Mario Melchiot

Mario Melchiot was born in Amsterdam, Holland. He is a well known International Soccer star. Mario is recognized for his extraordinary talents on the field, as well as his great achievements off the field: Awards, Charity Work, Fundraising, and bringing Heart & Health Awareness to Children. Being one of five children raised by his single mother Mario found his way in the world. At the young age of 5, when Mario's father left, Mario's eldest brother Winston, introduced him to soccer. As Mario grew, so did his passion for soccer. When Mario was 19 years old he played on his first Professional Soccer Team "Ajax"- Amsterdam, Holland. Within 3 years both his career and life changed! The Head Coach of Chelsea, England discovered Mario. His great success during the 5 years at Chelsea F.C. led him to play for Birmingham City F.C. Soon after, he was summoned to France and played for Rennes FC. Then, Wigan Athletics F.C.'s Head Coach brought him back to the English Premiere League. After Wigan, he signed for Umm Salal S.C. in Qatar, Middle East. All the while playing for the great Netherland's National Team. Mario's accomplishments are admired worldwide. He has received numerous Awards for his outstanding skills: "Royal Netherlands Association Cup and League," "Best Player of the Year," voted by Sponsors, Supporters, and Children, and most prestigious "The Football (Soccer) Association Challenge Cup", just to name a few. The highlights of his career are having the two "Mario Melchiot Playgrounds" in Amsterdam Holland, accessible to all children. Mario played in over 35 countries, his incredible advantage of fluently speaking 4 languages made him very respected by the press. Mario's Charity work and Fundraising is appreciated internationally. At the age of 19 when Mario had just started his professional Soccer career, his brother and mentor Winston, passed away from a heart attack. During Mario's years in England he became a Spokesperson and Fundraiser in the "British Heart Foundation". Mario's successful international career has granted him phenomenal life experiences, such as: meeting Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, the Prime Minister of Holland, and playing Soccer in front of over 75,000 spectators, with over 10 million television viewers watching him! Now Mario is living his second dream.