Samir Nasri has disclosed an unusual chapter from his early football career: he played under an assumed identity for two years to circumvent age restrictions in French youth football. The former Arsenal and Manchester City playmaker made the revelation during a podcast appearance, shedding light on an unconventional path that ultimately led to one of England's most decorated midfielders.
The France international was only four years old when his local club decided to register him under a false name. French Football Federation rules mandated that children had to be at least five or six years old to compete in the U6 category, so the club enlisted a neighborhood boy of the correct age to provide his license. Nasri played under the identity of Alexandre Maras while representing Pennes-Mirabeau, requiring constant vigilance from those around him. "They told me: 'You look like a Frenchman' and I played under this false name until I was old enough to have a license," Nasri explained. "At matches, they brainwashed me by saying: 'Don't forget, your name is Alexandre.'"
From Hidden Talent to Marseille Academy Star
After two seasons operating under his false identity, Nasri's exceptional talent became impossible to ignore. He signed for Marseille at age nine and entered the club's training center at thirteen. By that point, the deception had ended and his true abilities were being developed under his real name. The midfielder recalled that his determination to pursue football crystallized early. "From the age of seven, I wanted to have a career in football, but it was at 13 that I became aware that there might be something there," he said, particularly after joining the France Under-16 team.
Marseille's investment in the teenage prodigy was substantial. From age thirteen, Nasri received 5,000 francs monthly—approximately €1,153 in today's currency. His parents were also compensated with 150,000 francs (around €34,605) ostensibly for purchasing a vehicle, while the club previously arranged private transportation to training sessions. Such financial commitment underscored the club's recognition that they were nurturing an exceptional talent who would eventually become one of European football's most accomplished midfielders during his spells at Marseille, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Sevilla.
