Paolo Rossi was an Italian professional footballer renowned for leading Italy to victory in the 1982 FIFA World Cup. His remarkable performance earned him the Golden Boot as top goalscorer with six goals, and the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. Rossi is one of only three players in history, and the only European, to win all three major awards at a World Cup. His exceptional year was capped off with the prestigious Ballon d'Or, recognizing him as the 1982 European Footballer of the Year. He remains one of Italy's all-time leading World Cup scorers, tied with Roberto Baggio and Christian Vieri with nine goals.
1938: Italy's World Cup drought
In 1938, Italy had previously won a World Cup before experiencing several decades without victory, making Rossi's contributions in 1982 even more impactful.
September 1956: Birth of Paolo Rossi
Paolo Rossi was born in September 1956.
1962: Garrincha's World Cup Win
In 1962, Garrincha achieved the same triple crown as Rossi at the FIFA World Cup.
1972: Early Career at Juventus
Rossi joined Juventus in 1972 but faced injury challenges.
1973: Professional Debut and Intercontinental Cup
Rossi made his professional debut in 1973 and won a runners-up medal in the Intercontinental Cup.
1975: Serie A Debut with Como
Rossi made his Serie A debut with Como in the 1975-76 season.
1976: Move to Vicenza and Scoring Success
Rossi joined Vicenza on loan in 1976 and became a prolific scorer, winning the Serie B Golden Boot.
1976: Record Transfer to Juventus
Rossi was signed by Juventus for a world-record fee in 1976.
December 1977: Italy National Team Debut
Rossi made his debut for the Italian national team in December 1977.
1977: Serie B Top Scorer and Promotion
In 1977, Rossi became the Serie B top scorer and propelled his team to Serie A.
June 1978: 1978 FIFA World Cup Performance
Rossi gained international recognition for his performance at the 1978 World Cup, scoring three goals and earning a place in the Team of the Tournament.
1978: Serie A Top Scorer and World Cup Selection
In 1978, Rossi topped the Serie A scoring charts and was chosen for the Italian World Cup squad.
1978: Mario Kempes' World Cup Win
Mario Kempes mirrored Rossi's triple crown achievement at the 1978 FIFA World Cup.
1978: 1978 World Cup
Rossi also participated in the 1978 World Cup, where Italy finished fourth, and he scored three goals.
1978: World Record Transfer and Vicenza's Relegation
Rossi became the world's most expensive player in 1978. Unfortunately, Vicenza was relegated despite his goals.
1979: Loan to Perugia and European Cup
Rossi went on loan to Perugia and played in the UEFA Cup during the 1979-80 season.
1980: Betting Scandal and Ban
Rossi was implicated in a betting scandal in 1980, leading to a ban from football.
1981: Return to Juventus
Rossi returned to Juventus in 1981.
1981: Juventus Debut
Rossi debuted for Juventus in 1981 and subsequently won numerous titles with the club.
1982: Continued Success with Juventus
After the World Cup, in 1982, Rossi remained with Juventus.
1982: Post-World Cup Accolades
Following his performance in the 1982 World Cup, Rossi received numerous awards, including European Footballer of the Year and World Player of the Year. He was also nicknamed "Pablito" and "torero."
1982: Serie A Title and World Cup Preparation
In 1982, Rossi contributed to Juventus' Serie A title win and prepared for the World Cup.
1982: National Hero
Rossi's performance in the 1982 World Cup elevated him to national hero status in Italy, where the victory was seen as a significant boost to national morale.
1982: World Cup Top Scorer
Rossi's six goals in the 1982 World Cup made him the tournament's top scorer.
1983: Coppa Italia and European Cup
In 1983, Rossi helped Juventus win the Coppa Italia and reach the European Cup final, finishing as the tournament's top scorer.
1984: Scudetto and UEFA Cup Winners' Cup
Rossi won his second Scudetto with Juventus in 1984, along with the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.
1985: European Cup Victory
In 1985, Rossi achieved victory in the European Cup with Juventus.
1985: Move to Milan
In 1985, Rossi transferred to AC Milan. He's remembered for a two-goal performance in the Milan derby.
August 1990: Vice-President of A.S. Pescina Valle del Giovenco
In August 1990, Rossi took on the role of vice-president for the Lega Pro Prima Divisione club A.S. Pescina Valle del Giovenco.
1991: World Cup of Masters
In 1991, Rossi played in and scored during the World Cup of Masters.
March 2004: Recognition by Pelé and UEFA
In March 2004, Rossi was recognized as one of the top 125 greatest living footballers by Pelé and was placed 12th in the UEFA Golden Jubilee poll.
2004: Recognition Among Football Greats
In 2004, Rossi was recognized by Pelé as one of the top 125 greatest living footballers.
December 2020: Death of Paolo Rossi
Paolo Rossi passed away in December 2020.
December 2020: Death and Aftermath
Rossi passed away in December 2020 due to lung cancer. Sadly, his house was robbed during his funeral in Vicenza.