Claude Makélélé Sinda (born February 18, 1973 in Kinshasa, Zaire is a French international football player, who currently plays defensive midfield for Chelsea in the English Premiership. He is known as one of the greatest defensive midfielders in the game. The position has since earned the nickname "The Makélélé Role". By remaining constantly defensively-minded, he has established himself a reputation as a foil, allowing more attacking players to rush forwards in numbers.

Prior to joining Chelsea, Makélélé played for Nantes , Olympique de Marseille , Celta Vigo , and Real Madrid . Chelsea purchased him for