Aleksandr Frei Football player Date of Birth: 15.07.1979 Country: Switzerland

1. Alexander Frei - Swiss Football Legend
2. Early Career
3. Move to Rennes
4. National Team Debut
5. Euro 2004 and Controversy
6. World Cup 2006 and Dortmund

Alexander Frei - Swiss Football Legend

Alexander Frei is a former Swiss football player who played as a forward. He is considered the greatest goal scorer in the history of the Swiss national team.

Early Career

Frei began his professional career at his hometown club, FC Basel. However, he only played for Basel for one season before moving to FC Thun, where he also spent approximately one season. He then transferred to Servette FC, where he played for three seasons.

Move to Rennes

Frei was highly sought after by French club Stade Rennes, but he was eventually bought by the club for a fee of 1.5 million euros. He earned an annual salary of 500,000 euros, but he was reportedly unsatisfied with his contract.

National Team Debut

Frei made his first full international appearance for the Swiss national team in a match against Luxembourg on May 18, 2006.

Euro 2004 and Controversy

During the UEFA Euro 2004 tournament, Frei failed to score a goal and was involved in a scandal with English midfielder Steven Gerrard. In a match between Switzerland and England, which Switzerland lost 3-0, Frei spat at Gerrard. However, after careful deliberation, UEFA decided that Frei did not spit at Gerrard. Nonetheless, a Swiss television network clearly showed footage of Frei spitting at Gerrard.

World Cup 2006 and Dortmund

In the FIFA World Cup 2006, the Swiss national team topped their group, which included France captained by the legendary Zinedine Zidane. Frei scored two goals in the tournament. However, they were eliminated in the round of 16 after losing to Ukraine in a penalty shootout.

Fortunately, Frei's career took another positive turn as he was bought by Borussia Dortmund. He embarked on a new chapter in his career with the German club.