – Fabrice Muamba |publisher=Arsenal F.C |date=2 November 2005 |url=http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=&article=354665 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930181342/http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=&article=354665 |archive-date=30 September 2007}} He made his second and final first team appearance for Arsenal in the next round, against Reading, where he contributed to a 3–0 victory.{{cite news |title=Arsenal 3–0 Reading |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/4472914.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=29 November 2005 |access-date=20 March 2012}}

=Birmingham City=

In August 2006, Muamba joined Championship club Birmingham City on a season-long loan.{{cite news |title=Arsenal pair to join Birmingham |publisher=BBC Sport |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/birmingham_city/5221880.stm |date=27 July 2006 |access-date=12 May 2007}} After a slow start, his energetic style of play, which has been likened to that of his hero Patrick Vieira, established him as a regular starter in central midfield. The fans were equally impressed, voting him their Young Player of the Season.{{cite news

|first=Colin |last=Tattum |title=Clemence scoops top award at Blues |newspaper=Birmingham Mail |url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/clemence-scoops-top-award-at-blues-40433 |date=3 May 2007 |access-date=23 April 2013}}

On 11 May 2007 Muamba made his move to Birmingham City permanent,{{cite news |title=Muamba signs deal with Birmingham |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/birmingham_city/6647977.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=11 May 2007 |access-date=12 May 2007}} signing a three-year contract for a fee reported by the club of £4 million.{{cite web |title=Blues snap up Muamba |url=http://www.blues.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10412~1024011,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070612232704/http://www.blues.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10412~1024011%2C00.html |publisher=Birmingham City F.C |date=11 May 2007 |archive-date=12 June 2007 |url-status=dead}} He scored his first goal for the club, a close-range volley from a corner, on 12 March 2008 in a 4–2 defeat at Portsmouth.{{cite news |first=Nabil |last=Hassan |title=Portsmouth 4–2 Birmingham |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7284942.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=12 March 2008 |access-date=13 March 2008}} He made 37 appearances as Birmingham were relegated from the Premier League after one season back in the top tier.

=Bolton Wanderers=

File:Fabrice Muamba warmup Arsenal vs Bolton, 2011.jpg

On 16 June 2008, Muamba joined Premier League Bolton Wanderers for a fee of £5 million, with add-ons worth a further £750,000, on a four-year contract.{{cite web |url=http://www.blues.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10412~1329192,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090125122111/http://www.blues.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10412~1329192%2C00.html |title=Muamba joins Bolton |publisher=Birmingham City F.C |date=16 June 2008 |archive-date=25 January 2009 |url-status=dead}} He scored his first goal for the club against Wigan Athletic on 13 March 2010.{{cite news |first=Owen |last=Phillips |title=Bolton 4–0 Wigan |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8559619.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=13 March 2010 |access-date=13 March 2010}} In recognition of his impressive 2009–10 season at Bolton, he was named as The Bolton News Player of the Season.{{cite news |title=Reebok's Korean ace is simp-Lee the best |url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/wanderers/wanderersnews/8155878.Reebok_s_Korean_ace_is_simp_Lee_the_best/ |first=Marc |last=Iles |newspaper=The Bolton News |date=10 May 2010 |access-date=10 May 2010}} On 7 August, Muamba signed a new four-year contract with Bolton.{{cite news |title=Midfielder Fabrice Muamba signs new Bolton contract |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/bolton_wanderers/8894660.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=7 August 2010 |access-date=17 March 2012}}

Muamba scored on the opening day of the 2011–12 league season, in Bolton's 4–0 away win against Queens Park Rangers. He then scored his first ever goal in the League Cup, against his old club Arsenal in a 2–1 defeat.{{cite news |title=Arsenal 2–1 Bolton |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/15346293 |first=Saj |last=Chowdhury |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 October 2011 |access-date=17 March 2012}}

=Cardiac arrest and retirement=

On 17 March 2012, Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed during the first half of an FA Cup quarter-final match between Bolton and Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane. After receiving lengthy attention on the pitch from medical personnel – including a consultant cardiologist, Dr Andrew Deaner who was at the game as a fan – Muamba was taken to the specialist coronary care unit at the London Chest Hospital.{{Cite news |last=Randhawa |first=Kiran |title=Fans praise "hero" doctor who rushed on pitch to save Muamba |work=The Evening Standard |date=19 March 2012 |access-date=20 March 2012 |url=http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/uk/fans-praise-hero-doctor-who-rushed-on-pitch-to-save-muamba-7577708.html}} Bolton manager Owen Coyle and club captain Kevin Davies accompanied Muamba in the ambulance.{{cite news |title=Bolton's Fabrice Muamba collapses during Spurs–Bolton match |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17417973 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=17 March 2012 |access-date=19 March 2012}} The match was abandoned by referee Howard Webb, and Bolton's next game, against Aston Villa, due to be played three days later, was postponed at the club's request.{{cite news |title=Spurs offer 'support' to players after Fabrice Muamba collapse |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17421875 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=19 March 2012 |access-date=23 April 2013}} Aston Villa raised no objection.

File:BWFC show of support for Fabrice Muamba vs Blackburn Rovers on 24th March 2012.jpg

File:Fabrice Muamba Tribute (6867537924).jpg

Bolton's club doctor later confirmed that Muamba had received numerous defibrillator shocks both on the pitch and in the ambulance, but his heart had stopped for 78 minutes.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17460781 |title=Fabrice Muamba was 'dead' for 78 minutes – Bolton doctor |publisher=BBC Sport |date=21 March 2012 |access-date=24 March 2012}} The player was initially kept under anaesthesia in intensive care.{{cite news |title=Muamba remains critical |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/pasportsfeeds/muamba-remains-critical-7576789.html |work=Evening Standard |agency=PA Sport |date=18 March 2012 |access-date=19 March 2012}} By 19 March, his heart was beating without medication and he was able to move his limbs.{{cite news |title=Fabrice Muamba Update – Monday 19 March, 15.30 |url=http://www.bwfc.co.uk/page/General/0,,1004~2673101,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120621213136/http://www.bwfc.co.uk/page/General/0%2C%2C1004~2673101%2C00.html |publisher=Bolton Wanderers F.C |date=19 March 2012 |archive-date=21 June 2012 |url-status=dead}} Later that day his condition was described as "serious" rather than "critical" and he was able to recognise family members and respond appropriately to questions.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17419654 |title=Fabrice Muamba can recognise family, say hospital and Bolton |publisher=BBC Sport |date=19 March 2012 |access-date=24 March 2012}} By 21 March, his consultant suggested that Muamba's progress had "exceeded our expectations" and that although he faced a "lengthy recovery period", "normal life is within the spectrum of possibility".

Two weeks after the incident, a photograph was released of Muamba sitting up in his hospital bed and smiling.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/mar/30/fabrice-muamba-first-picture |title=Fabrice Muamba's first picture since collapse put on his Twitter feed |work=The Guardian |agency=Press Association |date=30 March 2012 |access-date=3 April 2012}} He was discharged from hospital on 16 April, having been fitted with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD).{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17733022 |title=Fabrice Muamba: Bolton midfielder discharged from hospital |publisher=BBC Sport |date=16 April 2012 |access-date=16 April 2012}} Muamba attended Bolton's home match against Tottenham Hotspur on 2 May, where he expressed his gratitude for the support he had received.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17931713 |title=Fabrice Muamba happy to be back at 'special' Bolton |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2 May 2012 |access-date=3 May 2012}}

On 15 August 2012, Bolton announced that Muamba had retired from professional football, based on the recommendation of his medical team. Muamba said:{{cite web |url=http://www.bwfc.co.uk/news/article/fabrice-muamba-statement-15.8.12-313804.aspx |title=Fabrice Muamba Statement |publisher=Bolton Wanderers F.C |date=15 August 2012 |access-date=15 August 2012 |archive-date=16 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120816102304/http://www.bwfc.co.uk/news/article/fabrice-muamba-statement-15.8.12-313804.aspx |url-status=dead }}{{blockquote|Since suffering my heart attack and being discharged from hospital, I have remained utterly positive in the belief I could one day resume my playing career and play for Bolton Wanderers once again. As part of my on-going recovery, last week I travelled to Belgium to seek further medical advice from a leading cardiologist. But the news I received was obviously not what I had hoped it would be and it means I am now announcing my retirement from professional football. Football has been my life since I was a teenage boy and it has given me so many opportunities. Above all else, I love the game and count myself very lucky to have been able to play at the highest level. While the news is devastating, I have much to be thankful for. I thank God that I am alive and I pay tribute once again to the members of the medical team who never gave up on me. I would also like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my career, and the Bolton fans who have been incredible. I am blessed to have the support of my family and friends at this time.}}

On 8 November 2012, Muamba returned to White Hart Lane for the first time since his cardiac arrest and received a standing ovation from the crowd.{{cite web |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11675/8236579/Fabrice-Muamba-makes-emotional-return-to-White-Hart-Lane |title=Fabrice Muamba makes emotional return to White Hart Lane |publisher=Sky Sports |date=8 November 2012 |access-date=9 November 2012}} Muamba later played 15 minutes in Ian Goodison's testimonial match in 2015.

Post-playing career

=Media work=

Following his retirement from the game, Muamba was part of ITV's coverage of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.{{cite news |url=http://www.itv.com/sport/football/article/2012-12-22/watch-2013-africa-cup-of-nations-live-on-itv/ |title=Watch 2013 Africa Cup of Nations live on ITV4 |publisher=ITV |date=24 January 2013 |access-date=23 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130410032606/http://www.itv.com/sport/football/article/2012-12-22/watch-2013-africa-cup-of-nations-live-on-itv/ |archive-date=10 April 2013}} He was also a co-commentator alongside Derek Rae on BT Sport's coverage of the African World Cup qualification third round play-offs.

=Journalism=

Muamba studied for a BA in sports journalism at Staffordshire University; as part of his course he went on work placement at BBC North West Tonight.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25363126 |title=Fabrice Muamba: BBC placement helps start journalism career |publisher=BBC Sport |date=13 December 2013 |access-date=12 April 2016}} In July 2015, he graduated with honours.{{cite news |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/ex-bolton-wanderers-star-fabrice-muamba-9626893 |title=Ex-Bolton Wanderers star Fabrice Muamba graduates from University with BA in Sports Journalism |last1=Rucki |first1=Alexandra |newspaper=Manchester Evening News |date=9 July 2015 |access-date=12 April 2016}}

=Coaching=

In March 2015, Muamba took some coaching sessions at Liverpool's academy.{{cite news |url=http://metro.co.uk/2015/03/07/fabrice-muamba-taking-training-sessions-at-liverpool-academy-5092865/ |title=Fabrice Muamba taking training sessions at Liverpool academy |first=Tom |last=Olver |newspaper=Metro |date=7 March 2015 |access-date=12 April 2016}} He later did his UEFA B Licence at Manchester City and A Licence at Stoke City.{{cite web |url=https://www.coachesvoice.com/cv/fabrice-muamba-interview-bolton-arsenal-liverpool/ |title=Loving the game again: Fabrice Muamba |website=Coaches' Voice |date=February 2023 |access-date=9 February 2023}}

In September 2018, he coached Rochdale's under-16 side while studying for his coaching badges,{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45625245 |title=Fabrice Muamba: Former Bolton and Birmingham midfielder coaches at Rochdale |publisher=BBC Sport |date=24 September 2018 |access-date=24 September 2018}} and in 2022, he returned to Bolton Wanderers to work in their academy where he was appointed as under-15s coach.{{cite news |url=https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/19994109.bolton-wanderers-offer-fabrice-muamba-coaching-role-10-years-collapse/ |title=Bolton Wanderers to offer Fabrice Muamba coaching role 10 years after collapse |first=Marc |last=Iles |newspaper=The Bolton News |date=15 March 2022 |access-date=23 March 2022}}

In March 2024, he announced that he had taken up a role coaching with the Burnley academy, whilst also working as a Player Services Executive for the PFA.https://www.thepfa.com/about-us/meet-the-team, Fabrice Muamba profile at the PFA, Professional Footballers' Association, Retrieved 2 March 2024

International career

As a naturalised British citizen, Muamba was eligible to play for any of the Home Nations in which he had received three years of full-time education before the age of 18 or lived in for five years. In Muamba's case, that was just England, whom he represented at all youth levels,{{cite web |url=http://www.thefa.com/England/All-Teams/Players/M/Fabrice-Muamba |title=Fabrice Muamba |publisher=The Football Association |access-date=12 August 2010}} and captained the U-19 team. He received his first call-up for England U21 for the friendly against Romania U-21 on 21 August 2007 at Ashton Gate, Bristol,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6949403.stm |title=Agbonlahor in England U21 squad |publisher=BBC Sport |date=16 August 2007 |access-date=4 October 2010}} and made his debut as a second-half substitute.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6956354.stm |title=England U21 1–1 Romania U21 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=21 August 2007 |access-date=22 August 2007}}

Muamba had also been called up to the DR Congo squad in May 2007, but declined so as to remain eligible for England.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/birmingham_city/6683145.stm |title=Muamba turns down DR Congo call |publisher=BBC Sport |date=23 May 2007 |access-date=20 March 2012}}

Personal life

Muamba met Shauna Magunda while he was a Birmingham City player and she was studying for a master's degree at Birmingham City University. They became engaged on 14 February 2012,{{cite web |url=http://www.shaunamuamba.com/#menu-item-42 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527184413/http://www.shaunamuamba.com/#menu-item-42 |title=About Shauna |publisher=Shauna Muamba |archive-date=27 May 2012}} married at Peckforton Castle, Cheshire, on 21 October 2012,{{cite news |last=White |first=Steve |title=What a fab day! Heart-stop footballer Muamba marries his fiancee |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/fabrice-muamba-marries-fiancee-after-1392027 |work=Daily Mirror |date=22 October 2012 |access-date=23 October 2012}} and, {{as of|June 2021|lc=y}}, have three sons and a daughter.{{cite news |url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A665158219/STND?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-STND&xid=ee5e05ab |title=Mental battle is the toughest part of Christian Eriksen's journey ahead |first=Fabrice |last=Muamba |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=14 June 2021 |page=10 |access-date=15 June 2021 |via=Gale OneFile: News |url-access=subscription}} Muamba has been described as "deeply religious",{{cite news |url=http://news.sky.com/home/uk-news/article/16191098 |title=Fabrice Muamba: devoted father and footballer |publisher=Sky News |date=18 March 2012 |access-date=19 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319203113/http://news.sky.com/home/uk-news/article/16191098 |archive-date=19 March 2012}} and stated he would have sought a career in accountancy had he not become a professional footballer.{{cite web |url=http://fourfourtwo.com/interviews/boysabitspecial/126/article.aspx |title=Boy's A Bit Special: Fabrice Muamba |website=FourFourTwo |access-date=19 March 2012 |date=February 2008}}

In July 2012, the University of Bolton awarded an honorary doctorate to Muamba, which he accepted on behalf of those involved in saving his life.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-18833856 |title=Fabrice Muamba gets University of Bolton honorary doctorate |website=BBC News |date=13 July 2012 |access-date=28 July 2012}} He took part in the 2012 Christmas Special edition of the BBC programme Strictly Come Dancing.{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01pkjn5 |title=Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2012 |publisher=BBC |date=25 December 2012 |access-date=23 April 2013}}

Career statistics

rowspan="2"\|Club !rowspan="2"\|Season !colspan="3"\|League !colspan="2"\|FA Cup !colspan="2"\|League Cup !colspan="2"\|Other !colspan="2"\|Total
class=wikitable style="text-align:center" \|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Arsenal \|2005–06{{Soccerbase season\|41528\|2005\|name=Fabrice Muamba\|access-date=7 September 2016}} \|Premier League \|0	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	2	0
Birmingham City (loan) \|2006–07{{Soccerbase season\|41528\|2006\|name=Fabrice Muamba\|access-date=7 September 2016}} \|Championship \|34	0	3	0	4	0	colspan="2"\|—	41	0
rowspan="2"\|Birmingham City \|2007–08{{Soccerbase season\|41528\|2007\|name=Fabrice Muamba\|access-date=7 September 2016}} \|Premier League \|37	2	1	0	0	0	colspan="2"\|—	38	2
colspan="2"\|Total !71	2	4	0	4	0	colspan="2"\|—	79	2
rowspan="5"\|Bolton Wanderers \|2008–09{{Soccerbase season\|41528\|2008\|name=Fabrice Muamba\|access-date=7 September 2016}} \|Premier League \|38	0	1	0	1	0	colspan="2"\|—	40	0
2009–10{{Soccerbase season\|41528\|2009\|name=Fabrice Muamba\|access-date=7 September 2016}} \|Premier League \|36	1	4	0	3	0	colspan="2"\|—	43	1
2010–11{{Soccerbase season\|41528\|2010\|name=Fabrice Muamba\|access-date=7 September 2016}} \|Premier League \|36	1	5	0	0	0	colspan="2"\|—	41	1
2011–12{{Soccerbase season\|41528\|2011\|name=Fabrice Muamba\|access-date=7 September 2016}} \|Premier League \|20	1	2	0	2	1	colspan="2"\|—	24	2
colspan="2"\|Total !130	3	12	0	6	1	colspan="2"\|—	148	4
colspan="3"\|Career total !201	5	16	0	12	1	colspan="2"\|—	229	6

Honours

England U21

UEFA European Under-21 Championship runners-up: 2009{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/8122457.stm |title=Germany U21 4–0 England U21 |first=David |last=McIntyre |publisher=BBC Sport |date=29 June 2009 |access-date=16 March 2017}}