Who Is Gianfranco Zola? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Gianfranco Zola, born on July 5, 1966, is an iconic figure in the world of football, renowned for his exceptional skills and tactical acumen as both a player and manager. As of 2025, Zola is 58 years old. Over his illustrious career, he has become a celebrated midfield maestro, playing for clubs like Napoli, Parma, and Chelsea, before transitioning to managerial roles. His commitment to the sport and influence on young players is well documented on his Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Football Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 5, 1966 |
| Age | 59 Years |
| Birth Place | Oliena, Italy |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | Italy |
Popularity
Gianfranco Zola's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Gianfranco Zola stands at a height of 1.68 meters (5 feet 6 inches) and weighs approximately 70 kg (154 lbs). His athletic build, combined with his agility and skill, contributed significantly to his success on the field. In his later years, Zola has still maintained an active fitness regimen, demonstrating his dedication to a healthy lifestyle.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Gianfranco Zola is married to his long-time partner, Alessandra Zola. The couple has been together since the early 1990s and shares a strong bond rooted in deep respect for each other. They have two children together, a son named Andrea and a daughter named Victoria. While Zola has maintained a relatively private personal life, he often mentions his family's support as a cornerstone of his career.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Gianfranco Zola's net worth is estimated to be around $30 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his successful football career as a player and manager, as well as endorsements and appearances. Zola's salary as a football manager varies depending on the team he manages; however, it is typically in the high six figures, reflecting his extensive experience and expertise in football.
West Ham struggled in the 2009–10 season. Zola's position as manager was put in doubt when he revealed he had not been consulted over a bid for West Bromwich Albion player Graham Dorrans and by chairman David Sullivan's announcement that the entire squad was for sale except for midfielder Scott Parker.
West Ham finished in 17th place, only five points above the relegation places. On 11 May 2010, two days after the end of the 2009–10 season, West Ham announced the termination of Zola's contract with immediate effect.
Avram Grant was announced as his successor on 3 June 2010, and a week later it was announced that the club had reached a compensation settlement with Zola.
Career, Business and Investments
Zola's career began in Serie A before making a significant impact in the Premier League with Chelsea, where he gained numerous accolades. Upon retirement, Zola transitioned into management, taking roles in various clubs across Europe. His soccer knowledge extends beyond the pitch, as he has invested in sports academies and youth development programs, promoting football at grassroots levels.
In addition to managing soccer clubs, Zola has also been involved in various charitable activities and initiatives, particularly those supporting youth education and sports. His business acumen has seen him engage in profitable investments, particularly in the sports sector.
He spent the first decade of his playing career in Italy, most notably with Napoli alongside Diego Maradona and Careca where he won the 1989–90 Serie A title, and at Parma where he won the Italian Super Cup and the 1994–95 UEFA Cup.
He later moved to English side Chelsea, where he was voted the Football Writers' Player of the Year in the 1996–97 season. During his time at the club, he won the 1997–98 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, two FA Cups, the League Cup, and the Community Shield. In 2003 he was voted the greatest Chelsea player ever.
He was capped 35 times for Italy from his debut in 1991, appearing at the 1994 World Cup, where Italy finished in second place, and Euro 1996.
Social Network
Gianfranco Zola remains active on social media, engaging with fans worldwide. He is particularly active on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where he shares insights from his professional life as well as snippets of his personal experiences, giving followers a glimpse into his world. His followers appreciate his authenticity and candidness.
He was noticed by Luciano Moggi in Serie C1 in 1989, he signed for Napoli in Serie A for ₤2 million, making his debut that year. The young and talented Zola scored two goals as understudy to Diego Maradona as Napoli won the Serie A title in 1990, the only league title of Zola's career.
Zola scored his first goal against Atalanta, whilst his second goal was scored against Genoa, during injury time, which allowed Napoli to win 2–1 and maintain a two-point lead over Milan, who were Napoli's main title contenders, in second place.
Zola was excited by the transfer, and he developed an important friendship with Maradona, who commented "Finally they have bought someone shorter than me!" Maradona would prove to be a big influence on Zola's career. The two would spend hours practising free kicks together after training and Zola later said that "I learned everything from Diego.
I used to spy on him every time he trained and learned how to curl a free-kick just like him."
Education
Zola's football education began early in his life, growing up in Sardinia, Italy, where he honed his skills playing on local teams. Pursuing a deeper understanding of the game, he has participated in various coaching clinics and courses throughout his career. His dedication to continuous learning reflects his commitment not only to football but also to personal growth and development.
