Laurent Blanc, the newly appointed coach of PSG, began his coaching career in 2007 despite having a relatively blank coaching CV at the time, relying on his reputation as a former player. His success was immediate, leading Girondins de Bordeaux to the French championship in 2009. Born on November 19, 1965, in Alès (Gard), Blanc had a distinguished career as a defender before transitioning to coaching.
Here is a summary of his achievements as a player and coach:
As a Player: In Selection:
- Winner of the World Cup in 1998
- Winner of the European Championship in 2000
- Winner of the European U20 Championship in 1988
Various Seasonal Achievements:
- Winner of the Hassan II Tournament in 1998 and 2000
- Winner of the Kuwait Tournament in 1990
- Winner of the Kirin Cup in 1994
As a Club Player:
- Champion of England in 2003 with Manchester United
- Champion of France in 1996 with AJ Auxerre
- French Division 2 Championship in 1987 with Montpellier
- Winner of the Coupe de France in 1990 with Montpellier and in 1996 with AJ Auxerre
- Winner of the Spanish Super Cup in 1996 with FC Barcelona
Seasonal Miscellaneous Achievements:
- Winner of the Paris Tournament in 1988 with Montpellier
Individual Distinctions:
- Elected French player of the year in 1990
- UNFP Oscar for best D2 player in 1987
- Knight of the Legion of Honor in 1998
- 4th French player of the century according to L’Équipe in 2000
- Figure in the ESM XI of the month in various periods
- Figure in the ESM XI of the season in 1998 and 1999
- Top scorer in the history of Montpellier HSC with 84 goals
As a Coach: Club Achievements:
- Champion of France in 2009 with Girondins de Bordeaux
- Winner of the Coupe de la Ligue in 2009 with Girondins de Bordeaux
- Winner of the Champions Trophy in 2008 and 2009 with Girondins de Bordeaux
Individual Distinctions:
- UNFP Trophy for best coach in 2008
- Best coach (according to France Football) in 2009
