Who Is Paolo Rossi? Age, Biography and Wiki
Paolo Rossi was born on September 23, 1956, in Prato, Italy. He rose to global fame as a standout Italian footballer, renowned for his exceptional skills as a striker. Rossi made significant contributions to Italian football, most notably during the 1982 FIFA World Cup, where he played a pivotal role in leading Italy to victory. After a brilliant career, he passed away on December 9, 2020. As of 2025, he would have celebrated his 69th birthday, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire young athletes.
| Occupation | Footballer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 23, 1956 |
| Age | 64 Years |
| Birth Place | Prato, Italy |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | Italy |
| Date of death | 9 December, 2020 |
| Died Place | Siena, Italy |
Popularity
Paolo Rossi's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Throughout his playing career, Paolo Rossi was known for his athletic build. Standing at approximately 1.78 meters (5 feet 10 inches), he possessed the agility and strength needed to excel on the pitch. His weight during his peak was around 75 kg (165 lbs), complementing his impressive physicality that contributed to his overall performance.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Paolo Rossi was happily married to Federica Cappelletti, a union that lasted until his passing. The couple shared two children, Sofia and Alessandro, who continue to uphold their father's legacy. Prior to his marriage, Rossi's private life remained largely shielded from the media, solidifying his commitment to family values.
Rossi died on 9 December 2020, at the age of 64, from lung cancer. Rossi was survived by his second wife, Federica Cappelletti, and three children. During his funeral in Vicenza on 12 December, attended by thousands, his house in Bucine was robbed.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Paolo Rossi had an estimated net worth of $10 million. His earnings stemmed from his illustrious football career, endorsements, and various media appearances. Rossi's financial investments, including ventures in sports commentary and football academies, have contributed significantly to his overall wealth.
Career, Business and Investments
Paolo Rossi's professional career spanned from the 1970s to the late 1980s, with notable stints at clubs such as Vicenza, Juventus, and AC Milan. His transformative performance at the 1982 World Cup solidified his status as one of football’s all-time greats.
Beyond his playing career, Rossi ventured into business through football academies and media, sharing his expertise with aspiring players and providing commentary on the sport. His passion for football continued post-retirement, influencing future generations.
At club level, Rossi was also a prolific goalscorer for Vicenza. In 1976, he was signed to Juventus from Vicenza in a co-ownership deal for a world record transfer fee. Vicenza retained his services, and he was the top goalscorer in Serie B in 1977, leading his team to promotion to Serie A.
The following season, Rossi scored 24 goals, to become the first player to top the scoring charts in Serie B and Serie A in consecutive seasons. Rossi made his debut for Juventus in 1981, and went on to win two Serie A titles, the Coppa Italia, the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, and the European Cup.
With success at club and international level, he is one of nine players to have won the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA Champions League and the Ballon d'Or.
Social Network
Rossi was active on various social media platforms, engaging with fans and sharing moments from his life and career. His Instagram and Twitter accounts were vital in maintaining his connection with football enthusiasts worldwide. Followers admired his thoughts on matches, football's evolution, and personal reflections, keeping his legacy vibrant even after his passing.
Education
Rossi's football journey began at a young age. While details about his formal education remain sparse, it is evident that his early life and passion for the sport shaped him into the athlete he became. His commitment to growth, both on and off the field, exemplified the importance of education in sports.
Italy manager Enzo Bearzot, however, staunchly confirmed Rossi for the decisive round robin in the second round, in which his team was to face Argentina, the reigning World Champions, and Brazil, the favourites to win the title with a team consisting of world-class players such as Sócrates, Zico, and Falcão.
After Italy defeated Argentina 2–1, partly thanks to the defensive work of Claudio Gentile and Gaetano Scirea who shut down the young Argentine star Diego Maradona, Rossi scored a hat-trick to defeat Brazil 3–2 to qualify for the semi-finals.
In the semi-final match against Poland, Rossi's two goals won the match for Italy once again, granting them a place in the 1982 World Cup final.
In the final against West Germany, Rossi scored the first of Italy's three goals, from an indirect set-piece assist from Gentile, helping Italy win the match 3–1, giving his team their third World Cup title.
With six goals in total, he won the tournament's máximo goleador award, the Golden Boot, as the top scorer of the tournament, as well as the Golden Ball Award for the best player of the tournament, and he was named as part of the team of the tournament for the second consecutive time.
