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Aime JacquetFrench football player and football coach
Date of Birth: 27.11.1941
Country:  France |
Content:
- Early Life and Playing Career
- Golden Years at Saint-Etienne
- Transition to Coaching
- Rise to the National Team
- Euro 1996 and a New Generation
- World Cup 1998 and Triumph
- Legacy
- Honors
Early Life and Playing Career
Aime Jacquet was born in Celle-sous-Couzon and began his football journey with his local amateur club, juggling training with work in a factory. In 1959, he caught the attention of scouts from renowned club AS Saint-Etienne, signing his first professional contract two years later.
Golden Years at Saint-Etienne
With Saint-Etienne, Jacquet enjoyed an illustrious career, spanning 11 years. During this period, the team claimed five French league titles and three Coupes de France. He also earned two caps for the French national team. In 1973, he joined Lyon, where he concluded his playing career three years later.
Transition to Coaching
After retiring from active play, Jacquet embarked on a successful coaching career. His greatest achievements came with Bordeaux, where he led the team to three league titles, two Coupes de France, and notable performances in European competitions. He also managed smaller clubs such as Montpellier and Nancy.
Rise to the National Team
In 1992, Jacquet was appointed assistant manager to Gerard Houllier with the French national team. After a disappointing World Cup 1994 qualification campaign, he took over as caretaker manager in December 1993 and was subsequently confirmed in the role.
Euro 1996 and a New Generation
Jacquet continued to rely on experienced players like Eric Cantona and Jean-Pierre Papin, but for Euro 1996, he introduced a younger crop, including Zinedine Zidane, Youri Djorkaeff, and Lilian Thuram. France reached the semi-finals, where they narrowly lost to the Czech Republic on penalties.
World Cup 1998 and Triumph
In 1996, the French Football Federation extended Jacquet's contract to cover the 1998 World Cup. He controversially dropped several veteran players, drawing criticism from fans and media. However, at the tournament, Jacquet's team displayed remarkable unity and determination, culminating in a sensational 3-0 victory over Brazil in the final, with goals from Zidane and Emmanuel Petit.
Legacy
After the World Cup, Jacquet stepped down as coach, becoming technical director of the French national team. He held this position until 2006, overseeing the team's development and success. Jacquet's achievements both as a player and a coach have cemented his status as a true legend in French football.
Honors
As a PlayerSaint-Etienne
Ligue 1 Champion: 1963/64, 1966/67, 1967/68, 1968/69, 1969/70
Coupe de France Winner: 1962, 1968, 1970
As a Coach
Bordeaux
Ligue 1 Champion: 1983/84, 1984/85, 1986/87
Coupe de France Winner: 1986, 1987
France National Team
FIFA World Cup Champion: 1998
