Emmanuel Petit was a cultured French midfielder, instantly recognisable by his blond ponytail, who combined defensive steel with a fine passing range. He came through at Monaco before forming a celebrated partnership with Patrick Vieira at Arsenal, where he won the Double in 1998.
That same year he capped a glorious season by scoring in France’s World Cup final victory over Brazil, and he added the European Championship two years later. Spells at Barcelona and Chelsea followed before retirement.