Eric Cantona Biography

Fast Facts

• Voted Manchester United's greatest player ever in 2001, four years after his retirement
• By the time he had officially retired from professional sports, he won four Premier League titles and two FA Cup Doubles
• He is the older brother of fellow actor and former soccer player, Joël Cantona
• The grandson of a stonemason, he and his family lived in a hillside cave for many years during his childhood
• Quote: "I'm so proud the fans still sing my name, but I fear tomorrow they will stop․ I fear it because I love it․ And everything you love, you fear you will lose․"
• Quote: "I need to express myself in whatever I do․ I need to find something to express myself; today it is acting, tomorrow it could be something else․"
• Quote: "There are only two important things in life, loyalty to your chosen team and the love of your family․"
• Quote: "[Regarding his first opportunity to coach] "When an older player encourages you, it is very important; you can destroy somebody or give them wings, big wings․""
• Began his acting career immediately after leaving soccer, making his film debut in 1998's "Elizabeth" and later his stage debut in 2010 in a play directed by his wife Rachida
• Began his soccer career with SO Caillolais before turning pro with Auxerre in 1983
• Set aside his acting career in 2011 to become an assistant coach of the New York Cosmos soccer team
• Often known for his unruly temper as a soccer player, as he was suspended many times and even sentenced to prison throughout his heated, yet successful career
• Best known by the nickname 'King Eric' during his Manchester days
• riefly suspended his athletic career in the early '80s to serve in the French armed forces before eventually returning a little over one year later