Robert Pires

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Pires played for French clubs Metz and Marseille prior to his time with Arsenal, where he won three FA Cups and two Premier League titles, including the club's unbeaten season of 2003–04. A former France international, Pires earned 79 caps between 1996 and 2004 for his country, including winning both the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000. He has been included in the PFA Team of the Year for the 2001–02, 2002–03 and 2003–04 seasons, was the Player of the Tournament for the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup, FWA Player of the Year for the 2001–02 season, Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year for the 1995–96 season, and was included in the FIFA 100 by Pelé. He was also voted by Arsenal fans as the sixth greatest player in the club's history.

In Their Own Story

The 2003–04 season saw Pires play a crucial role in Arsenal becoming the first English top-flight club to go unbeaten in 115 years. After a sluggish start with just one goal against Everton, he kick-started his campaign with a wonder-goal against Liverpool at Anfield. His technique shone in a match against Chelsea where he executed a world-class tackle on Claude Makélélé, drew defenders William Gallas and John Terry away to create space for Patrick Vieira's equaliser, helping Arsenal win 2–1. This victory proved decisive as Manchester United failed to beat Leeds United the same day, handing Arsenal a massive title lead. Pires finished that season with 14 goals and seven assists in the league, matching Dennis Bergkamp on assists while finishing second to Thierry Henry in scoring. He also scored home and away against Tottenham, including a goal where he was the architect of the build-up before scoring the team's second.

Reader's Guide

Pires played the majority of his career as a left winger, but could also play all across the midfield or in a position to support the forward line. Following his retirement, Pires returned to Arsenal as an individual coach and later as a coach in Baller League.

Did You Know?

• Pires won the Coupe de la Ligue with Metz, not with Marseille.
• Pires scored a hat-trick against Southampton on the penultimate day of the 2002–03 season.
• Pires scored the winner in the 2001 FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham, but Arsenal lost the final to Liverpool.
• Pires won two Premier League titles with Arsenal, not three.
• Pires scored in the 2004–05 FA Cup semi-final against Blackburn Rovers and won the FA Cup that season.