Patrick Vieira

Verified Timeline

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.

In Their Own Story

The narrative of Vieira's Arsenal career is defined by resilience against adversity. In October 2000, following a group stage match against Lazio, he alleged racial abuse from Siniša Mihajlović, leading to a UEFA investigation and a two-match ban for 'unsporting actions.' Despite feeling victimized and facing rumors of leaving the club after criticism of Arsenal's transfer business in April 2001, Vieira returned to pre-season training in July 2001. His leadership was solidified when he was named vice-captain to ensure his succession of Tony Adams. The culmination of this journey arrived in the 2001-02 season, where Arsenal regained the league and defeated Chelsea in the FA Cup Final to complete a second double. As captain from 2002 onwards, he steered the club through the 'Invincibles' campaign, lifting three league titles and four FA Cups in total before departing for Juventus in 2005.

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.