Full Name
Patrick Vieira
Position
Centre/Defensive Midfielder
Born
23 June 1976
Country
France
Clubs
Cannes (France)
AC Milan (Italy)
Arsenal (England)
Juventus (Italy)
Inter Milan (Italy)
Manchester City (England)
Professional Career
1994-2011
International Caps/Goals
107 caps/6 goals
Honours
3 English Premier League title, 3 FA Cup, 3 Community Shield (Arsenal)
4 Serie A Scudetto, 2 Italian Super Cup (Inter Milan)
1 Serie A Scudetto (Juvenus)
1 FA Cup (Manchester City)
1998 FIFA World Cup (France)
2000 UEFA European Championship (France)
2001 Confederations Cup (France)
Patrick Vieira firmly established himself as one of the world’s best midfielders during his times at Arsenal, when he powered the English club to three Premier League titles, including one amazing unbeaten season in 2004. Tall and lanky, Vieira could easily tackle, intercept and regain possession in his own half, before distributing or surging forward with the ball, turning defence into attack quickly.
For France, playing together with Zinedine Zidane in the centre of the field, the duo formed the best midfield in the world, winning the World Cup and European Championship in 1998 and 2000 respectively. Zidane was given the freedom of a playmaker, whereas Vieira was the important link in the midfield, playing the ball upfront and helping at the back whenever necessary.
After hanging up his boots in 2011, after a 17-year glamorous playing career, Vieira moved into coaching, and has managed Manchester City youth academy, New York City and Nice so far.
Best 100 Footballers in the World 