In the realm where sports and culinary arts converge, few figures stand out as prominently as Omar Meziane who is the chef at Manchester United and for the England cricket team
Omar Meziane hailing from Morocco has been an integral part of England’s cricket team by crafting a unique blend of gastronomic excellence and athletic nourishment for over a decade.
Who is Omar Meziane private chef of the England cricket team and Manchester United
The culinary journey of Omar Meziane traces its roots to his father’s restaurant, a place where flavors danced and recipes were passed down through generations. Inspired by this familial connection to the world of cooking, Omar embarked on a path that would see him become a renowned chef in the culinary landscape.
The ex-England football team Head Chef Omar Meziane had joined Erik Ten Hag’s backroom staff at Manchester United back in 2022.
Meziane worked with England football from 2017 to 2022, having initially started with the Under-17s during their World Cup win in South Korea. He was part of Gareth Southgate’s backroom staff at both the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020 and, although he helped prepare for Qatar 2022, exited before the tournament.
Instead he travelled with the England cricket team on their tour of Pakistan in November and December.
He works closely with United’s nutritionists, Tom Whitehead and Mark Ellison, to create menus for players at work and at home.
Meziane’s father ran a Moroccan restaurant and he started out as a chef at the Oxo Tower in London in the mid-1990s and his first foray into professional sport was with Wycombe Wanderers and he subsequently went on to work with Wasps and Harlequins in rugby union; with the GB rowing team at the 2016 Olympics, and with the England cricket team.
He has also done a lot of private work with elite athletes, including Chelsea footballers.
In an interview with goal.com, Meziane had said: “I like to think that with any of the players I have spoken to that I have made some impact. No matter how tiny it may be.
“I’m very much driven by my roots, those North African flavours and textures since working in the sport. We all know what’s good for us. It’s about having a good, balanced diet. That means good quality fish, turkey and chicken.
“We mix that with the right amount of carbohydrates and plenty of vegetables. Playing two games a week, you’ve got to ensure those players have to ensure that they are fuelling correctly.
“If they aren’t playing so often then you have to adjust the intake as they aren’t burning as many calories. Overall, I know that my katsu curry (pictured below) is a winner every time with footballers. I think that will be my ultimate legacy at the FA!”
🚨🚨🌕| #mufc brought in a new lead chef, Omar Meziane, in January and he has proven a 𝗕𝗜𝗚 hit with the players. In a move encouraged by Erik ten Hag, every player has been given an individual nutrition strategy tailored to their specific needs. [@TelegraphDucker] pic.twitter.com/PPE5VhjzHp
— centredevils. (@centredevils) July 30, 2023
For the past two decades, Omar Meziane has honed his craft by elevating the dining experiences of those he serves. His expertise in the culinary arts, however, is not confined to traditional kitchens; it has found an unexpected but harmonious home within the world of sports.
In 2009, Omar’s culinary prowess converged with the world of sports by marking the beginning of a distinctive chapter in his career. His journey with various sports teams in England, including cricket, rugby, football, and rowing, has been nothing short of remarkable. His role goes beyond preparing meals; it involves understanding the intricate relationship between nutrition and athletic performance.
The England cricket team has been a canvas for Omar’s culinary artistry. As the designated chef for the team, he orchestrates a symphony of flavors that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also fuels the players for peak performance on the field. The meticulous attention to nutrition and dietary requirements is evident in every dish crafted under Omar’s watchful eye.
🍽 Go inside the Quins kitchen and hear from our Chef Omar Meziane on what it takes to feed a rugby team #COYQ pic.twitter.com/79dKbp0u5d
— Harlequins 🃏 (@Harlequins) March 7, 2019
Omar Meziane himself has not actively participated in any sport. Instead, he has chosen to contribute to the athletic world through his culinary expertise. This unique approach adds a layer of distinctiveness to his story, positioning him as a culinary architect dedicated to enhancing sports performance from the sidelines.
One of the highlights of Omar’s athletic engagement is his participation in the London Marathon twice. Despite not being a professional athlete, his commitment to physical challenges aligns with his philosophy of holistic well-being.
The marathon experience not only underscores his personal commitment to a healthy lifestyle but also serves as a testament to the synergy between culinary excellence and physical endurance.
Beyond the realm of sports, Omar Meziane has expanded his influence by co-authoring a book on cooking with the renowned rugby player, James Hokzel.