Ginola David

French forward who dazzled for PSG, Newcastle, and Tottenham, and later became a TV pundit.

David Ginola-Ceze (born 25 January 1967) is a French former professional footballer. A television personality, he has also worked as an actor, model and football pundit.

Quick Facts

Full name: David Ginola-Ceze
Born: 25 January 1967
Birthplace: Gassin, Var, France
Height: 1.86 m / 6 ft 1 in
Position: Winger
Total caps: 503
Total goals: 81

Lore & Background

Ginola made his first senior appearance for Sporting Toulon as an eighteen-year-old in a 1985 2–0 victory away at Metz. In 1991, he played a crucial role in a landmark 3–2 victory against Paris Saint-Germain while playing for Brest. He joined Paris Saint-Germain in January 1992. In his first full season (1992–93), he won the Coupe de France and reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup.

At the end of 1993, he won the French Footballer of the Year award. In 1993–94, PSG won the league title, and Ginola provided 13 goals in 38 games, making him the top club goalscorer. The following season, PSG won another Coupe de France and the first Coupe de la Ligue, and reached the Champions League semi-finals. In the summer of 1995, he left France for Newcastle United.

He later played for Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, and Everton, retiring in 2002. At international level, he made 17 appearances, scoring three goals, for France between 1990 and 1995.

Reader's Guide

Ginola is a regular contributor to BBC, BT Sport and CNN. He has hosted Match of ze Day, a program which broadcasts live Premier League matches on Canal+. In January 2015, he attempted to run for the FIFA presidency but withdrew after failing to receive the required backing of at least five national football associations.

Did You Know?

Ginola was named PFA Players' Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year in 1999.
He is infamous in France for a mistake in a 1994 World Cup qualifying match against Bulgaria, which led to France's elimination.
Ginola was dubbed 'El Magnifico' by Spanish media after his displays against Real Madrid and Barcelona.