Italian · Oliena, Sardinia · Born 5 July 1966The little magician — voted Chelsea's greatest ever player by the fans who watched him.
Gianfranco Zola was born in Oliena, Sardinia in 1966. He learned his craft under Diego Maradona at Napoli before Parma and then Chelsea — for whom he was the first major Italian signing. His seven Chelsea seasons produced two FA Cups and the 1999 UEFA Cup. He was voted the club's greatest ever player by the fans. His close control — particularly his ability to receive with his back to goal and turn in the tightest spaces — and his free kick technique made him the most entertaining individual in the Premier League for those seasons. He scored on his England debut for Italy as a substitute. He was famously sent off against Arsenal for a collision while not involved in play in 1997 — a card later rescinded, considered one of the more remarkable refereeing decisions of the decade. He became a manager with West Ham, Watford and Birmingham after retirement. His combination of technical perfection with a warmth and genuineness of character that was evident to every observer made him one of the Premier League's most beloved individual figures of the 1990s.
Being voted Chelsea's greatest ever player
How They Played
Creative attacking midfielder/forward with exceptional dribbling, passing and free-kick ability
Lasting Impact
Considered one of the most technically gifted players in Premier League history
Career Honours
- FA Cup 2x
- League Cup
- Serie A
- Coppa Italia
- UEFA Cup (1999)
- UEFA Cup Winners' Cup 1998
- FA Cup 1997
- FA Cup 2000
- League Cup 1998
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuorese | 1982–1984 | — | 89 | #10 |
| Napoli | 1989–1996 | 105 | 21 | — |
| Chelsea | 1996–2003 | 312 | 80 | — |
| Torres | 1984–1986 | 0 | 0 | — |
| Cagliari | 2003–2005 | 38 | 10 | — |
 Italy | — | 35 | 10 | — |
Italian Athletes