Claude Boli is a French contemporary world historian, born in Ivory Coast. He has a doctorate in history (De Montfort University, Leicester) and in sociology (Nantes University, France). His research focuses on a range of issues relating to football in Europe and Africa, Sport museums, Black history in Europe. Research professor fellow at the International Center for Sports History and Culture (De Montfort University), member of the Foundation for sports history museum, member of the board of the Association of Sports Writers. He’s the author of a number of books including: Manchester United: L’invention d’un club (La Martinière, postface Eric Cantona, 2004), Football et immigration (Gallimard, 2010); Le sport en France à l’épreuve du racisme (Nouveau Monde, 2015); Mohamed Ali (Gallimard, 2016). Co-realised with Eric Cantona of the acclaimed documentary (Foot et immigration: 100 ans d’histoire commune, 2014).
He’s currently scientific director of the French National Sport Museum, based in Nice.