Soccer Greats: Michel Platini

Before the reign of Zidane, Michel Platini was France’s soccer hero. Platini is a former French soccer player, coach, and the current UEFA president.

Michel François Platini was born on June 21, 1955. Platini began with Nancy as a reserve player with injury-plagued seasons, but ended his seven year career in the club with 175 caps and 98 goals. He also took the team to win the Ligue 2 Championship and the Coupe de France. In 1979, Platini signed with Saint-Etienne. His three years there was of mixed success. The club won the Ligue 1 Championship in 1981, but only made it as Coupe de France runner-ups in 1981 and 1982.

The following season, Platini moved to Italy to play for Juventus. He was placed in a star-studded team, so he had to play even harder to show how his skills. The first season was difficult, but later in his first season Platini saw a turn of events. In his five years with Juventus, Platini took the club to winning the Coppa Italia (1983), European Cup Winners’ Cup (1984), UEFA Super Cup (1984), Serie A (1984 and 1986), European Cup (1985), and the Intercontinental Cup (1985).

Platini became a member of the French team during the 1976 Olympics. France went on to the finals, but lost the quarter finals 0-4 to Germany. Platini also took France to three World Cup tournaments. In 1978, France made it to the first round qualifiers against Italy, but Italy’s defense gave Platini only little room to move and France lost 1-2. In 1982, Platini led his country as team captain. In the semifinals against West Germany, France lost 4-5 in a penalty shoot-out. Platini’s last World Cup was in Mexico in 986. He was not in his best physical condition and the team had its second semifinal loss to West Germany. With Platini, France won the European Championship (1984), Artemio Franchi Trophy (1985), and placed third in the 1986 FIFA World Cup.

After taking his last bow as a player, Platini took a year off before becoming the coach of France. Platini stepped down after failing to take the team to the 1990 World Cup and Euro 1992. Platini turned to administrative roles. He was the co-organizer for the 1998 World Cup in France. Platini spent time on the UEFA Technical Development Committee and was a member of the UEFA Executive Committee. He climbed the UEFA ranks and was finally elected as the UEFA President in 2007.