Willy Sagnol facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Willy Sagnol

Sagnol in 2007
Personal information
Full name	Willy David Frédéric Sagnol
Date of birth	(1977-03-18) 18 March 1977 (age 48)
Place of birth	Saint-Étienne, France
Height	1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Position(s)	Right back
Team information
Current team	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)
International career
1997	France U20	5	(0)
2000–2008	France	58	(0)
Managerial career
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
Medal record Men's football Representing  France FIFA Confederations Cup Winner 2001 Winner 2003 FIFA World Cup Runner-up 2006
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Willy David Frédéric Sagnol (born on March 18, 1977) is a French football coach and a former player. He used to play as a defender. Today, he is the manager of the Georgia national team.

Willy Sagnol played most of his career for Bayern Munich in Germany. He also played for the French national team in big tournaments like the World Cup and European Championship.

As a coach, he managed Bordeaux for two years. In 2021, he became the coach of Georgia. He led them to their first major tournament, UEFA Euro 2024, and even helped them reach the knockout stage.

Willy Sagnol's Playing Career

Willy Sagnol started playing football at a young age. He began at his father's old club in Montfaucon-en-Velay. There, he learned to play as a right back and also showed great skill in midfield.

Playing for Saint-Étienne

From Montfaucon, he moved up to play for Saint-Étienne, a well-known club in his region.

Playing for Monaco

After two impressive years, he joined Monaco in 1997. With Monaco, he won his first major trophy, the Division 1 title, in 2000. He also helped Monaco beat Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League in 1998.

Playing for Bayern Munich

In the summer of 2000, Sagnol moved to the German club Bayern Munich. He quickly became an important player. He was a strong defender but also good at attacking, often playing as a wing back. His amazing crossing ability made him a key part of Bayern's attacks.

With Bayern, he won many titles:

• 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.
• The Intercontinental Cup in 2001.

Willy Sagnol had to stop playing football on February 1, 2009, because of ongoing problems with his Achilles tendon.

Willy Sagnol's International Career

For the French national team, Sagnol often played as a substitute at first. He became the main right back in 2004. He kept this position for the next four years.

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, helping them reach the final. He was considered one of the best defenders in the tournament.

In the World Cup final, Sagnol played very well. He had a strong shot on goal that was saved by the Italian goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon. He also provided a great cross for his captain, Zinedine Zidane, whose header was also saved. In the penalty shootout, Sagnol scored his penalty kick, but France lost the match 5–3.

UEFA Euro 2008 Qualifiers

During the qualification games for UEFA Euro 2008, Sagnol showed new skills. He had good shots on goal and continued to deliver his famous crosses. His 50th game for France was against the Faroe Islands in Paris. His performances showed he was a consistent defender who could also help in attack.

Willy Sagnol's Coaching Career

After retiring as a player, Sagnol started a career in coaching.

Coaching Girondins de Bordeaux

Willy Sagnol was the head coach of the France national under-21 team before becoming the head coach of Girondins de Bordeaux on May 23, 2014. He signed a two-year contract. This was his first time coaching a club team.

In his first season (2014–15), Bordeaux finished sixth in the French league. They also had some big wins, like 4–1 against Monaco and 3–2 against Paris Saint-Germain. However, they also had a tough 5–0 loss to Olympique Lyonnais.

In the 2015–16 season, Bordeaux qualified for the group stage of the UEFA Europa League. Sagnol was dismissed from his role on March 14, 2016, after a 4–0 loss to Toulouse.

Coaching Bayern Munich (Assistant and Interim)

On June 9, 2017, Sagnol returned to Bayern Munich as an assistant coach under Carlo Ancelotti. When Ancelotti was dismissed on September 28, 2017, Sagnol became the interim manager for a short time. He managed Bayern for eight days and one match, which ended in a 2–2 draw. He then left the club when a new permanent manager was appointed.

Coaching Georgia National Team

Sagnol was appointed the manager of the Georgia national team on February 15, 2021. In 2024, he made history by leading Georgia to their first ever major international tournament, UEFA Euro 2024. They qualified by beating Greece in a penalty shootout. He also led Georgia to the knockout stage of the tournament after a 2–0 victory against Portugal in their final group game.

Personal Life

Willy Sagnol is married and has four children.

Honours and Achievements

Willy Sagnol won many trophies during his playing career:

With Monaco

• Division 1: 2000
• Trophée des Champions: 1997

With Bayern Munich

• Bundesliga: 2001, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008
• DFB-Pokal: 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008
• DFL-Ligapokal: 2000
• UEFA Champions League: 2001
• Intercontinental Cup: 2001

With France National Team

• FIFA Confederations Cup: 2001, 2003
• FIFA World Cup runner-up: 2006

See also

In Spanish: Willy Sagnol para niños