Eric Cantona is a French former professional footballer who played for Manchester United, who now spends his time as an actor and a singer.
As far as iconic names go at United – there are none potentially greater than Cantona. Joining Manchester United from bitter rivals Leeds in 1992, no one knew the indelible mark he’d leave around Carrington.
The charismatic Frenchman quickly went on to become a fan favourite at Old Trafford, idolised for his performances on the pitch, and his attitude off it. Leaving in 1997, in just five years, Cantona had cemented himself as one of the Manchester United greats.
So just who is he? Here’s a look into the wacky life of King Eric.
How old is Eric Cantona?
Cantona was born on the 24th of May 1966. The legendary forward is now 57 years old.
Eric Cantona height
Eric Cantona is approximately 1.88 meters (6 feet 2 inches) tall. His physically imposing nature meant he was a handful for defenders in the air.
Eric Cantona at Manchester United
Cantona’s tenure at Manchester United from 1992 to 1997 was marked by brilliance and controversy. His arrival really did transform the club.
Who did Manchester United buy Eric Cantona from?
Cantona was bought by Manchester United from Leeds United on the 26th of November 1992, for a transfer fee reported to be around £1.2 million.
How many trophies did Eric Cantona win for Manchester United?
Cantona won a total of 9 major trophies during his time at Manchester United. These include:
- 4 Premier League titles (1992–93, 1993–94, 1995–96, 1996–97)
- 2 FA Cup‘s (1993–94, 1995–96)
- 3 FA Community Shields (1993, 1994, 1996)
How many goals did Eric Cantona score for Manchester United?
Cantona scored a total of 82 goals for Manchester United during his time at the club. He didn’t really get anywhere near the top goalscorers of all-time list.
Did Eric Cantona captain Manchester United?
Yes, he took the reigns of the United captaincy from 1996 – 1997. Cantona embodied exactly what it means to be a great Red Devils captain.
Eric Cantona’s Kung-fu kick…
A charismatic figure, he scored crucial goals, epitomizing United’s attacking flair. However, his temperamental nature occasionally courted controversy, including a suspension for a notorious kung-fu kick incident…
Why did Eric Cantona kung fu kick a fan?
On the 25th of January 1995 during a match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace, Cantona reacted to taunts from a Crystal Palace fan by launching a kung-fu-style kick at him. Cantona later stated that the fan had directed racial and personal insults towards him.
What happened to Eric Cantona after kung-fu kick?
He was subsequently banned from football for eight months and fined £20,000 by the Football Association.
Who did Eric Cantona kick?
The Palace fan was revealed to be Matthew Simmons, who had run down 11 rows of stairs to confront and shout abuse at Cantona.
Eric Cantona movies and TV shows
Since heading into acting, Cantona has starred in many movies and TV shows. Here are some of his most prominent below:
- The Traveller – 2019
- Looking for Eric – 2009
- Inhuman Resources – 2020
- You and the Night – 2013
- The Salvation – 2014
- The Class of ’92 – 2013
- The United Way – 2021
- Switch – 2011
Did Cantona star in the film aka?
Yes, he plays gangster boss, Victor Pastore. The film is about an undercover agent tasked with infiltrating a crime gang that is connected to a Sudanese terrorist bombing suspect.
Eric Cantona Singing
Cantona has now gone into a new artistic venture besides acting – he’s on a mission to conquer the music industry.
Eric Cantona tour
The Frenchman is currently touring around Europe, performing his music to the masses. Tickets can be obtained here on Ticketmaster.
Eric Cantona songs
Cantona’s top five songs on Spotify are as follows:
- The Friends We Lost
- Be Our Guest
- I’ll Make My Own Heaven
- Tu Me Diras
- The Friends We Lost – Live in Geneva
Eric Cantona wife
Cantona is married to Rachida Brakni. She has been married to “King Eric” since 2007.
Brakni is a French actress who was born on February 15th 1977 in Paris to Algerian parents.
She met her husband on the set of ‘The Kooples’ and said it was “love at first sight” when they met.
Does Cantona have children?
Eric and Rachida have two children, Emir and Selma. He also has two other children from his first marriage to Isabelle Ferrer – Raphael and Josephine.
Eric Cantona number
Cantona wore the infamous number seven shirt whilst at Manchester United. He’s up there with the best ever to don the iconic jersey.