Jean Tigana
The tireless engine of France's 'Magic Square' midfield.
Amadou Jean Tigana (born 23 June 1955) is a former professional football player and manager. A central midfielder, he was renowned as one of the best midfielders in the world during the 1980s. He spent his entire playing career in France, and made 52 appearances and scored one goal for the France national team. Following his playing career, he became a manager, coaching clubs in France, England, Turkey and China.
Quick Facts
- Nickname
- Le Tigre (The Tiger)
- Role
- Central; Defensive Midfielder
- Affiliation
- France National Team
- Olympique de Marseille
- Tottenham Hotspur
- Major honour
- 1984 UEFA European Championship – Winner
- Playing style
- Relentless work rate
- aggressive tackling
- box-to-box coverage
- Status
- Retired – National Team Legend
Lore & Background
Tigana started his professional career at Toulon, having been spotted fairly late playing part-time while employed in a spaghetti factory and then as a postman. He moved to Lyon in 1978 and then to Bordeaux in a $4 million transfer. In Bordeaux's midfield for eight years, he helped them to three league titles and three French cups. He moved in 1989 to Marseille, and ended his career there following the 1990–91 season, winning two consecutive league titles, and reaching the European Cup final. As an international, Tigana joined Michel Platini, Luis Fernandez and Alain Giresse in what was termed 'the Magic Square'. He was part of the France team that won UEFA Euro 1984 on home soil. Tigana's single international goal came against Hungary in the 1986 FIFA World Cup finals, in which France managed a third-place finish.
Reader's Guide
Tigana was a world-class box-to-box midfielder, noted for his great movement, teamwork, pace and tireless stamina. Although mainly responsible for defensive duties, he often ventured forward to create scoring opportunities. His work ethic and expansive range of passing, combined with close control and efficient dribbling, made him a world-class midfielder. He was also known for his ability to spot and execute defence-splitting passes.
Did You Know?
- Tigana was born in Bamako, French Sudan (now Mali) to a Malian father and a French mother.
- He won the French Player of the Year award in 1984.
- As a manager, he led Fulham to promotion to the FA Premier League as champions in his first full season.
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