Patrick Vieira is a French professional football manager and former player, widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in football history. Born on June 23, 1976, in Dakar, Senegal, Vieira's family moved to Dreux, France, when he was eight. He had a storied career playing for clubs like Cannes, AC Milan, Arsenal, Juventus, Inter Milan, and Manchester City, and was a key figure in France's international successes, including the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.
Main Milestones
Birth
23 June 1976
Patrick Vieira was born in Dakar, Senegal. His family moved to Dreux, France, when he was eight years old.
Professional Debut
1994-1995
Vieira began his professional career at French club Cannes, where he played for one season and made several standout performances that garnered him a move to Serie A club AC Milan.
Move to Arsenal
1996
Vieira joined English Premier League club Arsenal for a fee of £3.5 million. He quickly established himself as a key player for the Gunners, playing a vital role in their successes during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
First Double with Arsenal
1997-1998
Vieira helped Arsenal win their first double under Arsène Wenger, securing both the Premier League and FA Cup titles.
World Cup Victory
1998
Vieira was part of the French national team that won the 1998 World Cup, defeating Brazil 3-0 in the final.
Euro 2000 Victory
2000
Vieira played a crucial role in France's Euro 2000 victory, scoring the winning penalty in the final against Italy.
The Invincibles
2003-2004
Vieira captained Arsenal to an unbeaten Premier League season, known as 'The Invincibles,' winning the league title without a single defeat.
Move to Juventus and Inter Milan
2005
Vieira left Arsenal to join Juventus but quickly moved to Inter Milan after Juventus was relegated due to the Calciopoli scandal. He won four consecutive Serie A titles with Inter Milan.
Final Season and Retirement
2010-2011
Vieira joined Manchester City, where he won another FA Cup before retiring at the end of the 2010-2011 season.
Coaching Career
2016-2018
Vieira began his coaching career as the head coach of New York City FC, followed by stints at Nice, Crystal Palace, Strasbourg, and currently, Genoa.
Current Position
November 2024
Vieira is the current head coach of Serie A club Genoa.
