David Ginola

Lore & Background

Ginola played for Tottenham Hotspur from July 1997 to July 2000, joining from Newcastle United for £2.5 million. He won the 1999 League Cup with Spurs, scoring a notable solo goal in the FA Cup sixth round against Barnsley during the 1998–99 season. He was named PFA Players' Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year in 1999, becoming the first Premier League player to win the award while at a club outside the top four. He was inducted into Tottenham's Hall of Fame on 11 December 2008.

In Their Own Story

The roar of White Hart Lane faded into a hush as David Ginola received the ball near the halfway line. With a flick of his wrist and a sudden dip of the shoulder, he evaded two challenges without breaking stride. The crowd leaned forward in unison, mesmerized by the balletic display. He didn't just play football; he performed it, turning the pitch into his personal canvas before unleashing a pass that sliced through the defense like a knife.

Reader's Guide

Ginola was a forward known for his extravagant forward play and personality. At Tottenham, he played alongside former Newcastle teammate Les Ferdinand. He left Spurs for Aston Villa in July 2000 for £3 million.

Did You Know?

• Ginola won the French Footballer of the Year award in 1993 while at Paris Saint-Germain.
• He made 17 appearances for France between 1990 and 1995, scoring three goals.
• Ginola attempted to run for FIFA presidency in January 2015 but withdrew due to lack of backing from five national associations.