Patrick Vieira facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Patrick Vieira

Vieira as New York City FC head coach in 2016
Personal information
Date of birth	(1976-06-23) 23 June 1976 (age 49)
Place of birth	Dakar, Senegal
Height	1.92 m
Playing position	Midfielder
Club information
Current club	Genoa (head coach)
Youth career
1984–1986	Trappes
1986–1991	Drouais
1991–1993	Tours
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
1993–1995	Cannes	49	(2)
1995–1996	AC Milan	2	(0)
1996–2005	Arsenal	279	(29)
2005–2006	Juventus	31	(5)
2006–2010	Inter Milan	67	(6)
2010–2011	Manchester City	28	(3)
Total		456	(45)
National team
1995–1996	France U21	7	(0)
1997–2009	France	107	(6)
Teams managed
2016–2018	New York City FC
2018–2020	Nice
2021–2023	Crystal Palace
2023–2024	Strasbourg
2024–	Genoa
Honours Men's football Representing  France FIFA World Cup Winner 1998 Runner-up 2006 UEFA European Championship Winner 2000 FIFA Confederations Cup Winner 2001
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Patrick Paul Vieira (born 23 June 1976) is a famous French football manager and former player. He is currently the head coach of the Serie A club Genoa in Italy. Many people think he is one of the best midfielders in football history. In 2004, he was even named in the FIFA 100 list of the greatest living footballers!

Vieira started his playing career at Cannes in France. Then, he moved to Italy to play for AC Milan. In 1996, he joined Arsenal in England. He spent nine years there, becoming a powerful and important midfielder. He was known for his strong and competitive playing style. From 2002 to 2005, he was the captain of Arsenal. During his time at Arsenal, he helped them win many trophies. This included four FA Cups and three league titles. One of these league titles was won without losing a single game! This amazing team was called "The Invincibles".

After Arsenal, he played for Juventus and Inter Milan in Italy. At Inter, he won four league titles in a row. He then moved to Manchester City and won another FA Cup before retiring in 2011.

Patrick Vieira also played for the French national team for 12 years. He played in the final when France won the 1998 FIFA World Cup. He also helped France win UEFA Euro 2000. He played in the 2006 FIFA World Cup final, where France finished second. He played 107 games for France before he stopped playing internationally in 2010.

After he stopped playing, Vieira became a coach. He started coaching the youth academy at Manchester City. Later, he became the manager for teams like New York City FC in the USA, Nice and Strasbourg in France, and Crystal Palace in England. Now, he is the head coach of Genoa.

Early Life and First Steps

Patrick Paul Vieira was born on 23 June 1976 in Dakar, Senegal. When he was eight years old, his family moved to Dreux, France. He didn't go back to Senegal until 2003. His parents divorced when he was young, and he never saw his father again. Patrick became a French citizen at birth because his grandfather served in the French Army. His last name, Vieira, is Portuguese. It was his mother's maiden name, and she is from Cape Verde.

Starting His Football Journey

Vieira first played for Tours U19 in the early 1990s. Then, he moved to Cannes. He made his first professional appearance at just 17 years old in 1993. By the time he was 19, he was already the team captain! In 1995, he joined the Italian club AC Milan. However, he only played five games for their main team.

Becoming an Arsenal Legend

Joining Arsenal

On 14 August 1996, Patrick Vieira joined Arsenal in England for £3.5 million. He chose Arsenal because his fellow countryman, Arsène Wenger, was going to be the new manager. Vieira said it would be "a lot easier" to speak French with him. Wenger officially became manager in October, but Vieira had already made an impact. He played his first game on 16 September 1996. People quickly saw his talent, calling him a "thinking man's midfielder".

Vieira made his first full start three days later against Middlesbrough. He scored his first goal for Arsenal on 8 December 1996. It was a late goal that helped them draw 2–2 with Derby County. Fans loved his performances. He finished his first season with 38 games played. Arsenal ended up in third place in the league.

Winning Trophies with Arsenal

Vieira formed a strong partnership with his French teammate Emmanuel Petit. This helped Arsenal win both the league and the FA Cup in the 1997–98 season. He scored against Manchester United in a 3–2 win. However, he also got his first red card for using bad language. He was sent off again a month later in a League Cup game. Despite these issues, he helped Arsenal catch up to Manchester United. He was even named in the PFA Team of the Year.

In 1999, Vieira was sent off again and spat at an opposing player. This led to a six-match ban and a large fine. Arsenal finished second in the league that season. They also reached the 2000 UEFA Cup Final, but lost on penalties. Vieira missed his penalty kick.

In the 2000–01 season, Vieira continued to have disciplinary problems. He was sent off twice in just three days! He then faced a five-match ban. Some worried he might leave England, but he said he wanted to stay. He also said he couldn't change his aggressive playing style. After a game in October 2000, Vieira said he was racially abused by an opponent. UEFA investigated and banned the other player.

Vieira was unsure about staying at Arsenal in 2001. He felt the team wasn't strong enough to win big trophies. He even said he was leaving. But he eventually stayed and became the team's vice-captain. He was set to become the main captain after Tony Adams. In the 2001–02 season, Arsenal won both the league and the FA Cup again!

Vieira (centre, on podium) lifting the Premier League trophy in May 2004.

Captain and "Invincible"

When Tony Adams retired in 2002, Vieira became the new club captain. He said it felt "daunting" but he was excited. He believed it would make him a better player and person. In September 2002, he was sent off against Chelsea. Arsenal still managed to get a draw. Vieira sometimes felt tired from playing so many games. But his manager, Arsène Wenger, said he was physically outstanding.

In May 2003, Vieira was fined by UEFA. He had criticized them for not doing enough about racism. He missed the end of the season due to injury. Arsenal lost the league title to Manchester United that year.

In 2003, many big clubs like Real Madrid and Chelsea wanted to sign Vieira. But he decided to stay at Arsenal and signed a new contract until 2007. The 2003–04 season was incredible for Arsenal. They won the league title without losing a single game! They were the first English team in over a century to do this. This team is famously known as "The Invincibles". Vieira had a tough start to the season, getting sent off again. But he scored important goals, including one against Tottenham Hotspur that helped Arsenal win the title.

Final Season at Arsenal

In July 2004, Real Madrid tried to sign Vieira again. They thought he was the best player in his position. But Vieira chose to stay at Arsenal. He said he was "proud to be captain".

He scored his first goal of the 2004–05 season in a thrilling 5–4 win against Tottenham. In February 2005, he had a famous argument with Manchester United captain Roy Keane in the tunnel before a game. Arsenal finished second in the league that season. In the 2005 FA Cup Final, the game went to a penalty shootout. Vieira scored the winning penalty against Manchester United. This was his last kick for Arsenal.

Moving to Italy and Manchester City

Juventus

In July 2005, Vieira left Arsenal and signed a five-year contract with Juventus in Italy. The deal was worth £13.75 million. He joined his former manager, Fabio Capello, who had signed him as a teenager. Capello called Vieira a "very important player" because of his skill and strength. Vieira played his first game for Juventus on 28 August 2005. He scored his first goal a week later. Juventus had a great start to the season.

However, Vieira got a groin injury while playing for France. He also had a reported argument with teammate Zlatan Ibrahimović. Despite this, he helped Juventus win the Italian league title. But this title was later taken away. In March 2006, Vieira played against Arsenal in the Champions League. His former teammate Robert Pires tackled him strongly. Arsenal won the game and later reached the Champions League final.

Inter Milan

Juventus faced big problems in 2006. They were involved in a scandal and were moved down to a lower league. Many of their best players left. On 2 August 2006, Vieira signed a four-year deal with Inter Milan. He said he wanted to keep playing at the highest level.

On his debut for Inter, Vieira scored two goals! This helped them win 4–3 against Roma in the Supercoppa Italiana. He then won three Italian league titles in a row with Inter. But he often struggled with injuries and wasn't always a regular starter. By 2009, he was playing less and less. In January 2010, his manager José Mourinho said Vieira had played his last game for Inter.

Vieira playing with Inter in August 2009

Manchester City

Vieira with Manchester City in November 2010.

On 8 January 2010, Vieira joined Manchester City in England. He signed a six-month deal and reunited with his former Arsenal teammates and Inter manager, Roberto Mancini. Mancini said Vieira was an "excellent midfielder" with a winning attitude.

He played his first game for Manchester City on 6 February. Three days later, he made his first start and helped set up a goal. Later that month, he was banned for three games for kicking an opponent. He scored his first goal for the club on 3 April 2010. In June, he extended his contract for another year.

On 22 February 2011, Vieira scored two goals in an FA Cup game. He was named Man of the Match. He scored again in the Premier League on 3 April. On 14 May, he came on as a substitute as Manchester City won the 2011 FA Cup Final. This was his last trophy as a player. On 14 July, at age 35, Patrick Vieira announced his retirement from playing football. He immediately started a new role at Manchester City, working in youth development.

Playing for France: World Cup Winner!

Vieira played his first game for the French national team in 1997. He was part of the French squad that won the 1998 FIFA World Cup. He came on as a substitute in the final against Brazil. He even helped set up the third goal in France's 3–0 victory! After this win, he and the rest of the team were given a special honor called the Knight of the Legion of Honour.

He was a key player when France won UEFA Euro 2000, beating Italy in the final. He also helped France win the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup. He was one of the top scorers in that tournament, scoring two goals, including the winning goal in the final against Japan. He played in all three games at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, but France was knocked out early.

Vieira was injured and missed France's loss to Greece at UEFA Euro 2004. After that tournament, he became the captain of the national team when Zinedine Zidane retired. But when Zidane returned to the team in 2005, Vieira gave the captain's armband back.

On his 30th birthday, 23 June 2006, Vieira was captain again because Zidane was suspended. He scored the first goal as France beat Togo 2–0 in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. This win helped France move to the next round. In the next game, Vieira helped set up a goal and scored another himself in a 3–1 win against Spain. He started the World Cup final, but had to leave due to injury. Italy won the final on penalties.

Vieira became the captain of the French national team again in August 2006. On 15 November, he played his 100th game for France. He missed the group games at UEFA Euro 2008 because of a knee injury. His last game for France was in June 2009. He was not chosen for the 2010 FIFA World Cup squad. On 7 July 2010, Vieira said he was no longer interested in playing for France. He played 107 games for France and scored six goals.

What Kind of Player Was He?

Many experts say Patrick Vieira was one of the best players in his position. He was a complete and powerful footballer. He had amazing physical strength, athletic ability, and technical skills. Even though he was tough, he was also graceful with the ball.

He usually played as a defensive midfielder or a "box-to-box" midfielder. This means he could defend well and also run forward to help with attacks. He was good at tackling and understood the game very well. He could predict what opponents would do. He also had good ball control, passing skills, and vision. This allowed him to win the ball back and start new attacks. He was also good in the air and made strong runs from midfield. All these skills helped him connect the defense and attack effectively. He was also known for his leadership on the field.

From Player to Coach

On 14 July 2011, after retiring from playing, Vieira became a "Football Development Executive" at Manchester City. He worked closely with the City Football Group. In May 2013, Vieira became the manager of Manchester City's reserve team, called the Elite Development Squad (EDS).

In May 2015, he was considered for the manager job at Newcastle United, but it didn't work out.

Coaching Different Teams

On 9 November 2015, Vieira was announced as the new head coach of New York City FC in the USA. This club shares owners with Manchester City. He started his new role on 1 January 2016. His first game was a 4–3 win against Chicago Fire. He led New York City to a successful first season in 2016. They improved their league position from 17th in 2015 to fourth in 2016, and then to second in 2017.

On 11 June 2018, Vieira became the manager of Ligue 1 club Nice in France. In his first season, he led the club to a seventh-place finish in the league. However, they didn't do well in the French cup competitions. On 4 December 2020, Nice announced that Vieira was no longer their manager after a series of losses.

On 4 July 2021, Vieira was appointed manager of Premier League club Crystal Palace in England. He signed a three-year contract. In his first season, he didn't lose to his two former Premier League teams, Arsenal and Manchester City. He guided Crystal Palace to a twelfth-place league finish. They also reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

Vieira was involved in an incident with fans in May 2022. He refused to comment on it, and no charges were pressed. On 17 March 2023, Vieira was sacked by Crystal Palace. This happened after a long period without a win.

On 2 July 2023, Vieira signed a three-year deal with Ligue 1 club Strasbourg in France. His first game was a 2–1 home win. His team had a tough period without wins later that year. Fans were also unhappy with the club's new owners. On 18 July 2024, Vieira left Strasbourg by agreement.

On 20 November 2024, Vieira was announced as the new head coach of Genoa in Italy.

Style of Management

As a manager, Patrick Vieira is known for using a careful style of play. His teams often focus on keeping possession of the ball. He has also shown that he can make his team play more defensively when they are in a difficult situation. At Crystal Palace, he changed their style from reacting to opponents to being more proactive.

Life Outside Football

Patrick Vieira is married to Cheryl, who is from Trinidad. They met in England when he played for Arsenal. They have a daughter. In 2006, their home was broken into, but they were not seriously harmed.

In 2003, Vieira visited Senegal for the first time since he was a child. He helped start the Diambars football academy there. This academy has helped many young players become professional footballers.

Media

Vieira (rear left) with Chancellor George Osborne at a fundraiser for famine in East Africa in 2011

Vieira has appeared in the EA Sports FIFA video games. He was even on the cover of FIFA 2005. He was also included in the Ultimate Team Legends in FIFA 14.

He was sponsored by the sportswear company Nike. He appeared in several Nike commercials, including a famous "Secret Tournament" ad for the 2002 World Cup. In this ad, he played alongside other football stars like Thierry Henry and Ronaldo. Vieira also worked as a football expert for ITV during their coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Awards and Achievements

Player

AC Milan

• Serie A: 1995–96

Arsenal

• Premier League: 1997–98, 2001–02, 2003–04 (The Invincibles)
• FA Cup: 1997–98, 2001–02, 2002–03, 2004–05
• FA Community Shield: 1998, 1999, 2002
• UEFA Cup runner-up: 1999–2000

Inter Milan

• Serie A: 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09
• Supercoppa Italiana: 2006

Manchester City

• FA Cup: 2010–11

France National Team

• FIFA World Cup: 1998 (Winner), 2006 (Runner-up)
• UEFA European Championship: 2000 (Winner)
• FIFA Confederations Cup: 2001 (Winner)

Individual Awards

• Ligue 1 Rookie of the Year: 1995
• UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament: 2000
• FIFA Confederations Cup Silver Ball: 2001
• FIFA World Cup All-star team: 2006
• PFA Team of the Year: 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2001–02, 2002–03, 2003–04 (six times!)
• Premier League Player of the Season: 2000–01
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2001
• France Football French Player of the Year: 2001
• Premier League Hall of Fame: 2022
• Premier League Overseas Team of the Decade: 1992–93 – 2001–02
• Premier League Overall Team of the Decade: 1992–93 – 2001–02
• Arsenal Player of the Season: 2000−01
• FIFA 100: 2004 (one of the greatest living footballers)
• Sports Illustrated Team of the Decade: 2009
• UNFP 20 Year Special Team Trophy: 2011
• English Football Hall of Fame: 2014
• Golden Foot Legends Award: 2019

Manager

Manchester City EDS

• Premier League International Cup: 2014–15

Orders

• Knight of the Legion of Honour: 1998 (a special French award)

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In Spanish: Patrick Vieira para niños