Robert Pirès
The left-footed French international who brought creativity and flair to the Stade Vélodrome.
Robert Emmanuel Pires (born 29 October 1973) is a French former professional footballer who played for French clubs Metz and Marseille prior to his time with Arsenal. He earned 79 caps for France between 1996 and 2004, winning both the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000. Pires played the majority of his career as a left winger, but could also play all across the midfield or in a position to support the forward line.
- Role
- Attacking Midfielder / Winger
- Nationality
- French
- Playing Style
- Left-footed dribbler and creator
- Status
- Retired
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Pires joined Marseille from Metz for £5 million in 1998 after six seasons at Metz where he scored 43 goals in 162 matches and won the Coupe de la Ligue. His first season at Marseille saw the club miss the 1998–99 French Division 1 title by a single point, and they reached the 1999 UEFA Cup Final, losing to Parma. His second season was marked by a spate of on- and off-field problems, which led him to boycott the club at the season's end. Pires then moved to Arsenal for £6 million in 2000, after stiff competition from Real Madrid and Juventus.
In Their Own Story
In his first season at Marseille, Pires came agonizingly close to a league title — the club missed the 1998–99 French Division 1 championship by just one point. He had been even closer the year before with Metz, who finished runners-up on goal difference. The 1999 UEFA Cup Final offered another chance at silverware, but Marseille fell to Parma. The following season brought turmoil: a series of on- and off-field problems culminated in Pires boycotting the club at the end of the campaign. Despite the difficult finish, his time in Provence showcased the talent that would soon make him a Premier League star.
Reader's Guide
Robert Pires is a left-footed winger who could also play across midfield or in a supporting forward role. At Marseille, he arrived as a proven Ligue 1 talent — he had been named Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year for the 1995–96 season while at Metz. His first season at Marseille saw the club push for the title and reach a European final, demonstrating his ability to perform at the highest level. Though his second season was troubled, his technical skill and creativity were never in doubt. He would go on to become one of Arsenal's greatest ever players, winning three FA Cups and two Premier League titles, including the unbeaten 2003–04 season.
Did You Know?
- Pires was born in Reims, France, to a Portuguese father and Spanish mother, and grew up speaking Spanish and Portuguese at home.
- He was named Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year for the 1995–96 season while at Metz.
- Pires won the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000 with France, earning 79 caps between 1996 and 2004.
- He was included in the FIFA 100 by Pelé and voted by Arsenal fans as the sixth greatest player in the club's history.
- Pires scored a hat-trick against Southampton on the penultimate day of the 2002–03 season.