Robert Pires’s career is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. From his early days at FC Metz to his success at Arsenal and on the international stage with France, Pires has left an indelible mark on football history
His skill, vision, and passion for the game have earned him a place among the all-time greats, ensuring that his legacy will endure for years to come.
Robert Pires’s influence on the game of football is undeniable. His skill, professionalism, and love for the sport have inspired countless players and fans around the world.
He will always be remembered as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, leaving behind a legacy that will endure for years to come.
After leaving Arsenal in 2006, Pires went on to play for several other clubs, including Villarreal in Spain and FC Goa in India. In 2016, he announced his retirement from professional football, ending a illustrious career that spanned over two decades.
Following his retirement, Pires has remained involved in football as a coach and ambassador for the sport. He has also been active in charitable endeavors, using his platform to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
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Table of Contents
Robert Pires: Bio
Robert Pires was born on October 29, 1973, in Reims, France. His early passion for football led him to join the youth academy of French club FC Metz, where he honed his skills and developed into a promising young talent.1
Pires made his professional debut for FC Metz in 1993, quickly establishing himself as a key player for the team.
His skillful dribbling, precise passing, and keen tactical awareness caught the attention of fans and scouts alike, earning him a reputation as one of the most exciting young players in French football.
In 1998, Pires made a high-profile move to Olympique de Marseille, one of France’s most successful clubs. His time at Marseille further showcased his talents, and he continued to impress with his performances on the field.
Champions league nights are the best 😍 What games did you guys prefer yesterday?! @CanalplusFoot pic.twitter.com/LaaCIXNiVs
— Robert Pires (@piresrobert7) April 10, 2024
Early Life
Pires’s career reached new heights when he signed with English club Arsenal FC in 2000. Under the guidance of manager Arsène Wenger, Pires flourished, becoming an integral part of Arsenal’s success in the early 2000s.
The 2003–04 season proved to be a historic one for Pires and Arsenal, as the team went on to achieve the remarkable feat of being unbeaten in the Premier League.
Pires’s contributions to the team’s success were significant, as his creativity and goal-scoring prowess were instrumental in securing crucial victories throughout the season.
Robert Pires: Career
FC Metz
Robert Pires began his professional career at FC Metz, where he made his senior debut in 1993 against Lyon.2
Over six seasons, he scored 43 goals in 162 matches and won the Coupe de la Ligue.
Olympique de Marseille
In 1998, Pires moved to Olympique de Marseille for £5 million. His two-year stay was mixed, with Marseille narrowly missing the 1998–99 French Division 1 title and losing the 1999 UEFA Cup Final to Parma.
Off-field problems led him to boycott the club at the end of his second season.
Arsenal
Pires signed for Arsenal in 2000 for £6 million, replacing Marc Overmars. Initially criticised for his comments about the physicality of English football, he gradually adapted and became a key player.
2000–01 Season
Pires scored his first Arsenal goal against Lazio in the Champions League and his first league goal against West Ham United. He developed a habit of scoring against rivals Tottenham Hotspur, scoring eight times against them in total.
2001–02 Season
Pires had one of his best seasons, leading the Premier League in assists and winning the FWA Footballer of the Year award as Arsenal won the league title.
He suffered a cruciate ligament injury that ruled him out of the FA Cup Final and the 2002 World Cup with France.
2002–03 Season
After recovering from injury, Pires returned to form, scoring 14 Premiership goals in 20 starts.
He was voted the Premier League Player of the Month for February 2003 and scored the winning goal in the FA Cup Final against Southampton.
2003–04 Season
Pires was crucial in Arsenal’s unbeaten Premier League title-winning campaign, scoring 14 goals and providing seven assists. He showcased his skills with goals against Liverpool, Bolton Wanderers, and Leeds United.
2004–05 Season
Pires finished third in the Premiership goalscorers’ table with 14 goals and won his second FA Cup with Arsenal, scoring in the semi-final against Blackburn Rovers.
2005–06 Season
Pires started the season poorly but improved as it progressed. He scored his eighth and final goal against Tottenham Hotspur and played his last game for Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League final against Barcelona.
Departure
Pires left Arsenal in 2006 after a contract dispute, feeling he was no longer a first-choice player under Arsène Wenger. He joined Villarreal on a two-year contract.
Villarreal
Pires’ time at Villarreal was hampered by a cruciate ligament injury shortly after joining, but he recovered to become a key player. He helped Villarreal to their best-ever league finish, second in La Liga.
Aston Villa
Pires returned to England with Aston Villa in 2010, scoring his first goal for the club in the FA Cup. Despite expressing a desire to stay, he was released in 2011.
FC Goa, India (Retirement and Coaching)
In 2014, Pires came out of retirement to play for FC Goa in the Indian Super League. He captained the team but was released in 2015. He announced his retirement in 2016 and began coaching with Arsenal.
International Career
France
Pires was part of France’s 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 winning squads. He also played in the 1996 Olympic Games and Euro 2004. However, a dispute with coach Raymond Domenech in 2004 ended his international career.
Pires won 79 caps for France and scored 14 goals. He won the Golden Ball and Golden Shoe awards at the 2001 Confederations Cup.
Pires’ talent was not limited to the club level; he was also a crucial member of the French national team. His crowning moment came in 1998 when France won the FIFA World Cup on home soil.
Pires was instrumental in France’s success, showcasing his creativity and vision on the field. He continued to represent France in major tournaments, such as Euro 2000 and Euro 2004, where his contributions were invaluable.
End of International Career
Pires’ international career came to an abrupt end in 2004 due to a dispute with French national coach Raymond Domenech.
This marked the conclusion of a distinguished international career that saw Pires earn 79 caps and score 14 goals for France.
Despite the disappointing end, Pires remains one of the most decorated French footballers of his generation.
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Robert Pires: Personal Life
Marriage and Divorce
Robert Pires, the former French footballer, had a tumultuous personal life marked by highs and lows.
In 1992, during his debut year at FC Metz, Pires met his first wife, Nathalie. Their marriage lasted six years before ending in divorce in 2003.
Pires later revealed that the divorce had a profound impact on him, affecting his concentration and sleep and even influencing his behavior, including a public altercation with French coach Raymond Domenech in early 2004.
Relationship with Jessica Lemarie
Following his divorce from Nathalie, Pires found love again with French model Jessica Lemarie, whom he met through mutual friends.
Their relationship blossomed, leading to the birth of their first child, Naia, on 10 August 2005. The couple eventually tied the knot and went on to have another child, a son named Theo, born on 11 July 2007.
Ambassadorship for Grassroot Soccer
Beyond his personal life, Robert Pires has also been involved in charitable endeavors.
On 17 January 2012, he became an ambassador for Grassroot Soccer, an international non-profit organization that leverages the popularity of football to educate, inspire, and mobilize communities in the fight against HIV.
His involvement with Grassroot Soccer underscores his commitment to using his platform for social good and making a positive impact on the world around him.
Robert Pirès: Net Worth 2024
As of 2024, Robert Pirès has a net worth of $12 million. His successful career as a professional soccer player, coupled with his post-retirement ventures, has contributed to his financial success.
Pirès’s impact on the sport and his enduring popularity ensure that he will remain a prominent figure in the world of soccer for years to come.
Robert Pirès: Podcast
Robert Pirès joined as a guest of “Face à Johan” podcast and shared his valuable life lessons there.
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Post-Retirement Ventures
Since retiring from professional soccer, Pirès has been involved in various ventures. He has worked as a football pundit, offering insights and analysis on the game.
Pirès has also been involved in charitable activities, using his platform to give back to the community.
Off the field, Pirès is known for his humble nature and dedication to the sport. He has inspired many young players with his skill and professionalism.
Pirès’s legacy as one of the greatest French footballers of his generation is secure, and he continues to be remembered fondly by fans around the world.
