Jean Tigana Triple Crown

Lore & Background

Al-Fayed was born in Alexandria, Egypt, and began his career selling Coca-Cola and sewing machines. He later built a shipping business and worked in Dubai, securing contracts for port and trade center development. He owned Harrods and the Hôtel Ritz Paris, and his son Dodi died with Diana, Princess of Wales in a 1997 car crash. After his death, over 200 women accused him of sexual assault and rape.

In Their Own Story

The Parc des Princes hums with an electric anticipation as the final whistle approaches. Jean Tigana, wearing his captain's armband and the manager's clipboard tucked under his arm, signals for calm. The ball is at Amoros' feet; he passes to Fernández, who threads a needle through the defense to find the open space. It is not a chaotic scramble but a choreographed dance of passing and movement. As the net ripples, sealing the treble, Tigana does not sprint wildly; he raises his hands, a conductor acknowledging a perfect symphony played by his orchestra on the grass.

Reader's Guide

Al-Fayed's business dealings included a controversial period in Haiti in 1964, where he secured an oil contract under a false identity. He later moved to England and became a director of Costain and Lonrho. His wealth was estimated at US$2 billion by Forbes at the time of his death.

Did You Know?

• Al-Fayed claimed the 1997 car crash that killed his son Dodi and Princess Diana was orchestrated by MI6 on the instructions of Prince Philip.
• He financially supported the unreleased documentary 'Unlawful Killing' about the crash.
• Al-Fayed was married to Samira Khashoggi from 1954 to 1956.