Eric Cantona

France · Second striker (Striker, Attacking midfielder) · Gen 1 · Pelé & Maradona · Peak 1992-1997

Charismatic king who awoke United with creative passing and volleys

Nicknames King Eric, The King

81.2OVR#102 of 1,235 outfield players

Position-weighted average of all outfield and career attributes, as on the main table.

“He illuminated Old Trafford. The place was a frenzy every time he touched the ball.”
— Alex Ferguson, Manchester United manager · source

Category averages

  • Speed76.0
  • Shooting85.8
  • Passing84.9
  • Ball Control87.3
  • Movement76.2
  • Football IQ89.8
  • Defending Skill39.0
  • Physical83.0
  • Mental81.2
  • Career71.0

Top 10 attributes

  1. Shooting Creativity94
  2. Link-up Play92
  3. Possession92
  4. Press Resistance92
  5. Tactical Creativity92
  6. Leadership91
  7. Volleys90
  8. Through Balls90
  9. First Touch90
  10. Skills & Tricks90

Real records

These ratings are set from the measured data below.

All 64 attributes

Speed 76.0

  • Top Speed78
  • Acceleration83
  • Dribbling Speed75
  • Top Speed with Ball73
  • Knock-on & Run67
  • Change of Pace80

Shooting 85.8

  • Finishing89
  • Shot Power88
  • Long Shots85
  • Volleys90
  • Curve84
  • Penalties ●88
  • Heading80
  • Direct Free Kicks80
  • Shooting Creativity94
  • Acrobatics80

Passing 84.9

  • Short Passing89
  • Long Passing80
  • Through Balls90
  • Crossing80
  • Link-up Play92
  • Vision89
  • Set-Piece Delivery74

Ball Control 87.3

  • Dribbling88
  • Possession92
  • First Touch90
  • Skills & Tricks90
  • Weak Foot72
  • Press Resistance92

Movement 76.2

  • Off-the-Ball Movement88
  • Runs in Behind76
  • Attacking Positioning84
  • Anticipation85
  • Recovery Runs48

Football IQ 89.8

  • Decision Making90
  • Spatial Awareness89
  • Game Management88
  • Tactical Creativity92

Defending Skill 39.0

  • Defensive Positioning40
  • Marking42
  • Interceptions45
  • Standing Tackle42
  • Sliding Tackle35
  • Offside Trap30

Physical 83.0

  • Strength86
  • Stamina79
  • Agility84
  • Balance86
  • Recovery80
  • Reactions80
  • Hold-up Play88
  • Aerial Duels76
  • Aggression88

Mental 81.2

  • Big-Game Temperament90
  • Leadership91
  • Selflessness80
  • Concentration76
  • Determination88
  • Tactical Discipline62

Career 71.0

  • Consistency82
  • Longevity68
  • Achievements67
  • Durability78
  • Loyalty60

Profile

Born
24 May 1966
Height
188 cm
Foot
Right
Career
1983–1997
Prime
1992-1997

Club career

  • 1983–1988 Auxerre
  • 1985–1986 Martigues (loan)
  • 1988–1991 Marseille
  • 1989–1989 Bordeaux (loan)
  • 1989–1990 Montpellier (loan)
  • 1991–1992 Nîmes
  • 1992–1992 Leeds United
  • 1992–1997 Manchester United

Honours

League title · Ligue 1 Marseille 1

1990–91

League title · Football League First Division Leeds United 1

1991–92

League title · Premier League Manchester United 4

1992–93, 1993–94, 1995–96, 1996–97

FA Cup 2

1993–94, 1995–96

Coupe de France 1

1989–90

Community Shield 4

1992, 1993, 1994, 1996

PFA Players' Player of the Year 1

1993–94

FWA Footballer of the Year 1

1995–96

Trophy illustrations: Wikimedia Commons

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