Gianfranco Zola

Italy · Second striker (Attacking midfielder, Striker) · Gen 2 · Zidane & Ronaldinho · Peak 1993-2000

Small genius with magical close control and exquisite free kicks

Nicknames Magic Box, Franny

81.2OVR#102 of 1,235 outfield players

Position-weighted average of all outfield and career attributes, as on the main table.

“Little Zola, he annoyed me. He was one of those players who was unperturbed about who he was playing against. He always seemed to have a smile on his face.”

— Alex Ferguson, Man United manager · source

Top 10 attributes

Direct Free Kicks94
Shooting Creativity94
Possession93
First Touch93
Curve92
Balance92
Agility91
Change of Pace90
Link-up Play90
Dribbling90

Real records

These ratings are set from the measured data below.

Direct Free Kicks 9412 direct free-kick goals · Premier League onlysource

All 64 attributes

Speed 79.2

Top Speed77
Acceleration85
Dribbling Speed88
Top Speed with Ball74
Knock-on & Run61
Change of Pace90

Shooting 82.8

Finishing86
Shot Power80
Long Shots86
Volleys84
Curve92
Penalties82
Heading50
Direct Free Kicks ●94
Shooting Creativity94
Acrobatics80

Passing 84.6

Short Passing88
Long Passing76
Through Balls88
Crossing74
Link-up Play90
Vision88
Set-Piece Delivery88

Ball Control 89.3

Dribbling90
Possession93
First Touch93
Skills & Tricks90
Weak Foot82
Press Resistance88

Movement 75.2

Off-the-Ball Movement84
Runs in Behind76
Attacking Positioning82
Anticipation82
Recovery Runs52

Football IQ 88.5

Decision Making90
Spatial Awareness88
Game Management86
Tactical Creativity90

Defending Skill 30.7

Defensive Positioning36
Marking28
Interceptions34
Standing Tackle34
Sliding Tackle26
Offside Trap26

Physical 73.6

Strength50
Stamina81
Agility91
Balance92
Recovery84
Reactions88
Hold-up Play60
Aerial Duels52
Aggression64

Mental 81.3

Big-Game Temperament86
Leadership78
Selflessness82
Concentration82
Determination86
Tactical Discipline74

Career 82.2

Consistency88
Longevity90
Achievements59
Durability84
Loyalty90

Profile

Born: 5 July 1966
Height: 168 cm
Foot: Right
Career: 1984–2005
Prime: 1993-2000

Club career

1984–1986 Nuorese
1986–1989 Torres
1989–1993 Napoli
1993–1996 Parma
1996–2003 Chelsea
2003–2005 Cagliari

Honours

Europa League 1

1995 Parma

League title · Serie A Napoli 1

1989–90

UEFA Super Cup 2

1993, 1998

Cup Winners' Cup 1

1997–98

FA Cup 2

1996–97, 1999–00

League Cup 1