Arsène Wenger's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Arsène Wenger. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

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.

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.

1991: Monaco Wins Coupe de France

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

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.

March 1998: Arsenal defeats Manchester United at Old Trafford

In March 1998, Arsenal defeated Manchester United at Old Trafford with a goal from Overmars, setting up a title clash between the two teams. Wenger maintained it was possible for Arsenal to win the league.

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.

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: Awarded Legion of Honour

In 2002, Arsène Wenger was awarded France's highest decoration, the Legion of Honour.

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.

2003: Appointed Honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

In the 2003 Birthday Honours, Arsène Wenger was appointed an Honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to football.

2003: Departure Gift from Arsenal

On May 6th, Wenger received a standing ovation before the game and was gifted the gold mini-replica Premier League trophy he won during the 2003–04 Invincibles season as a departing gift from Arsenal.

March 2004: Arsenal's Win Likened to Ajax

In March 2004, Arsenal's 5–1 win against Portsmouth was likened to "the magnificently fluid Ajax of the early 70s", and greeted with a standing ovation by the opposition supporters.

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.

October 2004: Unbeaten Run Ends Against Manchester United

On October 24, 2004, Arsenal's 49-game unbeaten league run ended with a 2–0 defeat at Manchester United.

2004: Profit on Transfers

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

2004: Premier League's Fair Play League

In 2004, Arsenal topped the Premier League's Fair Play League for sporting behaviour.

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: Arsenal Team Described as Devastating

In 2004, pundit Alan Hansen described Arsène Wenger's Arsenal team as "quite simply the most fluid, devastating team the British Isles has seen", highlighting the change in the club's football style.

October 2005: "Wenger Day" at Highbury

During Arsenal's valedictory campaign at Highbury, supporters showed appreciation by holding a "Wenger Day" on Arsène Wenger's 56th birthday, October 22, 2005, during a league match against Manchester City.

2005: Premier League's Fair Play League

In 2005, Arsenal topped the Premier League's Fair Play League for sporting behaviour again.

2006: Second in Fair Play League

In 2006, Arsenal finished second in the Premier League's Fair Play League.

2006: Inducted into English Football Hall of Fame

In 2006, Arsène Wenger was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame, along with former England manager Ron Greenwood.

October 2007: Unveiling of Bronze Bust

In October 2007, a commissioned bronze bust of Arsène Wenger was unveiled as a tribute by the board of directors of Arsenal at the club's annual general meeting.

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: Praise for Financial Fair Play

Arsène Wenger's loyalty towards financial fair play and handling of Arsenal's debt since their stadium move has earnt him praise.

2009: Top Four in Fair Play Table

Up to 2009, Arsenal consistently featured in the top four of the Premier League's Fair Play table.

2010: Nagoya wins their first title

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

February 2014: 100 Red Cards

By February 2014, Arsenal had received 100 red cards under Arsène Wenger's management.

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.

May 2016: Opening of Stade Arsène Wenger

In May 2016, the Stade Arsène Wenger was officially opened near Strasbourg, serving as the new home of USL Dippinheim with a capacity of 500 people.

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.

July 2023: Unveiling of Statue Outside Emirates Stadium

In July 2023, Arsenal unveiled an official statue of Arsène Wenger holding the "Invincible" Premier League trophy outside the Emirates Stadium, commemorating him alongside other club legends.