Patrick Vieira

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Template:Short description Template:About Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox football biography Patrick Paul Vieira (Template:IPA;<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> born 23 June 1976) is a professional football manager and former player who was most recently the head coach of Serie A club Genoa. Widely regarded as among the best players of his generation and one of the greatest midfielders of all time, he was named in the FIFA 100 of the greatest living footballers in 2004.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Vieira began his playing career at Cannes, where several standout performances garnered him a move to Serie A club AC Milan. In 1996, he relocated to England to join fellow countryman Arsène Wenger at Arsenal for a fee of £3.5 million. During his nine-year stint in the Premier League, Vieira established himself as a dominating box-to-box midfielder, noted for his aggressive and highly competitive style of play, an attitude that also helped him excel as captain of the club from 2002 until his departure in 2005. He helped Arsenal achieve a sustained period of success during his time at the club, where he lifted 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 returned to Italy, playing for Juventus, but quickly departed after the club was relegated as punishment for its part in the Calciopoli scandal. He then signed for Inter Milan, where he consecutively won four league titles, before featuring for Manchester City, where he won another FA Cup, before retiring in 2011.

Vieira featured at senior level for much of his international career, representing France over a period of twelve years, where he also spent some time as captain. He played in the final in his nation's victorious campaign at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, and featured heavily as the team also won UEFA Euro 2000. He also appeared for France at the 2002 World Cup, Euro 2004, in the side that finished runners-up in the 2006 World Cup, and at Euro 2008, before retiring from international competition in 2010, having made 107 appearances for the side.

Following retirement, Vieira transitioned into coaching and took charge of the academy at Manchester City in 2013. He departed two years later to become manager of Major League Soccer club New York City FC. He subsequently managed Ligue 1 club Nice between 2018 and 2020, Premier League side Crystal Palace between 2021 and 2023, and Ligue 1 club Strasbourg between 2023 and 2024. In 2024, he became manager of Italian club Genoa but was sacked in October 2025 with the club bottom of the table.

Early life

Patrick Paul Vieira<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> was born on 23 June 1976<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> in Dakar, Senegal.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Vieira's family moved to Dreux, France,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> when he was eight, and he did not return to Senegal until 2003.<ref name=diambars>Template:Cite news</ref> His parents divorced when Vieira was young, and he never met his father again.<ref name=autobio/> His French citizenship was conferred on him at birth as his grandfather served in the French Army.<ref name=autobio/> His surname Vieira, which is Portuguese, is the maiden name of his mother, who is from Cape Verde.<ref name=autobio>Template:Cite book</ref>

Club career

Early career

Vieira first played for Tours U19 in the early 90s, before moving to Cannes, where he made his debut at the age of 17, in 1993, and captained the team at just 19 years old.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In the summer of 1995, he was signed by Italian Serie A club AC Milan, although he made just five first-team appearances for the club.<ref>Template:Soccerbase</ref>

Arsenal

First season (1996–97)

On 10 August 1996, the Daily Mirror reported that Vieira was subject to a move to English club Arsenal, given personal terms with original suitors Ajax were not reached.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He joined Arsenal four days later in a £3.5 million move.<ref name="sign">Template:Cite news</ref> The peculiarity of Vieira and fellow Frenchman Rémi Garde arriving at the club, coupled with manager Bruce Rioch's dismissal before the season had begun, suggested that Arsenal was managed by exterior influence.<ref name="sign"/> Vieira later revealed he signed for Arsenal because his compatriot Arsène Wenger was going to be the club's next manager: "I am delighted to be joining Arsenal at the same time as Mr Wenger becomes their coach. Being able to speak French to him will make life a lot easier for me."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Wenger was officially in command of managerial affairs at Arsenal by the start of October, but Vieira had already made his mark, coming on as a substitute against Sheffield Wednesday on 16 September 1996; The Times described him as a "thinking man's Carlton Palmer … who, at last, gives the Arsenal midfield some variety."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Template:Quote box Vieira made his full debut against Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium, three days after.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He scored his first goal for the club against Derby County on 8 December 1996 – a late equaliser in a 2–2 draw.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> His performances for Arsenal in the subsequent months made him a fans’ favourite and was lauded as "…the playmaker Arsenal have sought since Paul Davis pulled the strings in the 1991 championship-winning team."<ref name="dav">Template:Cite news</ref> Davis himself noted that in the matches Vieira was suspended during the Christmas period, Arsenal struggled to win.<ref name="dav"/> He ended his first season with 38 appearances in total and Arsenal finished in third place, missing out on a spot in the UEFA Champions League via goal difference.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Two "doubles" (1997–2002)

Vieira's partnership with international teammate Emmanuel Petit the following season was instrumental in helping Arsenal complete a domestic league and cup double. Vieira scored his first goal of the campaign against Manchester United in a 3–2 victory on 9 November 1997.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Vieira, however, twisted his knee during the match, and was ruled out from playing for a month.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He returned for the trip at Wimbledon on 22 December 1997, which was postponed due to floodlight problems.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In a game against Coventry City on 17 January 1998, Vieira received his first red card for using "foul and abusive language" at referee Stephen Lodge.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Vieira was again dismissed a month later, this time in a League Cup semi-final against Chelsea, a decision which Wenger described as "absolutely ridiculous."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Towards the finishing straight of the campaign, Vieira helped Arsenal make ground on league leaders Manchester United and his card record had improved, "…with only one booking in the latter stages of the season".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> After a successful World Cup campaign with the national team, Vieira had another productive season at Arsenal in 1998–99. Although Arsenal failed to retain the Premier League, Vieira's endeavour was rewarded – he was named in the PFA Team of the Year alongside Petit.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Against West Ham United on 2 October 1999, Vieira was sent off for a second booking, after fouling striker Paolo Di Canio.<ref name="spit">Template:Cite news</ref> Moments after, he spat at Neil Ruddock, who walked into him and was dragged off the pitch by officials.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Vieira was subsequently charged, banned for six matches and fined a record £45,000 by The Football Association.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The season ended in disappointment for both Vieira and Arsenal, as the team finished 18 points behind champions Manchester United, in second place. Arsenal reached the 2000 UEFA Cup Final, in which Vieira played. but the team lost the match on penalties against Galatasaray; Vieira's spot kick hit the post.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Disciplinary problems continued to beset Vieira in the 2000–01 season. He was sent off on the opening day against Sunderland, and for the second time in 72 hours at home to Liverpool.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Vieira scored two goals, the following match against Charlton Athletic, in what was his final appearance before a five-match suspension. It was feared that Vieira was prepared to turn his back on English football, as he felt victimised – Wenger, several Arsenal players and fans supported him publicly.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Vieira himself, after the ban, expressed his desire to remain at Arsenal, but noted he could never alter his style of play: "...because, basically, I don't want to change. I really enjoy English football and the life in England. I am happy here."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

After a group stage match against Lazio in October 2000, Vieira claimed he was the target of racial abuse from Siniša Mihajlović, which UEFA subsequently launched an investigation into.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Mihajlović later admitted he made reference to Vieira's ethnicity, but added that he was provoked. The player was then handed a two-match ban for "unsporting actions".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Given Arsenal that finished behind Manchester United in the league for a third consecutive season, Vieira was reluctant to commit himself to the club, and described the season, up until April 2001, as "average".<ref name=":2">Template:Cite news</ref> Despite how mature his performances had become since Petit left, he criticised Arsenal's decision to sell him and Marc Overmars to Barcelona: "Of course it was good business but it was a big disappointment for me. If we still had the same team now and put Overmars and Petit in it, we would be even better and stronger. It's not that I miss Petit – the team needs him."<ref name=":2" />

In May 2001, The Daily Telegraph reported that Manchester United was planning an "audacious" attempt to sign Vieira; manager Sir Alex Ferguson, a long-term admirer of the player, was given the green light by his board to make a bid.<ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Cbignore</ref> In the summer period, Vieira disparaged Arsenal's transfer activity and was adamant the club would not finish "in the top five in the league – and forget the Champions League," saying about his future: "As far as I'm concerned, the matter is resolved. I am leaving Arsenal and I have made that perfectly clear."<ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Cbignore</ref> The club refused to respond to his comments, but vice-chairman David Dein was privately irked at Vieira's agent, Marc Roger, for letting the situation become unsettling.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Wenger attributed the saga at the hands of Manchester United: "[They] made an approach to Patrick without contacting us, and that does not really respect the rules."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Vieira turned up for pre-season training in July 2001 as normal, and was later named the club vice-captain, to ensure he would succeed Tony Adams as captain.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Success finally came for Vieira in the 2001–02 season; Arsenal regained the league and beat Chelsea in the 2002 FA Cup Final to complete a second double.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Captaincy and "Invincibles" (2002–04)

Adams' retirement in May 2002 meant Vieira became club captain. He described the feeling as "daunting", but it was something he looked forward to: "Taking the responsibility on my shoulders is something I relish. It will make me a better, more mature footballer and a more mature person as well."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in September 2002, Vieira was sent off for a late tackle on Gianfranco Zola; Arsenal's persistence nevertheless earnt them a point.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In an interview with L'Équipe soon after, Vieira spoke of his desire to rest, as he felt "burned out": "I can hardly stand. My back aches, my legs hurt, it hurts all over. I'm going to see Arsène. He must give me time off to relax."<ref name="tired">Template:Cite news</ref> He featured in 66 games the previous campaign for Arsenal, but Wenger rejected the player's need for special treatment: "I looked at the statistics for Tuesday's game and, physically, Patrick was outstanding. He pushed himself very hard and that explains why he was so tired."<ref name="tired"/>

Vieira's performance against Charlton on 14 September 2002 – incidentally his 200th league appearance for Arsenal – "justified Wenger's faith in his captain's fitness".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Two months later, he was lauded by The Guardian correspondent David Lacey for his show against Newcastle United: "the Arsenal captain dominated the afternoon with a demonstration of tackling, control, awareness and movement that was exceptional even by his standards."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Vieira sustained a groin injury against Valencia in December 2002, returning on Boxing Day to face West Bromwich Albion.<ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Cbignore</ref> In May 2003, Vieira was fined £2,300 by UEFA, having criticised the organisation for not doing enough on racism, as Vieira had been subjected to racist abuse against Valencia.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Vieira missed Arsenal's title run-in, which saw Manchester United overtake them in first place, due to sustaining a knee injury.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Vieira was also ruled out of the 2003 FA Cup Final, which Arsenal won.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Vieira (centre, on podium) lifting the Premier League trophy in May 2004.

In spite of growing interest to sign Vieira, not least from Manchester United, Real Madrid and Chelsea in summer 2003, he agreed to stay at Arsenal and signed a deal that ran until 2007.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The 2003–04 season was a successful one for Arsenal, as they reclaimed the league title and became the first English team in more than a century to go through the entire league season unbeaten. Vieira endured a troubling start to the campaign, as he was sent off against Manchester United in September 2003, banned for one match, and later fined £20,000 "for improper conduct in failing to leave the field of play following his sending-off".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He went off with a thigh strain during the match against Newcastle United, which commenced a period of being in and out of the side for two months.<ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Cbignore</ref> He scored his first goal of the season against Chelsea on 21 February 2004; Arsenal afterwards opened up a seven-point gap at the top of the league.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Two months later, Vieira scored the opening goal away to Tottenham Hotspur, in what ended a 2–2 draw – enough for Arsenal to regain the title.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Against Leicester City in the final league match of the campaign, with the score tied at 1–1, Dennis Bergkamp set up Vieira with a pass, to which he rounded the goalkeeper and scored. Arsenal ended the campaign as league champions without a single defeat – a record of 26 wins and twelve draws.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Final season (2004–05)

The re-election of Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez in July 2004 prompted him to declare the club's ambition to sign Vieira: "I must repeat that my policy is to try to sign the best player in the world in every position where we do not already have that. Patrick Vieira is, in my opinion, the best in the world in his position."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Vieira's advisors met with officials from Real Madrid, before it was speculated a bid of £18 million had been put on the table.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Cbignore</ref> Following an ultimatum set by Wenger, who was "likely" to make an offer for West Ham midfielder Michael Carrick as his replacement, Vieira chose to stay at Arsenal.<ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Cbignore</ref><ref name="stay">Template:Cite news</ref> In a statement, he said: "I'm staying at the club. I'm proud to be captain of the club and I'm looking forward to achieving my ambitions."<ref name="stay"/>

Vieira scored his first goal of the 2004–05 season in a nine-goal North London derby, which Arsenal won 5–4 on 13 November 2004.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> His second goal came in a fortnight at Liverpool, "lift[ing] a lazy, delicate finish away from Chris Kirkland" after a one-touch move.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Arsenal lost the match late on and Vieira, booked in the match, was suspended for the December clash against league leaders Chelsea; he scored the only goal for the team against Newcastle in the Christmas period.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Vieira was involved in a tunnel bust up with Manchester United captain Roy Keane in February 2005 and was confronted about an incident involving Gary Neville.<ref>Archived at GhostarchiveTemplate:Cbignore and the Wayback MachineTemplate:Cbignore: Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Arsenal fell to third as a result of losing 4–2 to United, but a twelve-game unbeaten run, culminating in a 7–0 home win against Everton, meant they ended the season in second place.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In the 2005 FA Cup Final, he scored the winning penalty in a penalty shoot-out after a 0–0 draw with Manchester United, which proved to be his final kick of a ball for Arsenal.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Vieira returned for the opening match of Emirates Stadium, in a testimonial for Bergkamp on 22 July 2006, as one of the Arsenal legends against Ajax.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Juventus

In July 2005, representatives of Juventus met with Arsenal with a view to signing Vieira.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The player, according to The Guardian, accepted that Arsenal were "ready to let him go", before agreeing in principle to join Juventus.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 15 August, he signed a five-year contract, in a deal worth £13.75 million.<ref name="juv">Template:Cite news</ref>

Vieira was reunited with Fabio Capello, who had signed him for Milan as a teenager.<ref name="juv"/> Capello described him as a "very important player", adding "…his presence is felt not only for his technical value but for his physical quality."<ref name="juv"/> Capello deployed Vieira in a midfield alongside Emerson and Pavel Nedvěd. Vieira made his debut for Juventus in their 1–0 win against Chievo on 28 August 2005.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 14 September, he was sent off against Club Brugge, in Juventus' first match of the Champions League.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Vieira scored his first goal for the club – a 37th-minute winner against Udinese a week after - which contributed towards Juventus' impressive start to the season.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Having picked up a groin injury through international duty for France, Vieira missed Juventus' Champions League match away to Bayern Munich in October 2005.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Despite his performances dipping as the result of a persistent groin injury, and a reported training ground bust-up with teammate Zlatan Ibrahimović,Template:Cn Vieira helped Juventus retain the Scudetto, which was later stripped.

Vieira returned to Highbury on 28 March 2006 to play against Arsenal in the first leg of the quarter-finals of the Champions League. During that game, he was the subject of a strong tackle by former club and national teammate Robert Pires. Vieira was left crestfallen as Pires regained possession and Arsenal attacked, scoring the first goal of the tie through Cesc Fàbregas. Pires humorously quipped that it was the first time in 13 years he had got the better of Vieira physically. Vieira also received a yellow card during that leg, which Arsenal won 2–0, and was suspended for the return leg on 5 April, which ended 0–0 and eliminated Juventus.<ref>Haond, Patrick, "Pirès delight at dumping Vieira"Template:Dead link, skysports.com, 29 March 2006. Retrieved 29 May 2007.</ref>

Inter Milan

Vieira playing with Inter in August 2009

Juventus were stripped of their 2004–05 and 2005–06 titles, after it was revealed they were involved in the Calciopoli scandal.<ref name="releg">Template:Cite news</ref> Juventus were relegated to Serie B and deducted 17 points by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) for their involvement,<ref name="releg" /> prompting many of the club's major stars to move elsewhere. After press speculation linking him to various clubs, including a move back to Arsenal, on 2 August 2006, Vieira officially signed a four-year deal with Inter Milan, in a deal to be worth €9.5 million,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> less than half of the €20 million fee Juventus had paid just twelve months prior.<ref>Round-up: Vieira moves to InterTemplate:Dead linkTemplate:Cbignore, The Daily Telegraph, 3 August 2006. Retrieved 29 May 2007.</ref> Vieira declared he wanted to continue to play at the highest level at the presentation conference, which is his reason to leave Juventus.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

On his Inter debut on 26 August, Vieira scored twice as the team won 4–3 against Roma in the Supercoppa Italiana at the San Siro.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He later won the 2006–07, 2007–08 and 2008–09 Serie A titles - but, due to injury, he failed to become a regular starter. Olivier Dacourt, initially a backup player, became manager Roberto Mancini's first choice player in the 2006–07 season. After the club signed Sulley Muntari and Thiago Motta, Vieira became of lesser and lesser importance to the team.

In response to extensive media speculation regarding a possible return by Vieira to his former club in 2009, Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger admitted that he would contemplate re-signing Vieira.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The move never happened, however, and Vieira remained at Inter. On 6 January 2010, Vieira was unusually included in the starting lineup against Chievo, which was his eighth league start of the season.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Before the match commenced, Inter had lost Esteban Cambiasso and Muntari due to injury, with Dejan Stanković and Motta suspended.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> José Mourinho stated that Vieira had played his last game at Inter after the match.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Manchester City

Vieira with Manchester City in November 2010.

On 8 January 2010, it was confirmed that Vieira was having a medical at Manchester City, and he would sign a six-month deal, where he would link up with former Arsenal colleagues Kolo Touré and Sylvinho, as well as former Inter manager Roberto Mancini. The contract also included an option for a twelve-month extension.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite news</ref> Mancini described Vieira as an excellent midfielder with a winner's mentality, and that he would fit into Manchester City's squad very well.<ref name=":1" /> He made his debut on 6 February in the 2–1 defeat away to Hull City, replacing Craig Bellamy after an hour. Three days later, he made his first start against Bolton Wanderers, where he assisted Emmanuel Adebayor through a long ball in the 2–0 victory. Later in the month, he was given a three-match retrospective ban for a kick at Stoke City's Glenn Whelan.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He scored his first goal for the club against Burnley in a 6–1 win on 3 April 2010.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 9 June, Vieira agreed to a one-year extension to his contract, which kept him at Eastlands until the summer of 2011.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 22 February 2011, Vieira scored the first two City goals in a 5–0 win in the FA Cup Fourth round replay against Notts County, and was awarded Man of the Match honours.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He scored in the Premier League on 3 April against Sunderland, a minute after having come on as a substitute for Adam Johnson in the 5–0 win.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He made an added-time substitute appearance in place of David Silva on 14 May, as Manchester City won the 2011 FA Cup Final with a 1–0 win over Stoke at Wembley.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 14 July, he retired at the age of 35, immediately becoming a development executive at City.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

International career

Vieira made his debut for France in 1997 against the Netherlands. He was part of the France squad in the 1998 FIFA World Cup. He came on as a substitute in the final against Brazil, and set up Arsenal teammate Emmanuel Petit for France's third goal in a 3–0 win.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He, with the rest of the squad, was appointed a Knight of the Legion of Honour in 1998.<ref name=Legion>Template:Cite journal</ref>

He subsequently played as a first choice midfield player in France's successful campaign at UEFA Euro 2000, which they won, beating Italy in the final.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He helped France to victory in the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup, ending the tournament as joint top scorer with two goals, including the winner, a header, in the final against Japan.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He also played in all three games in the 2002 World Cup, in which France were eliminated in the group stage, failing to score a goal.

Vieira was injured and missed France's defeat to Greece, the eventual winners, at Euro 2004.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> After the tournament in Portugal, he became captain upon Zinedine Zidane's retirement from international football.<ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Dead linkTemplate:Cbignore</ref> In August 2005, he returned the armband as Zidane returned to the team.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

On 23 June 2006, his 30th birthday, Vieira took the captain's armband for the match in place of the suspended Zidane, and scored the first goal as France beat Togo 2–0 in the group stages of the 2006 World Cup; he also assisted Thierry Henry for the second.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> This win helped France advance to the knockout stages in second behind Switzerland. In the round of 16, Vieira assisted the equaliser by Franck Ribéry and scored the second goal in a 3–1 win over Spain.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Vieira started the final, but was substituted injured for Alou Diarra as Italy won 5–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

On 5 August 2006, Vieira was reappointed captain of the France national team for the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign following Zidane's full retirement.<ref>Vieira to lead Les BleusTemplate:Dead linkTemplate:Cbignore, uefa.com, 6 August 2006. Retrieved 29 May 2007.</ref> He became the fifth Frenchman to earn 100 caps on 15 November, in a 1–0 win over Greece at the Stade de France.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He played no part in the group games at Euro 2008 for a struggling France due to a niggling knee injury.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> His last cap with the national team was on 2 June 2009 in a friendly match against Nigeria, and was not included by coach Raymond Domenech in France's squad for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

On 7 July 2010, Vieira confirmed that he was no longer interested in playing for France and would devote his time to Manchester City.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Altogether, he won 107 caps for France, scoring six goals.

Style of play

Regarded by pundits as one of the best players ever in his position,<ref name="fourfourtwo">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Vieira was a complete, powerful, tenacious and aggressive footballer, with outstanding physical, athletic and technical attributes, who was also known for his grace on the pitch when in possession of the ball.<ref name="Under pressure">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="France and Italy">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Usually deployed as a defensive, central or box-to-box midfielder, he was a competent tackler and a tactically intelligent midfielder, who was known for his ability to anticipate his opponents, and was gifted with good ball skills, distribution and vision, which enabled him to start attacking plays in midfield after winning back possession;<ref name="Under pressure"/> he also excelled in the air<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and was known for his surging forward runs from midfield, which enabled him to contribute to his team's offensive play.<ref name="France and Italy"/> These attributes, in addition to his pace, strength, pressing ability and stamina allowed him to link up the defence with the attack effectively, and made him capable of playing anywhere in midfield.<ref name="France and Italy"/><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 2007, The Times placed him at number 33 in their list of the fifty hardest footballers in history.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In addition to his abilities as a footballer, he also stood out for his leadership throughout his career.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Managerial career

On 14 July 2011, Vieira announced his retirement from playing and accepted a training and youth development role at Premier League club Manchester City, with the title of "Football Development Executive".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In this role, he forged a strong, close working relationship with City Football Group's Brian Marwood. In May 2013, Vieira was appointed as the manager of the club's new reserve team: the Elite Development Squad (EDS).<ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Cbignore</ref>

In May 2015, Vieira was interviewed to be the next manager of fellow Premier League club Newcastle United, an opportunity which both parties rejected, due to difference of policies.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

New York City FC

On 9 November 2015, Vieira was announced as the new head coach of New York City FC - who share owners with Manchester City, in the City Football Group - from 1 January 2016, replacing inaugural head coach Jason Kreis.<ref name=":3">Template:Cite news</ref> He was selected for the role by Director of Football Claudio Reyna, due to his familiarity with the structure of operations within the group, as well as his tactical knowledge, which was previously utilized by Jason Kreis on his scholar period in Manchester.

Vieira's first signing at the club was Jack Harrison, the first pick of the 2016 MLS SuperDraft.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He took charge of his first Major League Soccer game on the road versus Chicago Fire on 6 March 2016, in which his squad claimed a 4–3 victory. He led New York City to a 7-0 home defeat to New York Red Bulls on 21 May 2016. Despite losing in the conference semi-finals to Toronto, 2016 was considered a successful first season for Vieira by nearly all pundits.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

New York City improved its position in the combined MLS standings in each of his years with the club, improving from 17th in 2015 to fourth in Vieira's first season in 2016, and then to second in 2017.

Nice

On 11 June 2018, Vieira was appointed as the manager of Ligue 1 side Nice.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In his first season in charge, he led the club to a seventh-placed finish in the league, one place ahead of the club's position the previous season.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Elsewhere in the French domestic circuit, Nice had a disappointing run in the Coupe de France, being eliminated by Toulouse in the round of 64,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> whereas they were defeated by Guingamp in the round of 16 during their Coupe de la Ligue campaign.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 4 December 2020, Nice announced that Vieira was no longer the manager of the club, after a run of five losses in a row in all competitions, and elimination from the group stage of the Europa League.<ref name="nice">Template:Cite web</ref>

Crystal Palace

On 4 July 2021, Vieira was appointed as manager of Premier League club Crystal Palace on a three-year contract, following the departure of their previous manager, Roy Hodgson, who had served the club since 2017.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He lost 3–0 away to Chelsea on his debut on 14 August.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In his first season, he was undefeated against to his two former Premier League teams, managing a 2–2 away draw and 3–0 home win against Arsenal,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and a 2–0 away win and 0–0 home draw against Manchester City.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He guided the team to a twelfth-place league finish in the 2021–22 Premier League, and reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup, losing to Chelsea.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Vieira was involved in an altercation with pitch-invading Everton fans on 19 May 2022 at Goodison Park. Vieira refused to comment on the event, while opposing manager Frank Lampard sympathised with him.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Neither Vieira or the fan agreed to file a complaint or support prosecution of the other when they were questioned by Merseyside Police.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Vieira was sacked by the club on 17 March 2023, after a twelve-game run without a win, including a three-game span without a single shot on target, left the team three points above the relegation zone.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> His last match in charge was a 1–0 away defeat to rivals Brighton & Hove Albion on 15 March.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He was replaced by his predecessor Hodgson.<ref name="BBC Sport Palace2">Template:Cite web</ref>

Strasbourg

On 2 July 2023, Vieira signed a three-year deal at Ligue 1 club Strasbourg, shortly after their takeover by Chelsea owners BlueCo.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> His debut on 13 August was a 2–1 home win over Lyon.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> From 24 September to 7 December, the team went on an eight-game winless run, which fans blamed on a summer transfer window in which four 20-year-olds were signed for a combined fee of €53 million but struggled to perform.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> His team reached the quarter-finals of the Coupe de France, losing on penalties to Lyon after a goalless draw at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Vieira's young team struggled on the pitch as fans expressed hostility to the American owners and their business plan of developing new players for Chelsea.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

On 18 July 2024, Vieira left the club by mutual agreement.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Genoa

On 20 November 2024, Vieira was announced as the new head coach of Genoa, following the dismissal of their previous manager Alberto Gilardino.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref> Genoa was 17th in the table when Vieira took over, and only one point out of the relegation zone, but they ended the season finishing safely in 13th place. Despite being linked with managerial moves to Roma and Inter Milan, on 9 June 2025 Vieira signed a contract extension with Genoa until June 2027.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On 1 November 2025, Vieira left his role as Genoa head coach by mutual consent, with the team bottom of Serie A.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Style of management

Vieira has been known for implementing a methodical, possession-based football in all his teams. He has shown a tendency to become more defensive when his side are in a tight spot.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> His spell at Crystal Palace saw a shift to a proactive style of gameplay from the reactive counterattack-based gameplay prominent under the management of Roy Hodgson.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Personal life

Vieira and his Trinidadian wife, Cheryl, first met in England while he was playing for Arsenal.<ref name="Under pressure"/> They have a daughter.<ref name=gas>Template:Cite news</ref> The family experienced a home invasion in May 2006, when gas was pumped into their home near Cannes, but suffered no long-term effects.<ref name=gas/>

In 2003, Vieira returned to Senegal for the first time since his childhood, to lay the foundation stone of the Diambars football academy in Saly. The academy produced nine of the players in Senegal's squad at the 2012 Olympic football tournament.<ref name=diambars/>

Media

Vieira (rear left) with Chancellor George Osborne at a fundraiser for famine in East Africa in 2011

Vieira features in EA Sports FIFA video game series; he was on the cover of FIFA 2005,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and was named in the Ultimate Team Legends in FIFA 14.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Vieira was sponsored by sportswear company Nike, and appeared in several Nike commercials. In a global Nike advertising campaign in the run-up to the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan, he starred in a "Secret Tournament" commercial (branded "Scorpion KO") directed by Terry Gilliam, appearing alongside football players such as Thierry Henry, Ronaldo, Edgar Davids, Fabio Cannavaro, Francesco Totti, Ronaldinho, Luís Figo and Hidetoshi Nakata, with former player Eric Cantona the tournament "referee".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Vieira also worked as a pundit for ITV during their coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Continental Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Cannes 1993–94 Division 1 5 0 1 0 – – 6 0
1994–95 Division 1 31 2 2 1 1 0 4 1 38 4
1995–96 Division 1 13 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 17 0
Total 49 2 3 1 1 0 8 1 61 4
AC Milan 1995–96 Serie A 2 0 1 0 – 2 0 5 0
Arsenal 1996–97 Premier League 31 2 3 0 3 0 1 0 38 2
1997–98 Premier League 33 2 9 0 2 0 2 0 46 2
1998–99 Premier League 34 3 4 1 1 0 3 0 42 4
1999–2000 Premier League 30 2 2 0 1 0 14 0 47 2
2000–01 Premier League 30 6 6 1 0 0 12 0 48 7
2001–02 Premier League 36 2 7 0 0 0 11 1 54 3
2002–03 Premier League 24 3 5 0 1 0 12 1 42 4
2003–04 Premier League 29 3 5 0 3 0 7 0 44 3
2004–05 Premier League 32 6 6 1 0 0 6 0 44 7
Total 279 29 48 3 11 0 68 2 405 34
Juventus 2005–06 Serie A 31 5 3 0 1 0 7 0 42 5
Inter Milan 2006–07 Serie A 20 1 3 0 1 2 4 1 28 4
2007–08 Serie A 16 3 3 0 1 0 3 0 23 3
2008–09 Serie A 19 1 2 0 – 3 0 24 1
2009–10 Serie A 12 1 1 0 1 0 2 0 16 1
Total 67 6 9 0 3 2 12 1 91 9
Manchester City 2009–10 Premier League 13 1 1 0 0 0 – 14 1
2010–11 Premier League 15 2 8 3 1 0 8 0 32 5
Total 28 3 9 3 1 0 8 0 46 6
Career total 456 45 73 7 17 2 105 4 650 58

International

Appearances and goals by national team and yearTemplate:Citation needed
National team Year Apps Goals
France 1997 5 0
1998 5 0
1999 8 0
2000 17 0
2001 13 2
2002 12 2
2003 5 0
2004 11 0
2005 7 0
2006 17 2
2007 4 0
2008 2 0
2009 1 0
Total 107 6
Scores and results list France's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Vieira goalTemplate:Citation needed
List of international goals scored by Patrick Vieira
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 30 May 2001 Daegu World Cup Stadium, Daegu, South Korea Template:Fb 2–0 5–0 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup
2 10 June 2001 Yokohama International Stadium, Yokohama, Japan Template:Fb 1–0 1–0 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup
3 13 February 2002 Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France Template:Fb 1–0 2–1 Friendly
4 12 October 2002 Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France Template:Fb 1–0 5–0 UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying
5 23 June 2006 RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne, Germany Template:Fb 1–0 2–0 2006 FIFA World Cup
6 27 June 2006 AWD-Arena, Hanover, Germany Template:Fb 2–1 3–1 2006 FIFA World Cup

Managerial

Template:Updated

Team Nat From To Record Template:Abbr
Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip
New York City FC Template:Flagicon 1 January 2016 11 June 2018

Template:WDL

<ref name=":3" /><ref name="2016 standings">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="2016 playoffs">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="2016 us open cup">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="2017 standings">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="2017 playoffs">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="2017 us open cup">Template:Cite web</ref>
Nice Template:Flagicon 11 June 2018 4 December 2020

Template:WDL

<ref name="2018-19 standings">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="2018-19 coupe de france">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="2018-19 coupe de la ligue">Template:Cite web</ref>
Crystal Palace Template:Flagicon 4 July 2021 17 March 2023

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Strasbourg Template:Flagicon 2 July 2023 18 July 2024

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Genoa Template:Flagicon 20 November 2024 1 November 2025

Template:WDL

<ref name=":0" />
Total

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Honours

Player

AC Milan

Arsenal<ref name=SW/>

Inter Milan<ref name=SW/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Manchester City<ref name=SW/>

France<ref name=SW/>

Individual

Manager

Manchester City EDS

Orders

See also

References

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