Challenges in the Life of Patrice Evra in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Patrice Evra. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Patrice Evra is a French former professional footballer, primarily a left-back, and captained both Manchester United and the France national team. Recognized as one of the best full-backs of his generation, he earned multiple accolades, including three PFA Team of the Year selections, as well as being named to the FIFPro World XI and UEFA Team of the Year. His leadership and defensive skills made him a prominent figure in European football.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1993: Evra Joins CSF Brétigny

In 1993, after being rejected by professional clubs due to his size, Evra joined amateur club CSF Brétigny, marking an early step in his youth career.

March 2004: Evra Suffers Ankle Injury

In March 2004, Evra suffered an ankle injury in Monaco's 4–2 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals, causing him to miss two weeks.

March 2005: Withdrawal from Team Due to Injury

In March 2005, Evra had to withdraw from the French team's friendly against Switzerland due to an injury, leading to William Gallas playing as left-back.

2006: Missed 2006 World Cup

Evra missed the 2006 World Cup.

December 2008: Guilty Verdict and Ban

On December 5, 2008, Patrice Evra was found guilty of improper conduct and received a four-match ban and a £15,000 fine.

January 2009: Assist Against Chelsea and Foot Injury

On January 11, 2009, Patrice Evra assisted a goal against Chelsea but suffered a foot injury that sidelined him for a month.

June 2010: Player Protest and Captaincy Stripped

In June 2010, following Nicolas Anelka's dismissal from the squad, Patrice Evra led a player protest, refusing to train. As a result, he was stripped of the captaincy.

2010: Inquiries about 2010 FIFA World Cup

Early in the 2010-11 season, Patrice Evra faced constant inquiries about the 2010 FIFA World Cup from the French Football Federation (FFF), the media, and the government.

2010: Evra Captains France at 2010 World Cup

In 2010, ahead of the World Cup, Evra was named captain of the French national team by manager Raymond Domenech. He was later suspended from national team duty for five matches due to the team's strike after a first-round elimination.

2010: Criticism After World Cup

In 2010, as a result of being captain, Evra bore the brunt of the criticism following the World Cup.

2011: Racial Abuse Allegation Against Luis Suárez

In 2011, Patrice Evra accused Liverpool player Luis Suárez of racially abusing him during a match, leading to an FA investigation.

June 2015: Champions League Final Loss

On June 6, 2015, Patrice Evra started in the Champions League final for Juventus, which they lost 3–1 to Barcelona, making him the first player to lose four Champions League finals.

November 2017: Evra Kicks Fan, Suspended by Marseille

In November 2017, before a Europa League match, Patrice Evra was sent off for kicking a Marseille fan who was reportedly "ridiculing" him. He was suspended indefinitely by Marseille, pending investigation.

June 2018: UEFA Ban

In June 2018, Evra received a UEFA ban that made him ineligible to play in any UEFA competitions until June 2018.

October 2021: Alleged Sexual Abuse

In October 2021, Evra alleged that he was sexually abused by a teacher when he was 13. He said that he was interviewed by police at the age of 24 in regards to the abuse, however, he denied it.

February 2023: Conviction for Homophobic Remarks

In February 2023, Patrice Evra was convicted, fined, and ordered to pay compensation by a Parisian court for homophobic remarks made in a 2019 video.

July 2024: Found guilty of abandoning his family

In July 2024, Evra was found guilty by a French court of abandoning his wife and their two children and handed a suspended 12-month prison sentence. He also owes over £800k in unpaid alimony.