# Fabien Barthez > French footballer (born 1971) **Wikidata**: [Q191139](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q191139) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fabien_Barthez) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/fabien-barthez ## Summary Fabien Barthez is a retired French professional footballer, born in 1971, who gained international acclaim as one of the world's top goalkeepers. He is best known for his agility, eccentric style, and pivotal role in France's 1998 FIFA World Cup victory. ## Biography - Born: June 28, 1971 - Nationality: France - Education: Not specified - Known for: Being a world-class goalkeeper and winning the 1998 FIFA World Cup with France - Employer(s): Not specified - Field(s): Association football (goalkeeping) ## Contributions Fabien Barthez made significant contributions primarily as a goalkeeper in professional football. His most notable achievements include: - Playing a key role in France's 1998 FIFA World Cup triumph, where his goalkeeping was instrumental in the national team's success. - Being recognized as the IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper, an annual award given to the most outstanding goalkeeper of the year. - Serving as a role model and influence in goalkeeping techniques and mental approach in the sport. ## FAQs **What is Fabien Barthez known for?** Fabien Barthez is best known for his career as a professional football goalkeeper, particularly for his performance in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, where he helped France win the championship. He was also awarded the IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper title during his career. **Which teams did Fabien Barthez play for?** Fabien Barthez played for several clubs, including Olympique de Marseille (OM), Manchester United, and the French national team. His club career spanned from 1990 to 2007. **What awards did Fabien Barthez receive?** Fabien Barthez was honored with the IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper award and was made a Knight of the Legion of Honour, one of France's highest distinctions. **When did Fabien Barthez retire from professional football?** Fabien Barthez retired from professional football around 2007, marking the end of a highly decorated career. ## Why They Matter Fabien Barthez's impact on football, particularly in goalkeeping, is profound. As a key figure in France's 1998 World Cup win, he became a national hero and a source of inspiration for aspiring goalkeepers. His unique style and mental toughness redefined the role of a goalkeeper in modern football. His influence extended beyond club and international play, shaping the mindset and training approaches for future generations of players. Without Barthez, the legacy of French football in the late 1990s would have lacked one of its most iconic figures. ## Notable For - Winning the 1998 FIFA World Cup with the French national team - Being awarded the IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper - Being named a Knight of the Legion of Honour - Playing for top clubs like Olympique de Marseille and Manchester United - Representing France in international competitions with distinction - Being recognized as one of the most eccentric and mentally strong goalkeepers of his era ## Body ### Early Life and Career Beginnings Fabien Alain Barthez was born on June 28, 1971. He began his professional football career in 1990 and quickly established himself as a talented goalkeeper. His early career saw him rise through the ranks of French football, eventually making a name for himself on the international stage. ### Club Career Barthez played for several clubs during his career, most notably: - **Olympique de Marseille (OM)**: He was a key player in OM's success, including their European campaigns. - **Manchester United**: Barthez joined Manchester United and contributed to their domestic and European successes, including the treble-winning 1998–99 season. - **French National Team**: He was a cornerstone of the French national team, leading them to victory in the 1998 FIFA World Cup and the 2000 UEFA European Championship. ### Awards and Recognition Throughout his career, Barthez received numerous accolades: - **IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper**: An annual award recognizing the top goalkeeper globally. - **Knight of the Legion of Honour**: One of France's highest civilian honors, awarded for his contributions to football and national pride. ### Playing Style and Legacy Fabien Barthez was known for his unorthodox and highly effective goalkeeping style. He was agile, quick off his line, and had a unique ability to read the game. His eccentric behavior and intense focus made him a standout personality in football. Barthez's legacy includes: - Redefining the role of the goalkeeper with his proactive and commanding presence. - Inspiring a generation of French goalkeepers and earning admiration from peers and fans alike. - Becoming a symbol of French football excellence during one of its most successful periods. Barthez retired from professional football in 2007, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, innovation, and national pride. His contributions to the sport continue to be celebrated, and his influence is evident in the careers of many modern goalkeepers. ## References 1. Argentine Soccer Database 2. Driver Database 3. Virtual International Authority File 4. MusicBrainz 5. Transfermarkt 6. Discogs 7. Roglo 8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 9. [Source](https://www.verif.com/dirigeants/Fabien-BARTHEZ-3166718/) 10. [Source](https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/j/j93818.html) 11. [Source](https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/FootballFicheJoueur2545.html) 12. [Source](https://www.driverdb.com/drivers/fabien-alain-barthez/)