The explosive fallout between Nicolas Anelka and then-France coach Raymond Domenech during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa remains one of the most infamous moments in French football history. Now, with the release of the book Knysna, At the Heart of the Disaster of the Blues in South Africa, new insights have come to light, shedding further light on Anelka’s mindset during that chaotic time.
At the heart of the controversy was Anelka’s heated outburst at halftime during France’s group-stage match against Mexico, where he reportedly told Domenech: “You son of a bitch!” The outburst led to Anelka’s expulsion from the squad, and a training ground mutiny followed, as the players refused to train in solidarity with him — a gesture that became known as “the Knysna incident.”
In quotes attributed to Anelka from the book, the striker expressed deep frustration over Domenech’s coaching style and decisions:
“From the start, he has been exasperating us with his cheap lessons… We don’t have a playing identity, he changes the line-up all the time, we have no style.”
Anelka also revealed that he had strong doubts about joining the squad and had considered leaving the team earlier, only staying because his wife convinced him to remain. He criticized Domenech for promising to play him as the central striker, only to use him in a role that didn’t suit his playing style:
“I told him that wasn’t my game… I play like shit in his system and I’m of no use to the team.”
The incident marked the end of Anelka’s international career, as he received an 18-match suspension and never played for France again. His rebellious image only deepened in later years with controversies such as his quenelle gesture at West Bromwich Albion and a series of abrupt club exits.
The events of Knysna 2010 are widely seen as a symbol of dysfunction within the French national team at the time and sparked national outrage and debate, leading to widespread reform in how the FFF manages team culture and discipline.
