Career Timeline of Arsène Wenger: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Arsène Wenger built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Arsène Wenger is a French former football manager and player, currently FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development. He managed Arsenal from 1996 to 2018, becoming the club's longest-serving and most successful manager. Wenger significantly impacted English football by modernizing scouting, training, and diet practices, contributing to Arsenal's success and the globalization of the sport.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1969: Wenger Recruited to Mutzig

In 1969, Arsène Wenger was recruited to Mutzig, a nearby third division club, marking a significant step in his early football career.

1973: Wenger Joins Mulhouse

In 1973, Arsène Wenger joined the semi-professional club Mulhouse, balancing his football career with his education.

1974: Mulhouse Beats Nancy to Avoid Relegation

In their final game of the 1974-75 season, Mulhouse, managed by Paul Frantz, beat Nancy to avoid relegation, after which Frantz resigned. Wenger also decided to leave.

1975: Wenger Signs for ASPV Strasbourg (Vauban)

In 1975, Arsène Wenger rekindled his friendship with Hild and signed for amateur club ASPV Strasbourg (Vauban).

1976: Wenger Selected for National French Students Squad

In 1976, Arsène Wenger was selected to represent the national French students squad, though he did not participate in the World Students Championship due to injury.

November 1978: Wenger Debuts for Strasbourg First Team

In November 1978, Arsène Wenger made his debut for Strasbourg's first team against MSV Duisburg in the UEFA Cup, which Strasbourg lost 4-0.

1979: RC Strasbourg Wins League

At the end of the 1978-79 season, RC Strasbourg won the league, but Arsène Wenger did not join in the celebrations as he was preoccupied with the youth team. He made his final appearance for the senior side in 1979.

1981: Wenger Obtains Manager's Diploma

In 1981, Arsène Wenger obtained a manager's diploma, marking a significant step in his transition from playing to managing football teams.

1983: Wenger Becomes Assistant at Cannes

In 1983, Arsène Wenger moved to Ligue 2 club Cannes and became Jean-Marc Guillou's assistant, taking on responsibilities such as collecting information about opposition teams and instilling discipline through training sessions.

1984: Wenger Accepts Offer to Manage Nancy

In 1984, Arsène Wenger accepted Aldo Platini's offer to become manager of Nancy, advancing his managerial career.

1985: Nancy's Bottom-Half Finish

In 1985, Nancy's bottom-half finish proved a false dawn for the club.

1986: Nancy Finishes 18th, Retains League Status

In the 1985-86 season, Nancy finished 18th, which meant they had to win a play-off match to avoid relegation. They retained their league status with a 3-2 aggregate win against Mulhouse.

1987: Wenger Joins Nancy

In 1987, Arsène Wenger joined Nancy, a football club, initiating a new phase in his managerial career.

1987: Wenger Confirmed as Monaco Manager

In 1987, Arsène Wenger was confirmed as the manager of Monaco after being permitted to leave Nancy by mutual consent.

1988: Monaco Wins League in Wenger's Debut Season

In 1988, Monaco won the league in Arsène Wenger's debut season as manager, finishing six points ahead of runners-up Bordeaux.

1988: Monaco Wins League Championship

In 1988, Monaco, under Arsène Wenger's management, won the league championship, marking a significant achievement in his managerial career.

1989: Monaco Finishes Third

In 1989-90, Monaco finished third in the league.

1991: Monaco Wins Coupe de France

In 1991, Arsène Wenger's Monaco won the Coupe de France, adding another trophy to his managerial achievements.

1992: Monaco Finishes Second in League

In 1991-92, Monaco finished in second place and lost the 1992 European Cup Winners' Cup Final 2-0 to Werder Bremen.

April 1994: Monaco Lost in Champions League Semi-Finals

In April 1994, Monaco reached the semi-finals of the Champions League, but lost to eventual winners Milan.

September 1994: Wenger Dismissed as Monaco Manager

On 17 September 1994, Arsène Wenger was dismissed as Monaco manager due to a poor start to the 1994-95 season, with the team in 17th spot in the table.

December 1994: Wenger Agrees to Manage Nagoya Grampus

In December 1994, Arsène Wenger agreed to become the manager of Nagoya Grampus, on a two-year contract worth ¥75m annually.

March 1995: Wenger assembles his squad at Nagoya Grampus

In March 1995, as the new J.League season commenced, Arsène Wenger assembled his squad and backroom staff for Nagoya Grampus. He hired Boro Primorac as his assistant, and brought in players such as Alexandre Torres, Franck Durix, and Passi. In response to the team's poor performance, Wenger altered his managerial style, demanding more from his players.

1995: Wenger Coaches Nagoya Grampus Eight

In 1995, Arsène Wenger became the coach of J.League side Nagoya Grampus Eight, marking his first experience managing a team outside of Europe.

1995: Arsenal board rebuffs Dein's suggestion to appoint Wenger

In 1995, David Dein suggested to the Arsenal board that they appoint Arsène Wenger, but they rebuffed his suggestion. However, concerns over George Graham's successor Bruce Rioch meant they were more open-minded about hiring Wenger since his stint in Japan.

January 1996: Nagoya Grampus wins the Emperor's Cup

In January 1996, Arsène Wenger guided Nagoya Grampus to their first piece of silverware, as they defeated Sanfrecce Hiroshima to win the Emperor's Cup.

August 1996: Arsenal dismisses Bruce Rioch

In August 1996, Arsenal dismissed Bruce Rioch as club manager, paving the way for a new appointment.

August 1996: Wenger's farewell speech at Nagoya Grampus

On August 28, 1996, Wenger managed Nagoya for the final time and delivered a farewell speech, thanking the fans in Japanese.

September 1996: Reaction to Wenger's appointment at Arsenal

In September 1996, Arsène Wenger's arrival at Arsenal was met with confusion by some players, supporters, and media, due to his relative obscurity in English football. Unlike his predecessors, Wenger was given control over transfers, contracts, and training sessions. Wenger made steps to change the drinking culture that afflicted Arsenal, promoted pasta as the pre-match dish, encouraged boiled chicken instead of red meat and discouraged junk food. Players received optional vitamin injections and Creatine.

September 1996: Wenger is unveiled as Arsenal manager

On September 22, 1996, Arsène Wenger was unveiled as Arsenal manager after Nagoya Grampus granted him his release. Speculation grew that it would be Wenger once the club signed French midfielders Patrick Vieira and Rémi Garde.

October 1996: Wenger officially assumes role at Arsenal

On October 1, 1996, Arsène Wenger officially assumed the role as Arsenal manager, becoming the first Frenchman to manage in the Premier League.

October 1996: Wenger's first match as Arsenal manager

On October 12, 1996, Wenger's first match was a 2–0 away victory over Blackburn Rovers. However, he interfered in Arsenal's UEFA Cup defeat to Borussia Mönchengladbach on 24 September, nine days prior to taking charge of the club. This particular approach of management resonated with the other players, who were sceptical of his ideas at first. The English players often set up pranks on Wenger to relieve hostility and nicknamed him "Inspector Clouseau", due to his clumsy nature.

1996: Wenger Becomes Arsenal Manager

In 1996, Arsène Wenger became the manager of Arsenal, marking the beginning of a long and impactful career with the club.

1996: Wenger Presided Over Rice's Caretaker Duties

In 1996, during a match against Borussia Mönchengladbach, Wenger presided over Rice's caretaker duties at Arsenal, and ordered the team to switch from their preferred 3–5–2 formation to 4–4–2. The tactical change did not have its desired effect, as Arsenal lost the game.

February 1997: Wenger vetoes Hartson's move to West Ham

In February 1997, Arsène Wenger vetoed John Hartson's move to West Ham United.

August 1997: Publication of Shōsha no Esupuri

In August 1997, Arsène Wenger's book on football management, Shōsha no Esupuri (The Spirit of Conquest), was published in Japan.

1998: Arsenal Wins Premier League and FA Cup Double

In 1998, Arsène Wenger guided Arsenal to a Premier League and FA Cup double, marking a significant achievement and establishing him as a successful manager in English football.

1998: Double-Winning Team as Model of Integration

In 1998, Arsène Wenger's double-winning team was described as "a model of racial and multicultural integration", being the first truly globalised team.

1998: Wenger Sanctions Wright's transfer to West Ham

In the Summer of 1998, Wenger sanctioned Ian Wright's transfer to West Ham and made Anelka his first-choice striker ahead of the 1998–99 season.

January 1999: Arsenal signs Nwankwo Kanu

In January 1999, needing to strengthen their attacking options, Arsenal signed Nwankwo Kanu.

February 1999: Offered Sheffield United a Replay

In February 1999, Arsène Wenger offered Sheffield United a replay of their FA Cup match due to a controversial goal. Arsenal won the replayed match 2-1.

August 1999: Anelka joins Real Madrid

In August 1999, Nicolas Anelka joined Real Madrid, prompting Wenger to sign Davor Šuker and Thierry Henry to bolster Arsenal's forward line. Wenger used a portion of the proceeds generated through the Anelka sale to fund the build of the Arsenal Training Centre

2001: Wenger Deployed an Unconventional 4-4-2

From 2001, Wenger deployed an unconventional 4–4–2 with a greater emphasis on attack and movement; his teams between 2001 and 2004 were dominant on the left flank.

2001: Squad Changes and New Signings

In 2001, Wenger made changes to the squad by signing Richard Wright, Francis Jeffers, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, and Sol Campbell. These additions aimed to strengthen the defense and midfield.

2002: Arsenal Wins Another League and Cup Double

In 2002, Arsène Wenger led Arsenal to another League and FA Cup double, further cementing his reputation as a top manager.

2002: Arsenal's League and FA Cup Double

In 2002, Wenger led Arsenal to a League and FA Cup double. The crowning moment was the win against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Four days earlier, Arsenal beat Chelsea 2–0 in the 2002 FA Cup Final. The team scored in every league fixture and were unbeaten away from home.

2002: Graham Taylor on Wenger's Contribution to Football

In 2002, former Watford manager Graham Taylor said that Arsène Wenger's biggest contribution to football was "getting across the idea that players have to prepare right and look after themselves".

2003: Wenger returns to Japan as a pundit

In 2003, Wenger returned to Japan as a television pundit for the FIFA Confederations Cup.

October 2004: Arsenal's Unbeaten Run Ends

In October 2004, Arsenal's record-setting 49-match unbeaten run in the league came to an end, marking the conclusion of an era of dominance.

2004: Profit on Transfers

Between 2004 and 2009, Arsène Wenger made an average profit of £4.4 million per season on transfers.

2004: Wenger Deployed an Unconventional 4-4-2

From 2001, Wenger deployed an unconventional 4–4–2 with a greater emphasis on attack and movement; his teams between 2001 and 2004 were dominant on the left flank.

2004: Football Consultant for TF1

From 2004, Arsène Wenger acted as a football consultant for French television station TF1.

2004: Arsenal Wins League Title Unbeaten

In 2004, Arsène Wenger's Arsenal won the league title without losing a single match, an unprecedented feat in modern English football.

2004: Signing of Flamini

In 2004, the decision to sign Flamini came about as Arsène Wenger was looking at statistics to find an understudy to Vieira.

2004: Creatine usage stopped due to side-effects

Until 2004, Arsène Wenger encouraged his players to take Creatine for increased stamina, later stopping when he noticed side-effects.

July 2005: Vieira Sold to Juventus

In July 2005, Wenger sold Vieira to Juventus due to the emergence of Cesc Fàbregas and the feeling that the two players were ineffective as a midfield pairing.

2005: Wenger Adopted the 4-5-1 System

By the 2005–06 season, clubs in England were increasingly in favour of using the 4–5–1 system. Wenger, having earlier suggested he would never resort to a negative system, later adopted the formation for Champions League matches.

2005: Arsenal's Disciplined Performance

In 2005, Wenger assembled teams to produce disciplined performances, markedly the 2005 FA Cup Final against Manchester United.

2006: Arsenal's Youth Investment

In 2006, Arsenal moved to the Emirates Stadium, and Arsène Wenger prioritized investing in youth players rather than purchasing experienced players, aiming to create a unique "identity" for the club. This involved developing players with a love for the club, though the youth setup's success didn't match the late 1990s and early 2000s.

2006: Arsenal Reaches Champions League Final

In 2006, Arsène Wenger guided Arsenal to their first-ever Champions League final, marking a significant milestone for the club.

June 2007: Henry Leaves Arsenal

In June 2007, club captain Henry left Arsenal, which led to uncertainty over Wenger's position at the club.

September 2007: Wenger Signs Contract Extension

In September 2007, Wenger signed a new three-year contract extension, committing himself to Arsenal.

2007: Wenger Made Profit on Transfers

A survey in 2007 found Arsène Wenger was the only Premier League manager to have made a profit on transfers.

October 2009: Wenger Becomes Longest-Serving Manager

In October 2009, Wenger surpassed George Allison to become Arsenal's longest-serving manager, marking a significant milestone in his career.

2009: Wenger Instituted a Fluid 4-3-3 Formation

In 2009–10, Arsène Wenger instituted a fluid 4–3–3 formation to benefit from Fàbregas' creativity, and since the player's departure, had remodelled the system to 4–1–4–1 and 4–2–3–1.

August 2010: Wenger Signs New Contract

In August 2010, Wenger signed a further three-year contract to continue his managerial career at Arsenal.

2010: Nagoya wins their first title

In 2010, Nagoya, under Dragan Stojković, won their first title.

2011: Reverting to Proven Talent

Since the 2011–12 season, Arsène Wenger reverted to buying proven talent and blending experience with youth in domestic cup competitions due to increased revenue from the Emirates move and new sponsorship deals. This allowed Arsenal to make marquee signings.

August 2012: Van Persie Joins Manchester United

In August 2012, Robin van Persie joined Manchester United after growing disillusioned with Arsenal's transfer policy. Arsenal purchased Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski in anticipation of the sale.

2013: Arsenal's Defeat and Transfer Activity

In 2013, Arsenal began the season with a home defeat to Aston Villa. This prompted criticism of the club's transfer inactivity. However, in the final week of the transfer window, Wenger re-signed Flamini and sanctioned the club record signing of Mesut Özil from Real Madrid.

July 2014: Arsenal signed Alexis Sánchez

In July 2014, Arsène Wenger strengthened the Arsenal squad by signing Alexis Sánchez from Barcelona. Sánchez started in the 2014 FA Community Shield, which Arsenal won 3–0 against Manchester City.

2014: Wenger Acquired Shad Forsythe

In 2014, Arsène Wenger acquired the help of fitness coach Shad Forsythe to solve the problem; statistics revealed a year later that Arsenal's average injury length dropped more than 25% in Forsythe's first season.

2014: End of TF1 Consultancy

In 2014, Arsène Wenger's role as a football consultant for French television station TF1 concluded.

May 2015: Wenger won his sixth FA Cup

In May 2015, Arsène Wenger won his sixth FA Cup, equalling George Ramsay as the most successful manager in the competition's history. He also guided the club to an improved third place in the league that season.

2016: Wenger Switched to a 3-4-3 Formation

During the latter half of the 2016–17 Premier League season, Wenger switched to a 3–4–3 formation, similar to Antonio Conte's Chelsea first used against Middlesbrough in a 2–1 win.

2016: Arsenal Financed Moves for Granit Xhaka and Shkodran Mustafi

In 2016, Arsenal financed moves for Granit Xhaka and Shkodran Mustafi for a combined £65 million. Wenger hoped to guide the club to their first league title win in over thirteen years the following season.

2016: Role at beIN Sports

Since 2016, Arsène Wenger has worked for beIN Sports.

2017: Wenger brought in Alexandre Lacazette and Sead Kolašinac

In 2017, Arsène Wenger brought in Alexandre Lacazette for £45m and Sead Kolašinac on a free transfer. On 6 August, Wenger won his seventh FA Community Shield as manager.

January 2018: Sánchez Transferred to Manchester United

In January 2018, Sánchez voiced his desire to depart, and Wenger sanctioned a transfer to Manchester United, whereby Arsenal received Henrikh Mkhitaryan in a swap-deal. Later that month, he signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for a club-record fee of £56 million.

2018: Wenger Departs from Arsenal

In 2018, Arsène Wenger concluded his 22-year tenure as the manager of Arsenal, marking the end of an era for the club. He subsequently retired from football management.

November 2019: Wenger became FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development

In November 2019, Arsène Wenger became FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, overseeing the growth and development of the sport. He also took senior authority as a member of the Football and Technical Advisory Panels involved in IFAB review.