Early Years and Family History: Paolo Rossi was born in Prato, Italy, a small town known for its textile industry. He grew up in a modest family, where his love for football was evident from an early age. His parents, who were supportive of his passion, enrolled him in a local football club where he began to hone his skills.
Early Career and Hardships: Rossi started his professional career at Juventus in 1973 but struggled to find his place in the team. His early career was marred by injuries, including three serious knee surgeries that threatened to end his playing days. Despite these setbacks, Rossi’s determination saw him transferred to smaller clubs like Como and Lanerossi Vicenza, where he began to make a name for himself.
Rise to Stardom and Successes: Rossi’s breakthrough came with Vicenza, where he became Serie B’s top scorer, helping the team gain promotion to Serie A. He continued his impressive form in Italy’s top league, which earned him a call-up to the national team. However, his career faced a major setback in 1980 when he was implicated in the Totonero match-fixing scandal, resulting in a two-year suspension.
Despite this, Rossi made a remarkable comeback just in time for the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain. His performance in the tournament was legendary; he scored a hat-trick against Brazil in a crucial match, followed by key goals in the semifinal and final, leading Italy to win the World Cup. Rossi was awarded the Golden Boot for being the tournament’s top scorer and later won the Ballon d’Or as Europe’s best player in 1982.
Legacy and Passing: Paolo Rossi passed away on December 9, 2020, at the age of 64, leaving behind a legacy as one of Italy’s greatest footballers. His story is one of resilience and redemption, symbolizing the power of determination and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Real Name: Paolo Rossi
Date of Birth: September 23, 1956
Birth Place: Prato, Italy
Residence: Italy (until his passing)
Nationality: Italian
Partner: Paolo Rossi was married to Federica Cappelletti, a journalist and author. The couple had two daughters.
Father: Vittorio Rossi
Mother: Clara Marchi
Horoscope: Libra
Age: Passed away at 64
Height: 175 cm
Weight: Around 70 kg (154 lbs)
Body Type: Athletic
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Brown