Willy Sagnol facts for kids
Sagnol in 2007
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| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Date of birth | 18 March 1977 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Saint-Étienne, France | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.80 m | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Playing position | Right back | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Club information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current club | Georgia (manager) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Youth career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1990–1995 | Saint-Étienne | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Senior career* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1995–1997 | Saint-Étienne | 46 | (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1997–2000 | Monaco | 71 | (0) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2000–2009 | Bayern Munich | 184 | (7) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2003–2008 | Bayern Munich II | 3 | (0) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 304 | (8) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| National team | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1997 | France U20 | 5 | (0) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2000–2008 | France | 58 | (0) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Teams managed | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2011–2013 | France (technical director) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2013 | France U20 (interim) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2013–2014 | France U21 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2014–2016 | Bordeaux | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2017 | Bayern Munich (assistant) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2017 | Bayern Munich (interim) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021– | Georgia | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Honours
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Willy David Frédéric Sagnol (born 18 March 1977) is a French professional football manager and former player. He played as a defender, usually on the right side. Today, he is the manager of the Georgia national team.
Willy Sagnol spent most of his playing career with Bayern Munich in Germany. He was also an important part of the French national team. He played in major tournaments like the 2002 FIFA World Cup and the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
As a manager, he led Bordeaux for two years. In 2021, he became the coach of the Georgia national team. He made history by leading Georgia to their first-ever major tournament, UEFA Euro 2024.
Contents
Playing Career Highlights
Willy Sagnol started his football journey at a young age. He played for his father's old club in Montfaucon-en-Velay. There, he learned to be a strong defender on the right side of the field. He was also good at playing further up the field as a midfielder.
Starting at Saint-Étienne
From Montfaucon, Willy Sagnol moved to Saint-Étienne. This was a bigger club in his region. He continued to improve his skills there.
Success with Monaco
After two impressive years, he joined Monaco in 1997. At Monaco, he won his first big trophy, the Division 1 title, in 2000. He also played in a strong Monaco team that beat Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League in 1998. His great performances made people think he should play for the French national team.
Becoming a Star at Bayern Munich
In the summer of 2000, Sagnol moved to the German club Bayern Munich. He quickly became a key player. He was a strong defender but also very good at attacking. His amazing crosses from the right side were a big part of Bayern's attacks.
With Bayern, he won many trophies:
- The Bundesliga (German league) five times: 2001, 2003, 2005, 2006, and 2008.
- The UEFA Champions League in 2001.
- The DFB-Pokal (German Cup) four times: 2003, 2005, 2006, and 2008.
Willy Sagnol had to stop playing football on 1 February 2009. This was because of ongoing problems with his Achilles tendon (a part of his leg).
International Appearances for France
Willy Sagnol had a successful international career with France. At first, he often sat on the bench. He was usually second choice behind the famous player Lilian Thuram.
Becoming a Regular Player
In 2004, after some players retired, Sagnol finally became the main right-back for France. He kept this important role for the next four years.
The 2006 FIFA World Cup
Sagnol was a key player for France in the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. He started every one of France's seven games. France made it all the way to the final. His strong performances helped him be named one of the best defenders in the tournament.
In the World Cup final, Sagnol played very well. He helped both in defense and attack. He even took and scored a penalty kick in the shoot-out against Italy. However, France lost the shoot-out 5–3.
Euro 2008 Qualifiers
During the qualification games for UEFA Euro 2008, Sagnol showed new skills. He often took shots on goal and continued to provide his excellent crosses. He played his 50th game for France against the Faroe Islands. His consistent play showed he was a reliable defender who could also help in attack.
Coaching Career Journey
After retiring as a player, Willy Sagnol moved into coaching.
Leading Girondins de Bordeaux
Sagnol was the head coach of the France national under-21 team. Then, on 23 May 2014, he became the head coach of Girondins de Bordeaux. This was his first time coaching a club team.
In his first season (2014–15), Bordeaux finished sixth in the French league (Ligue 1). They also reached the later stages of cup competitions. The team had some big wins, like 4–1 against Monaco and 3–2 against Paris Saint-Germain.
In the 2015–16 season, Bordeaux qualified for the group stage of the UEFA Europa League. However, Sagnol was dismissed from his role on 14 March 2016 after a tough 4–0 loss to Toulouse.
Short Stint at Bayern Munich
On 9 June 2017, Sagnol returned to Bayern Munich as an assistant coach. He worked under manager Carlo Ancelotti. When Ancelotti was dismissed, Sagnol became the interim (temporary) manager for eight days. He managed one match, which was a 2–2 draw. He then left the club when a new permanent manager was appointed.
Making History with Georgia
Willy Sagnol became the manager of the Georgia national team on 15 February 2021. In 2024, he achieved something amazing. He led Georgia to their first-ever major international tournament, UEFA Euro 2024. They qualified by beating Greece in a penalty shootout.
At Euro 2024, Sagnol led Georgia to the knockout stage. This was a huge success for the team. They achieved this after a fantastic 2–0 victory against Portugal in their last group game.
Personal Life
Willy Sagnol is married and has four children.
Honours and Achievements
Willy Sagnol won many titles as a player and has started to win as a manager.
Monaco
- Division 1: 1999–2000
- Trophée des Champions: 1997
Bayern Munich
- Bundesliga: 2000–01, 2002–03, 2004–05, 2005–06, 2007–08
- DFB-Pokal: 2002–03, 2004–05, 2005–06, 2007–08
- DFL-Ligapokal: 2000
- UEFA Champions League: 2000–01
- Intercontinental Cup: 2001
France National Team
- FIFA Confederations Cup: 2001, 2003
- FIFA World Cup runner-up: 2006
Images for kids
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Sagnol in 2007
See also
In Spanish: Willy Sagnol para niños
