Eric Cantona (1983–1997, Manchester United, France and Leeds United)

Eric Cantona was a charismatic and technically gifted forward, born in Marseille in 1966. He began his professional career in France with Auxerre, making his debut in 1983, and went on to play for Marseille, with whom he won two French league titles, as well as Bordeaux, Montpellier, where he won the French Cup, and Nîmes.

In 1992 he moved to England, first with Leeds United, where he helped win the final First Division title before the competition became the Premier League, and then with Manchester United. There he became an icon, wearing the number 7 shirt and winning four Premier League titles in five years, including two League and FA Cup Doubles. He was affectionately known to supporters as “King Eric”.

At international level he played for France, scoring 20 goals in 45 matches and appearing at the 1992 European Championship. A poor disciplinary record ran alongside the success, including a 1995 conviction for an assault on an abusive spectator that brought an eight month suspension. He retired unexpectedly in 1997, just before his 31st birthday, and moved into a career in cinema. He was an inaugural inductee into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2002.

Eric Cantona

1986

Panini Football France

1984

Merlin Premier League

1986

Panini Soccer

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Eric Cantona – Rookie Cards and Significant Others

Cantona’s career began in France, so his earliest catalogued cards are French issues.

The earliest card is the 1985-86 Panini Football Stickers France #25, from his early years at Auxerre.

Other early French issues include:

  • 1986-87 Panini Football Stickers France #14 (also exists as a Vache Picon variant)
  • 1987-88 Panini Football Stickers France #12
  • 1989-90 Panini Foot Stickers #194
  • 1991-92 Panini Foot Stickers #199

Because he made his name in England, many UK collectors focus on his first issues at each of his British clubs.

His first Leeds United card is:

  • 1992-93 Barratt Football Candy Sticks #35

His earliest catalogued Manchester United cards are both from 1993:

  • 1993 Merlin’s Premier League #59
  • 1993 Match Hot 100 Football Stickers 93 #15

A significant card from his French career is:

  • 1992 Panini UEFA Euro Stickers #61

This was issued for the European Championship, where he represented France.

See the 2002 Hall of Fame Inductees or browse the full list.