Laurent Blanc

Laurent Blanc established himself as a dominant force in French football, signing his first professional contract with Montpellier in 1983. Initially an attacking midfielder, he transitioned to central-back, earning the nickname ‘Le Président’ for his leadership and physical presence. During his tenure, Blanc became Montpellier’s all-time leading goal scorer with 83 goals in all competitions and led them to a Coupe de France victory in 1990. His early career also included winning the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 1988 and being named French Player of the Year in 1990, solidifying his reputation as a formidable talent.

Blanc then took the helm at Paris Saint-Germain from 2013 to 2016, where he secured an impressive 11 trophies, including three consecutive Ligue 1 titles and two domestic trebles, and was recognized as Ligue 1 Manager of the Year in both 2015 and 2016. More recently, Blanc managed Al-Rayyan from 2020 to 2022 and Lyon from 2022 to 2023. In 2024, he assumed the head coach position at Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad, where he immediately made an impact by winning a domestic double – the Saudi Pro League and the King’s Cup – in his inaugural 2025 season. This remarkable achievement also earned him the Saudi Pro League Manager of the Season award for 2025, further cementing his legacy as a highly decorated and impactful figure in professional football.