Guy Marcel Roux, born on October 18, 1938, is a French former football player and manager who has made a lasting impact on the sport. With a career spanning over four decades, Roux is most notably associated with French side AJ Auxerre, where he served as player-manager and eventually manager for over 40 years.
Roux's journey with AJ Auxerre began in 1954, when he played for the team until 1957. He returned to the club in 1961, this time as player-manager, and went on to become a living legend and symbol of the team. During his time with the club, Roux led AJ Auxerre to numerous accolades, including the Division 1 title in 1995-96 and four Coupe de France titles.
Under Roux's guidance, AJ Auxerre also won the Intertoto Cup and reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup in 1992-93. His emphasis on developing young players led to the emergence of several top stars, including Eric Cantona, Basile Boli, Alain Goma, and Djibril Cissé, among others.
Roux's dedication to building a strong infrastructure was instrumental in AJ Auxerre's success. In 1980, he rejected the opportunity to sign French international striker Olivier Rouyer, instead opting to invest in a state-of-the-art youth academy. This decision would prove to be a crucial factor in the team's long-term success.
Throughout his career, Roux has been recognized for his outstanding achievements and contributions to the sport. In 2000, he received the UEFA President's Award, which honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional professionalism, personal qualities, and achievements.
Roux's retirement from managing AJ Auxerre in 2005 marked the end of an era, but he briefly returned to management in 2007 when he signed a two-year contract with RC Lens. However, he resigned after only four matches without a win.
Despite his retirement from management, Roux remains an iconic figure in French football, known for his distinctive bobble hats and ill-fitting tracksuits. He is also a connoisseur of local Chablis wines and is widely respected for his dedication to the sport and his ability to develop young players.
