Argentine World Cup winner whose mazy solo goal in the 1981 FA Cup final replay is one of the most iconic moments in English football history.
Ricardo Julio Villa was born in Roque Pérez, Argentina on 18 August 1952. A member of Argentina's 1978 World Cup-winning squad, he moved to Tottenham Hotspur alongside Ossie Ardiles in a transfer that changed the face of English football. Villa's time at Spurs is defined by one extraordinary moment — his mesmerising solo goal in the 1981 FA Cup final replay against Manchester City, where he dribbled past several defenders before finishing. It was voted the greatest FA Cup final goal of all time. He made 133 appearances for Spurs, winning two FA Cups. Like Ardiles, the Falklands War complicated his time in England, and he returned to Argentina in 1983, later playing in the United States and Colombia. He earned 4 caps for Argentina.
Iconic solo goal in 1981 FA Cup Final replay against Manchester City
His solo goal in the 1981 FA Cup final replay was voted the greatest FA Cup final goal of all time, and is considered one of the finest goals ever scored at Wembley.
Did You Know?How They Played
Creative attacking midfielder with excellent dribbling skills and ability to score spectacular goals
Lasting Impact
Remembered as one of Tottenham's greatest cult heroes and for one of the most famous goals in FA Cup history
Career Honours
- World Cup 1978
- FA Cup 2x
- FA Cup 1981
- UEFA Cup 1984
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlético Tucumán | 1978–1978 | 51 | 18 | #10 |
| Tottenham | 1978–1983 | 230 | 100 | #7 |
| Racing Club | 1973–1978 | 0 | 0 | — |
| Fort Lauderdale Strikers | 1983–1986 | 78 | 48 | #7 |
| Argentine | — | 18 | 4 | — |