Patrick Vieira

Arsenal's midfield general and captain of the Invincibles.

Patrick Paul Vieira (born 23 June 1976) is a professional football manager and former player who is the head coach of the Senegal national team. Widely regarded as among the best players of his generation and one of the greatest midfielders of all time, he was named in the FIFA 100 of the greatest living footballers in 2004.

Quick Facts

Full name: Patrick Paul Vieira
Born: 23 June 1976
Birthplace: Dakar, Senegal
Height: 1.92 m / 6 ft 4 in
Position: Midfielder
Current club: Senegal (head coach)
Total caps: 456
Total goals: 45

Lore & Background

Vieira began his playing career at Cannes, then moved to Serie A club AC Milan. In 1996, he joined Arsenal for £3.5 million. He captained Arsenal from 2002 to 2005, winning four FA Cups and three league titles, including one unbeaten. He was named in the Premier League PFA Team of the Year for six consecutive years from 1999 to 2004. He later played for Juventus, Inter Milan, and Manchester City, winning four league titles with Inter and another FA Cup with City. He represented France from 1997 to 2010, making 107 appearances, and played in the finals of the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 victories. After retiring, he managed Manchester City's academy, New York City FC, Nice, Crystal Palace, Strasbourg, and Genoa.

Reader's Guide

Vieira is known as a dominating box-to-box midfielder with an aggressive and highly competitive style. He was a key figure in Arsenal's success and a leader on and off the pitch. His international career included captaincy and appearances in multiple World Cups and European Championships.

Did You Know?

Vieira was born in Dakar, Senegal, and moved to France at age eight.
He was sent off twice in 72 hours during the 2000–01 season.
He was fined a record £45,000 by the FA for spitting at Neil Ruddock in 1999.
Vieira scored a late equalizer for Arsenal on his goal debut against Derby County in December 1996.