Patrice Evra is a former professional footballer widely celebrated for his outstanding career as a left-back, particularly during his tenure at Manchester United.
Charismatic, fearless, and full of personality, Evra is remembered not just for his contributions on the pitch but also for his leadership, resilience, and vibrant energy off it.
Evra played professionally for over two decades, collecting numerous titles, accolades, and admirers along the way.
His journey from a modest upbringing in Senegal and the suburbs of Paris to the bright lights of the UEFA Champions League final is a testament to hard work, self-belief, and unmatched charisma.
Today, Evra continues to captivate fans through his punditry, coaching pursuits, and social media presence.
Early Life and Background
Born in Dakar, Senegal, Patrice Latyr Evra was one of 24 children in a large family headed by his father, a diplomat.
His family later relocated to Les Ulis, a gritty suburb in the southern outskirts of Paris, known for producing football talents like Thierry Henry and Anthony Martial.
Evra’s upbringing was far from easy. He often speaks of working odd jobs—including a stint at McDonald’s—to help his family get by. He initially played as a striker in local youth clubs and only transitioned into a defensive role later in his career.
His professional journey began at age 17 in Italy, playing for lower-league side Marsala. Though a far cry from the glitz of top-tier European football, this experience shaped his toughness and technical growth.
A brief period at Monza in Serie B followed before he returned to France to join OGC Nice, where he was transformed into a left-back—setting the stage for his meteoric rise.
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Club Career Highlights
AS Monaco (2002–2006)
Evra joined AS Monaco in 2002, marking a turning point in his career. He flourished under manager Didier Deschamps, playing a crucial role in Monaco’s impressive run to the 2004 UEFA Champions League Final. Though they lost to Porto, Evra’s performances caught the attention of major European clubs.
Manchester United (2006–2014)
In January 2006, Sir Alex Ferguson signed Evra for £5.5 million, and despite a shaky debut, he eventually developed into one of the best left-backs in the world.
Key Achievements at United:
- 5 Premier League Titles (2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2012–13)
- 3 League Cups
- 1 UEFA Champions League (2008, vs. Chelsea in Moscow)
- FIFA Club World Cup (2008)
- 2 UCL Final Appearances (2009 & 2011 vs. Barcelona)
Known for his consistency, work ethic, and attacking surges down the flank, Evra made over 370 appearances for Manchester United and captained the team on several occasions.
Juventus and Beyond (2014–2019)
After leaving United, Evra signed with Juventus, where he continued to win silverware:
- 2 Serie A titles
- 2 Coppa Italia trophies
- 2015 UEFA Champions League Final appearance (lost to Barcelona)
- Later short spells at Marseille and West Ham United rounded out his playing career, which officially ended in 2019.
International Career with France
Evra earned 81 caps for the French national team between 2004 and 2016. His international career was eventful—marked by both high points and controversies.
He participated in:
- FIFA World Cup: 2010, 2014
- UEFA Euro: 2008, 2012, 2016 (runner-up)
In 2010, as France’s captain, Evra led the infamous player strike at the South Africa World Cup following Nicolas Anelka’s expulsion, which caused national uproar and led to his temporary suspension.
Despite this, he returned to the squad and helped France reach the Euro 2016 Final, where they lost to Portugal.
Contracts, Salary & Endorsements
During his playing career, Evra was among the better-paid defenders in world football.
Salary Breakdown:
- Manchester United: Peaked at £85,000–£90,000/week
- Juventus: Estimated €3.5 million/year
- Marseille: Approx. €50,000/week
- West Ham United: £75,000/week (short-term deal)
Evra also earned significant sums from endorsement deals, notably with Adidas, and engaged in commercial ventures post-retirement. In total, his career earnings exceeded £30 million, including endorsements and bonuses.
Post-Retirement Life and Legacy
Following his retirement, Evra seamlessly transitioned into media and public life. His unfiltered humor, motivational speeches, and catchphrase “I love this game!” have become synonymous with his online persona.
He has millions of followers on social media platforms and frequently collaborates with broadcasters like Sky Sports.
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Other Pursuits:
- Author: Released his memoir “I Love This Game” in 2021, revealing deeply personal stories including childhood trauma and his fight against racism.
- Coach: Currently working toward UEFA coaching badges, with aspirations of managing at the professional level.
- Activist: Passionate about anti-racism and youth mentorship, frequently speaking out on issues of social injustice.
Legacy
Patrice Evra’s legacy is not just about trophies or tackles. It’s about energy, authenticity, and overcoming adversity. Whether it was taking on Lionel Messi in a Champions League final or dancing to reggae beats in his kitchen, Evra always did things his way—with heart, soul, and a smile.
He remains one of football’s most beloved and outspoken figures and continues to influence both the sport and wider society.
