Fabyen Bartez Football player Date of Birth: 28.06.1971 Country: France

Biography of Fabien Barthez

Fabien Barthez, a retired French goalkeeper, had a successful career playing for the French national team and Manchester United. He was born on June 28, 1971, in France and stands at a height of 1.83 meters and weighs 78 kilograms. Barthez wore the number 16 jersey during his playing career.

Before joining Manchester United, Barthez played for various French clubs including Toulouse FC from 1989 to 1992, Olympique de Marseille from 1992 to 1995, and AS Monaco from 1995 to 2000. He also represented the French national team in 38 matches and was part of the team that won the World Cup in 1998 and the European Championship in 2000.

Barthez was a charismatic goalkeeper who became a superstar after the 1998 World Cup and was a key figure in the French national team during the 2000 European Championship. He was known for his excellent reactions and versatility, excelling in playing with his feet, on the goal line, and during goalkeeper exits.

In his personal life, Barthez enjoyed participating in sports such as car and motorcycle racing, as well as swimming. His favorite performers were Phil Collins and Charles Aznavour, and he particularly enjoyed the soundtrack of the movie "The Lion King."

Barthez's romantic life was the subject of media attention, as he was involved with Linda Evangelista, a famous model. They moved from sunny France to rainy Manchester together. However, their relationship was not without its challenges, and Evangelista was reportedly jealous of other women surrounding Barthez.

On the football field, Barthez's career with Manchester United was generally successful, although some of his eccentricities frustrated his teammates. He was known for shouting instructions to his defenders during corner kicks, but his nervousness during these situations sometimes affected the team. Barthez had a tendency to blame others when goals were scored, never taking responsibility for himself.

Despite his occasional controversies, Barthez's talent and abilities were undeniable. He solved Manchester United's longstanding goalkeeper problem and brought stability to the position. His quick reflexes and ability to save any ball that came his way endeared him to fans. However, he still had to earn the same level of respect as his predecessor, Peter Schmeichel, in the eyes of the Manchester United supporters.

Barthez's career was marked by moments of brilliance and occasional errors. Regardless, he was valued by Manchester United, who paid £7.8 million to acquire him. His confidence and arrogance were part of his charm, even if they sometimes overshadowed his skills. Despite this, he played a crucial role in the team's success during his time at Manchester United.

Overall, Fabien Barthez is considered one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation. His achievements, including winning the World Cup and European Championship, and his charismatic personality have left a lasting impact on the football world.