| Player Profile | |
|---|---|
| Name | Quinton Fortune |
| Nationality | South African |
| Date of Birth | May 21, 1977 |
| Latest Club | Retired |
| Latest Position | Midfield |
History of Quinton Fortune
Quinton Fortune grew up in Cape Town South Africa and played for local teams before moving to England at the age of 14. However, after spending most of his early professional years in Spain, the soccer star built a strong reputation in world football. To date, Quinton Fortune is considered one of the best soccer players in South Africa after playing for huge teams like Man United and Atlético Madrid.
Quinton Fortune In South Africa
Despite being a native South African soccer player, Fortune spent very little of his soccer career in his homeland. Apart from a short stint at Western Province United, Fortune mostly played in Europe.
South Africa National Team
Although he played most of his pro soccer matches abroad, Fortune had a long-standing affiliation with the South Africa national team, Bafana Bafana.The midfielder made 53 caps for his nation between 1996 and 2005 and he scored three goals.
In 2000, Fortune played in his first major tournament for the South Africa national team at the Sydney Olympics. Here, the midfielder featured in two of the three matches and scored in a 3-1 win over Brazil.
In addition, Fortune was part of the South Africa squad for the 1998 and 2002 World Cups. He played a leading role in the 2002 competition, scoring once against Paraguay and making assists in following matches vs Slovenia and Spain.
Quinton Fortune International Career
In the early 1990s, Fortune was offered a contract with English club Tottenham Hotspur. But, the midfielder could not sign for the team due to issues with his work permit. As the move fell through, Spanish club Mallorca signed a young Fortune.
Mallorca
Initially, Fortune was set for a return to play in South Africa after his move to Spurs collapsed. His availability sparked interest from clubs across Europe. Italian giants AC Milan were interested in signing a teenage Fortune. But he eventually joined Mallorca.
Fortune signed for Mallorca on a free transfer in 1995 and he only made eight appearances for the club.
Atlético Madrid
Despite only making a handful of appearances for Mallorca, Fortune’s talents were noticed by another Spanish side, Atlético Madrid. In 1996, Fortune signed for Atlético on a free transfer.
Progress was slow for the promising midfielder and he largely featured in Atlético’s B-team, where he made over 60 appearances. Yet, Fortune could not break into the first team and he only made seven La Liga appearances between 1996 and 1999.
Manchester United
Although he was given few chances to impress in Spain, then Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson saw ability in Fortune. As a result, Ferguson signed Fortune in the 1999/2000 season for an estimated £1.5 million.
In Manchester, Fortune started to excel and he was given a chance to showcase his ability in the Premier League. He was provided more playing time under Ferguson and made 12 appearances in the last 1999/2000 season.
In the following seasons, Fortune was largely a backup player, used as a substitute or during squad rotation in a busy season. But, he still played a part in United’s success between 2000 and 2006. Whilst at the club, Fortune helped the Red Devils to three Premier League titles and one FA Cup.
Despite not featuring in the required ten matches in the Premier League to gain a winners medal, Fortune was given a winners medal in special circumstances in 2003.
Later Career and Retirement
During his final season in Manchester, in the 2005/2006 campaign, Fortune rarely played and he was released in 2006. The South African star first joined Bolton Wanderers as he tried to continue his Premier League career. Although, he struggled again to hold down a starting place in the team, playing just seven matches in all competitions.
Bolton then released Fortune in 2007 and he spent the final years of his career moving between clubs. A move to Western Province United followed Bolton before Fortune spent time playing in Sheffield, Brescia, Tubize, and Doncaster.
Eventually, after making seven appearances for Doncaster in the 2009/10 season, the midfielder announced his retirement from professional soccer. Since then, Quinton Fortune has taken up coaching roles at Man United and Reading FC.
| Quinton Fortune Teams | |
|---|---|
| Team | Period |
| Mallorca | 1995-1996 |
| Atlético Madrid | 1996-2000 |
| Manchester United | 2000-2006 |
| Bolton | 2006-2007 |
| Western Province United | 2007-2008 |
| Sheffield United | 2008-2009 |
| Brescia | 2009 |
| Doncaster | 2010 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Quinton Fortune
Below are some of the most common questions asked about soccer player Quinton Fortune.
Fortune is famous because he represented top soccer teams in Europe. In his career, Fortune played for high-profile teams Manchester United and Atlético Madrid.
The former soccer star is now a professional coach.
Fortune played for several soccer teams. Among them were Man United, Atlético Madrid, Mallorca, Bolton, and West Province United.
Currently, the former midfielder is working as a coach at the English second-tier club Reading FC.
During his career, Fortune’s net worth is estimated to be around $15 million.
The soccer coach is 44 years old.
Fortune was born in Cape Town, South Africa, in 1977.
