Collar up, chest out. Eric Cantona didn't just play for Manchester United; he swaggered. In five seasons at Old Trafford, the Frenchman became a cult hero and the catalyst for the club's dominance of English football.
Below you'll find Eric Cantona's fact file, career history and honours, plus our Eric Cantona collection of hoodies and T-shirts.
Eric Cantona Fact File
| Full name | Eric Daniel Pierre Cantona |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 24 May 1966 (age 60) |
| Place of birth | Marseille, France |
| Height | 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) |
| Position | Forward |
| Nationality | French |
| Status | Retired; actor |
| Shirt number | 7 |
| Nickname | King Eric |
Career History
| Years | Team | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983-1988 | Auxerre | 82 | 23 |
| 1988-1991 | Marseille | 40 | 13 |
| 1989 | Bordeaux (loan) | 11 | 6 |
| 1989-1990 | Montpellier (loan) | 33 | 10 |
| 1991-1992 | Nîmes | 16 | 2 |
| 1992 | Leeds United | 28 | 9 |
| 1992-1997 | Manchester United | 143 | 64 |
| 1987-1995 | France | 45 | 20 |
League appearances and goals; international figures are caps and goals.
Leeds United: The First Title
Born in Marseille in 1966, Cantona had a stormy early career in France. He arrived in England in early 1992 and helped Leeds United win the last First Division title before the Premier League began. Celebrate this chapter with our Eric Cantona 7 Football Shirt Frame Men's Hoodie.
The Missing Piece at United
In November 1992, Sir Alex Ferguson signed Cantona from Leeds for around £1.2 million, one of the great bargains in football history. United hadn't won the league in 26 years. With Cantona leading the line, they won the first Premier League title that season, and three more in the next four years. Relive it with our Eric Cantona Away Days Man United Icon Frame Men's T-Shirt.
The 1996 FA Cup Final
After serving a long ban, Cantona returned in 1995-96 and was magnificent, captaining United to the double. He scored the only goal of the FA Cup final against Liverpool, a volley through a crowded penalty area. Wear the legend with our Eric Cantona Black 7 Football Shirt Frame Men's Hoodie.
Early Retirement
Cantona stunned the football world by retiring in 1997 at the age of 30. He went on to act in films and play beach football for France, but he never lost his status as "King Eric".
Why He Still Matters
Cantona's influence went far beyond the goals. Younger players like Beckham, Scholes and Giggs credited him with raising the standards of training at United. His attitude, his style and his collar made him one of the most iconic figures in Premier League history.
Honours
Manchester United
- Premier League: 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997
- FA Cup: 1994, 1996
Leeds United
- First Division: 1992
Marseille
- French Division 1: 1991
Individual
- PFA Players' Player of the Year: 1994
- FWA Footballer of the Year: 1996
Off the Pitch
Since retiring, Cantona has built a career as an actor, appearing in films including Elizabeth and Looking for Eric. He was also part of the France side that won the 2005 Beach Soccer World Cup.
FAQs
How old is Eric Cantona?
Eric Cantona was born on 24 May 1966, so he is 60 years old.
Where was Eric Cantona born?
In Marseille, France.
How tall is Eric Cantona?
Eric Cantona is 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in).
What teams has Eric Cantona played for?
Auxerre, Marseille, Bordeaux, Montpellier, Nîmes, Leeds United and Manchester United, plus France.
How much did Manchester United pay for Cantona?
Around £1.2 million when he joined from Leeds in November 1992.
Why did Cantona wear his collar up?
It became his trademark look at Old Trafford, and fans still copy it today.
When did Eric Cantona retire?
In May 1997, at the age of 30, shortly after winning his fourth Premier League title with United.
Shop the Eric Cantona Collection
Celebrate Eric Cantona with our made-to-order hoodies and T-shirts, printed in England in men's and kids' sizes.
King Eric Men's T-Shirt
£29.99
See every design in the full Eric Cantona collection, or browse more football legends. Want your own name on the back? Try our custom name hoodie.
Part of our Player Profiles series. Read next: George Best and David Beckham.
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