Paolo Rossi
The golden boy of Italy's 1982 World Cup triumph.
Paolo Rossi (23 September 1956 – 9 December 2020) was an Italian professional footballer who played as a striker. He led Italy to the 1982 FIFA World Cup title, scoring six goals to win the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball. He also won the 1982 Ballon d'Or. At club level, he was a prolific goalscorer for Vicenza and later played for Juventus, winning two Serie A titles, the Coppa Italia, the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, and the European Cup.
Quick Facts
- Affiliation
- Bologna FC (1985–1986, on loan from Juventus)
Lore & Background
Rossi was born in Prato, Tuscany. He made his professional debut with Juventus in 1973, appearing in the Coppa Italia. After loan spells at Como and Vicenza, he became the first player to top the scoring charts in Serie B and Serie A in consecutive seasons. He was involved in the 1980 Totonero betting scandal and received a two-year ban. He returned to Juventus in 1981 and starred in the 1982 World Cup, scoring a hat-trick against Brazil and two goals against Poland, then the opening goal in the final against West Germany.
Reader's Guide
Rossi is widely regarded as one of the greatest Italian footballers. He was named by Pelé in the FIFA 100 in 2004 and placed 12th in the UEFA Golden Jubilee Poll that same year. After retiring, he worked as a pundit for Sky, Mediaset Premium, and Rai Sport until his death.
Did You Know?
- Rossi is one of only eleven players to have won the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA Champions League, and the Ballon d'Or.
- He scored nine goals in World Cup tournaments, tying him with Roberto Baggio and Christian Vieri as Italy's top World Cup scorer.
- Rossi's six goals in the 1982 World Cup accounted for 58% of Italy's total goals in that tournament.
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