Paolo Rossi

Italian striker who led Italy to the 1982 World Cup title, winning the Golden Boot, Golden Ball, and Ballon d'Or.

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 as top goalscorer, and the Golden Ball for the player of the tournament. Rossi was also awarded the 1982 Ballon d'Or as the European Footballer of the Year for his performances (remaining the only player in history to win these four awards in a single year). Along with Roberto Baggio and Christian Vieri, he is Italy's top scorer in World Cup history, with nine goals overall.

Quick Facts

Born: 23 September 1956
Birthplace: Prato, Italy
Died: 9 December 2020
Place of death: Siena, Italy
Height: 1.74 m / 5 ft 9 in
Position: Striker
Total caps: 251
Total goals: 103

Lore & Background

Rossi was born in Prato, Tuscany, Italy. He made his debut in professional football with Juventus in 1973, appearing in the Coppa Italia. After three knee operations, he was sent to Como, making his Serie A debut in 1975–76. His career turned when he joined Vicenza on loan; coach Giovan Battista Fabbri moved him to centre-forward.

Rossi won the Serie B Golden Boot with 21 goals in 1976–77, leading Vicenza to promotion. The following season he scored 24 goals, becoming the first player to top the scoring charts in Serie B and Serie A in consecutive seasons. He made his Italy debut on 21 December 1977. At the 1978 World Cup he scored three goals and four assists, winning the Silver Ball.

After the tournament, Vicenza bought his full rights for 2.612 billion lire, making him the world's most expensive player. He was later loaned to Perugia. In 1980 he was banned for two years due to the Totonero betting scandal. He returned to Juventus in 1981, contributing to the 1981–82 Serie A title.

At the 1982 World Cup, after a slow start, he scored a hat-trick against Brazil, two goals against Poland, and the first goal in the final against West Germany, winning the Golden Boot and Golden Ball. He also won the 1982 Onze d'Or. After retiring, he worked as a pundit for Sky, Mediaset Premium, and Rai Sport until his death on 9 December 2020.

Reader's Guide

Rossi is widely regarded as one of the greatest Italian footballers of all time. He was named in 2004 by Pelé as one of the Top 125 greatest living footballers as part of FIFA's 100th anniversary celebration. In the same year, Rossi placed 12th in the UEFA Golden Jubilee Poll. He is one of eleven players to have won the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA Champions League and the Ballon d'Or. At club level, he won two Serie A titles, the Coppa Italia, the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, and the European Cup with Juventus.

Did You Know?

He scored exactly 50% of Italy's goals at the 1982 World Cup (6 out of 12).
He was banned for two years due to the 1980 Totonero betting scandal, missing the 1980 European Championship.