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France international Eric Cantona is best known for his time at Manchester United
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Financial figures estimate Eric Cantona’s total net worth at £20 million
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Since retiring from football, Cantona has tried his hand at acting and has appeared in several television adverts
The iconic Eric Cantona was one of the most technically gifted footballers in Premier League history, lighting up the top flight for the best part of six years.
Playing at the same time as the likes of Paul Gascoigne and Paolo Di Canio, Cantona found himself caught up in controversy on more than one occasion during his time in England.
A key figure in Premier League Odds odds, Cantona led the line with aplomb and the France international helped the Red Devils to four titles in the 1990s.
Football fans around the world remember Cantona for that kung fu kick altercation with a Crystal Palace supporter but it is important to remember his positive achievements.
Voted as the club’s greatest ever player by a fan magazine in 1999, ‘King Eric’ will live long in the memory at Old Trafford for his goals and entertaining style of play.
In terms of talent, you could even make a strong case for Cantona ranking as one of the best Premier League strikers but his lack of longevity hinders that claim.
Here, we look at Eric Cantona wealth figures as well as his football career. Still relevant in the public domain from time to time, Cantona remains a key icon in the sport…
Net Worth
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Eric Cantona has an estimated net worth of £20 million.
The Frenchman’s wealth has been built up throughout his football career but a decent sum will have been earned during Cantona’s acting roles.
Continuing to make regular appearances at football events, Cantona is likely to continue earning money from the sport for the rest of his life.
As one of the most iconic figures to ever play the game, he is a sought-after prospect for commercial deals and endorsement opportunities are likely to be presented to him.
While his net worth is relatively small compared to fellow United legend David Beckham, Cantona has opted to steer clear of big business brands and keeps a relatively low profile in that regard.
Kung Fu Kick
One of the most iconic moments in Premier League history, Eric Cantona sent shockwaves across the football world when he kung fu kicked a fan in January 2005.
The incident occurred during Manchester United’s trip to Crystal Palace, with Eagles fan Matthew Simmons feeling the full force of Cantona’s boot.
The Frenchman took offence to Simmons’ racist remarks, taking matters into his own hands in a bid to literally kick racism out of football.
Cantona had clearly been provoked, with the France international continuing to refer to Simmons as “the hooligan” when discussing the events that night.
The authorities were involved and a trial was confirmed, resulting in Cantona receiving an eight-month ban. Cantona, angry and disillusioned with the situation, travelled back to France during the period.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson labelled Cantona’s move as “defiant charisma” – and that sums up the Frenchman’s entire career to a tee.
Despite murmurs that Cantona would leave United, he returned and kept the Red Devils at the forefront of football odds for the rest of his time at Old Trafford.
Wife
Eric Cantona has been married twice, tying the knot to Isabelle Ferrer in 1987. They had two children together before separating and eventually divorcing in 2003.
Eric and Isabelle share two children; son Raphael, who is now 33 years old, and daughter Josephine who is 26.
Four years after his divorce, Cantona started dating French actress Rachida Brakni and it was love at first sight.
They tied the knot in 2007 and gave birth to son, Emir, in 2009 while Selma was born four years later in 2013.
Rachida won a Cesar Award for most promising actress for her role in Chaos and featured alongside her husband in The Kooples.
Champions League Draw Speech
In August 2019, Eric Cantona gave one of the strangest speeches in the history of football after accepting the UEFA president’s award at the Champions League draw.
Whether you’re massive into Premier League predictions or not, you’d do well to decipher the meaning behind Cantona’s words on that summer evening in Monaco.
The audience were perplexed, with only a ripple of applause after the speech that suggested those in attendance had no idea what the Frenchman was talking about.
We’ve provided the full transcript from the Cantona UCL draw speech below:
“As flies to wanton boys are we to the gods, they kill us for their sport.
“Soon the science will not only be able to slow down the ageing of the cells, soon the science will fix the cells to the state and so we will become eternal.
“Only accidents, crimes, wars, will still kill us but unfortunately, crimes, wars, will multiply. I love football. Thank you.”
Quotes
Cantona has always been a charismatic figure and his arrogant comments in the media have provoked a mixed response over the years.
Having said that, you could almost forgive the Frenchman for his confidence given he is arguably one of the top 10 Premier League signings.
Here, we look at some of Eric Cantona’s greatest quotes – from the cocky to the bizarre.
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“Become a legend? But I am already.”
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“I prefer to play and lose rather than win, because I know in advance I’m going to win.”
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On the greatest moment of his career: “I have a lot of good moments but the one I prefer is when I kicked the hooligan.”
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“I stopped playing football because I’d done as much as I could. I needed something which was going to excite me as much as football had excited me.”
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After Zlatan Ibrahimovic joined Manchester United: “There can only be one king in Manchester, but you can be the prince if you want.”
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On being inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame: “I am very happy and very proud, but at the same time I am not surprised. I would’ve been surprised not to be elected.”
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In Looking for Eric: “I am not a man. I am Cantona.”
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Following the tragic passing of George Best: “After his first training session in heaven, George Best, from the favourite right wing, turned the head of God who was filling in at left back.”
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On football supporters: “I’m so proud the fans still sing my name, but I fear tomorrow they will stop. I fear it because I love it. And everything you love, you fear you will lose.”
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In that press conference: “When the seagulls follow the trawler, it’s because they think sardines will be thrown in the sea. Thank you very much.”
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*
