Giuseppe Savoldi
The world's first million-pound footballer, a prolific striker and Coppa Italia legend.
Giuseppe Savoldi (21 January 1947 – 26 March 2026) was an Italian professional football player and coach who played as a forward. He played club football in Italy for Atalanta, Bologna and Napoli, and represented the Italy national side.
Quick Facts
- Born
- 21 January 1947
- Birthplace
- Gorlago, Bergamo, Italy
- Died
- 26 March 2026
- Place of death
- Bergamo, Italy
- Height
- 1.75 m / 5 ft 9 in
- Position
- Striker
- Total caps
- 421
- Total goals
- 169
Lore & Background
Savoldi was signed by Napoli in 1975 for a world-record fee of two billion Lira (£1.2 million), becoming football's first million-pound player. He won three Coppa Italia titles (1970, 1974 with Bologna; 1976 with Napoli) and two Anglo-Italian League Cups (1970 with Bologna; 1976 with Napoli). He was Serie A top scorer in 1972–73 and Coppa Italia top scorer in 1969–70, 1973–74, and 1977–78.
Reader's Guide
Savoldi was a versatile forward capable of playing as a centre-forward, striker, left winger, or attacking midfielder. Known for pace, strength, aerial ability, and penalty accuracy, he scored 45 penalties in Serie A, the fourth-most in league history. He made 405 Serie A appearances (168 goals) and 73 Serie B appearances (18 goals).
Did You Know?
- Savoldi scored his only international goal from a penalty in a 3–2 friendly win over Greece on 30 December 1975.
- He converted a penalty in the 90th minute of the 1974 Coppa Italia final to tie the game 1–1, then scored in the shootout as Bologna won 4–3.
- His son Gianluca Savoldi also played in Serie A with Reggina and in Serie B with Napoli among other clubs.
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