Patrice Evra: Career, Handshake Feud & Latest News

Born: May 15, 1981 • Position: Left-back • Major clubs: Man United, Juventus, Marseille • 5x Premier League champion • 1x Champions League winner

Patrice Evra’s Illustrious Career

Patrice Evra’s journey from the streets of Dakar to the pinnacle of European football is a testament to his resilience and attacking brilliance. He is widely considered one of the Premier League’s greatest ever left-backs, a dynamic force who combined defensive grit with relentless forward runs.

His career highlights include:

• At Manchester United (2006–2014): He won 5 Premier League titles, 1 Champions League, and 1 Club World Cup.
• At Juventus (2014–2017): He won 2 Serie A titles and 2 Coppa Italia.
• International career: 81 caps for France, reaching the 2006 World Cup final.

His influence in the dressing room was as vital as his performances on the pitch, earning him the captain’s armband at Manchester United in his final seasons there.

ESPN (football news) noted that Evra’s competitive edge defined his career—a trait that also fueled his long-running row with Suárez.

The Suárez Handshake Feud: A Timeline of Discontent

The bad blood between Evra and Suárez never truly disappeared; it simmered beneath the surface of every subsequent meeting between Manchester United and Liverpool. The conflict moved from the pitch to the handshake line, and then to the courts, before ultimately becoming a pop-culture meme.

Why Did Luis Suarez Not Shake Evra’s Hand?

On the surface, it seems like a small gesture, but in the context of their history, it was a deliberate act of defiance. Suárez had just served an eight-match ban for racially abusing Evra, and he maintained his innocence throughout the process. He later explained that he felt aggrieved by the punishment and the public shaming that followed, telling reporters he believed the handshake would be an admission of guilt.

Evra has often said in interviews that the refusal proved Suárez’s “true colours.” The Guardian reported that Liverpool officials said Suárez had told them he would shake Evra’s hand but did not do so, making it a premeditated snub that went against his word.

“I told myself I would do it, but when I saw him there, my arm wouldn’t move.” – This sentiment, reported by ESPN, perfectly captures how deeply the incident affected him at that moment. It wasn’t just a snub; it was a final, defiant stand in a battle that had consumed him for months.

Patrice Evra’s Net Worth and Lifestyle

While estimates vary, Patrice Evra’s net worth is believed to be largely derived from his long and lucrative playing career at the highest level of European football.

• Salary: At his peak at Manchester United, Evra earned significant wages, reportedly around £90,000 per week.
• Endorsements: Throughout his career, Evra has had deals with various sportswear and lifestyle brands.
• Business ventures: Beyond football, Evra has invested in various business projects, including a football academy and a media company.

His Instagram presence, where he shares motivational posts and dance videos, keeps him connected to millions of fans.

New Ventures and Ambassador Role

• Brand Ambassador: Evra recently became an ambassador for a major betting company, a role that sparked debate given football’s ongoing concerns about gambling.
• Biography: His autobiography, I Love This Game, offers a behind-the-scenes look at his life.
• Media Presence: He is a regular pundit on major networks, often providing sharp analysis of modern full-backs.

Yet, his latest commercial ventures suggest he is capitalising on his fame, which is a smart move for a man with 13.1 million Instagram followers.

Controversies and Comebacks

Evra’s career was not without its blemishes. In 2017, he was sent off in a Europa League match for kicking a fan who had been taunting him—a moment of madness that nearly ended his career. The incident was a shock to many, as Evra had never been known for violent conduct before that point.

He also made headlines in 2019 when he launched into a tirade about his treatment at Marseille, which led to his departure from the club. However, his resilience and love for the game have always seen him bounce back, whether that meant mentoring younger players or reinventing himself as a broadcaster.

What Is Patrice Evra Doing Now?

Since retiring, Evra has managed to stay relevant in the public eye. He is not just an ex-footballer; he is a brand.

• Ambassador Role: His partnership with Stake, a crypto casino and sportsbook, has made him one of the faces of a growing trend.
• Broadcasting: He appears regularly on television, offering his unfiltered opinions on the modern game.
• Social Media: His Instagram features a mix of comedy sketches, motivational talks, and behind-the-scenes content, which keeps him connected to his fanbase.

Legacy and Impact

The Suárez-Evra saga had a lasting impact on football. It forced the Premier League to confront its own issues with racism and set a precedent for how players can be punished for discriminatory language. The case was a landmark moment, as it was the first time a player had been banned for racism based on another player’s testimony alone.

For Evra, the legacy is more personal. He became a symbol of courage for speaking out, but he also had to endure years of taunts and abuse from opposition fans. His response to the whole affair has evolved over time, from anger to a more philosophical acceptance of what happened.

Net Worth Comparison

While Patrice Evra’s net worth is substantial, it’s interesting to compare it to other elite defenders of his era. Players like Ashley Cole and Sergio Ramos have also built sizeable fortunes, but Evra’s post-retirement earnings—from deals with betting companies and his media work—may well have pushed him ahead of some of his peers. However, the exact figures remain private, and estimates are often unreliable.

His time in Italy also proved extremely fruitful, both in terms of titles and financial reward.

Related reading: Eden Hazard: Career, Retirement, and Life After Football

Frequently Asked Questions

Career Statistics

Across his club career, Evra made over 590 appearances, scoring 13 goals and providing 28 assists. His defensive numbers, while not always flashy, were consistently among the best in the league.