Eric Cantona in shock career change

Eric Cantona’s legacy at Manchester United is firmly etched into the club’s modern history.

It is not only defined by trophies but by swagger and a transformative influence during the early stages of the English Premier League era.

Across five seasons at Old Trafford, the Frenchman won four league titles and two FA Cups, captained the side, and became a cultural icon whose impact stretches far beyond goals and assists.

Even decades on, Cantona remains one of the most recognisable figures associated with the Red Devil’s dominance in the 1990s, remembered as much for his personality and artistry as his silverware.

It is precisely that background which makes his latest career chapter such an unexpected turn.

Contact Music has reported the ex-United forward has confirmed details of his first full-length album, ‘Perfect Imperfection’, making the latest step in his fast-growing music career.

The 11-track record is set for worldwide release on March 13 and follows a steady build of interest around his recent live shows and early recordings.

Alongside the announcement, the Manchester United legend has unveiled the album’s lead single, ‘On se love’, a stripped-back ballad that places his gravel-toned vocal and introspective song writing at the centre.

The track offers the clearest indication yet of the sound he has been shaping since stepping into music professionally in 2023.

Music has long been described by Cantona as another extension of his creative life, sitting alongside his work in the film industry, theatre, poetry, painting and photography.

Cantona’s hands-on involvement is clear in the credits, having written and composed nine of the album’s 11 tracks.

‘Avoir le choix’ was co-written with Johan Dalgaard while ‘Droigts’ was composed by Gaetan Roussel, who are experts in this field.

The album arrives on the back of his sold-out ‘Cantona Sings Eric tour’, which included a London date at the O2 Shephard’s Bush Empire.

Those shows saw Eric Cantona perform alone on stage, accompanied only by piano and cello, reinforcing the intimate and minimalist tone of his music.

In 2024, the legendary forward released ‘Cantona Sings Eric – First Tour Ever (Live)’, a 17-track album recorded across multiple cities on the tour.

The live collection featured a song called ‘I Love You So Much’, which was dedicated to his Manchester United supporters.

While he often frames himself as a newcomer to music, Cantona’s involvement stretches back further.

He previously contributed lyrics to ‘Lady Sir’, the musical duo formed by his wife Rachida Brakni and Gaetan Roussel, giving him early experience behind the microphone.