Enzo Francescoli

Uruguayan playmaker known as 'El Príncipe', key for River Plate's second Copa Libertadores title and winner of five Argentine titles.

Enzo Francescoli Uriarte (born 12 November 1961), nicknamed "El Príncipe", is a Uruguayan former footballer who played as an attacking midfielder or forward. He is regarded as one of the best playmakers of his generation and as one of Uruguay's and South America's greatest ever players. He represented his nation at two FIFA World Cups, in 1986 and 1990, also winning the Copa América in 1983, 1987 and 1995. At club level, Francescoli began his career with Uruguayan club Wanderers.

In neighbouring Argentina, he played for River Plate. He was the leading scorer and a key player for the club's second Copa Libertadores title. Francescoli won a total of five Argentine titles in the six years he played for the club. He also enjoyed success in France with Racing Paris and Marseille, where his performances proved decisive as the team won the 1989–90 French Division 1. He later also had spells in Italy with Cagliari and Torino, before returning to River Plate, where he ended his career.

Quick Facts

Full name: Enzo Francescoli Uriarte
Born: 12 November 1961
Birthplace: Montevideo, Uruguay
Position: Attacking midfielder, forward
Total caps: 510
Total goals: 198

Lore & Background

Francescoli was the only Uruguayan included by Pelé in the FIFA 100 list of the world's greatest living footballers in 2004, and he was also elected by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics as the sixth-greatest Uruguayan player and the 24th greatest South American player of the 20th century. He played 73 times for the Celeste between 1982 and his retirement in 1997, making him the most capped outfield player in Uruguayan international football at the time.

Reader's Guide

Francescoli began his career with Montevideo Wanderers in 1980. After winning the 1983 Copa América with Uruguay, River Plate signed him later that year for $310,000. He won the Argentine title with River Plate in the 1985–86 season, ending as top scorer with 25 goals. He then moved to Europe, joining Racing Paris in 1986. He transferred to Marseille in 1989 and won the 1989–90 French Division 1 title. He later played for Cagliari and Torino before returning to River Plate to end his career.

Did You Know?

Francescoli was nicknamed "El Príncipe" due to his elegant behaviour and playing style, a nickname inherited from former Wanderers player Hannibal Ciocca.
He developed the habit of chewing gum during games to avoid dryness in his mouth.
He was voted the best South American footballer of 1984 for his performances for River Plate and the Uruguay national team.
He was elected the best foreign player in France in 1987.