Chimbonda began his career in France, before moving to the Premier League to join newly-promoted Wigan. He made 44 appearances for the club, playing in the 2006 League Cup Final, and featuring in the PFA Team of the Year in 2005/2006. In 2006, he moved to Totenahm, where he won the League Cup in 2008. Chimbonda enjoyed spells at Sunderland , Blackburn and Doncaster, and was capped once by France in 2006.