Enzo Francescoli Biography

Enzo Francescoli nationality

is Uruguayan. He is considered one of the greatest footballers of his generation. Over the years he brought honor to both the clubs he served and Uruguay national team. He started his professional career at Montevideo Wanderers which is an Uruguayan club. He made a name for himself as one of the elite midfielders in the world.

He set a great example for all generations with his great form on the field. The former footballer was a creative player with a unique style of play. His control on the ball, vision, passing and shooting along with amazing goal scoring abilities made him a tough opponent to go up against on the field.

Details About Enzo Francescoli Biography You Probably Didn’t Know 

Francescoli has been named among the top players of the world numerous times. Back in 2004, he was the only Uruguayan included by Pelé in the FIFA 100 list of the world's greatest living footballers. In this article we will walk you through his road to fame. Enzo Francescoli life story is filled with notable events so stay tuned and let’s begin. 

Enzo Francescoli Information

Before we get into the details of

Enzo Francescoli childhood

and early life we will fill you in with the details of his bio and other information.

Enzo Francescoli Bio

• Full name: Enzo Francescoli Uriarte

• Nickname: El Flaco, El Príncipe

Personal information

• Enzo Francescoli date of birth: 12 November 1961 (age 59)

• Zodiac sign: Scorpio

• Place of birth: Montevideo, Uruguay

• Enzo Francescoli religion: Christian

• Father’s name: Ernesto Francescoli

• Mother’s name: Olga Uriarte

• Enzo Francescoli nationality: Uruguayan

• Marital status: married

• Wife’s name: Mariela Yern

• Date of marriage: 1984

• Children: Marco Francescoli, Bruno Francescoli

Football Information

• Position: attacking midfielder

• Debut in profession: Montevideo Wanderers (1980)                                              

• Clubs served: River Plate, RC Paris, Olympique Marseille, Cagliari, Torino           

Enzo Francescoli Early Life

The legendary footballer was born on 12 November 1961 at Montevideo, Uruguay, to Ernesto Francescoli and Olga Uriarte. According to

Enzo Francescoli date of birth

, his zodiac sign is Scorpio. As a child, he was very passionate about football and dreamed of one day becoming a professional footballer. Of course, this wasn’t just a passing fantasy and Enzo was determined to set foot on the road to fame and make a name for himself. His parents encouraged him to fulfill his dream.

Enzo Francescoli Profile

Over the years the legendary footballer came a long way and made a name for himself as a skilled footballer. Based on

Enzo Francescoli bio

he played as an attacking midfielder in his playing days. We have gathered all the details about his career both in clubs and on the international level. Join us in this journey and find how the footballer set foot on the road to fame in the following.

Montevideo Wanderers

Enzo had a successful Penarol but the lack of time prevented him to join the club. Although he was very passionate about football he preferred to complete his education before starting his professional career. Following his graduation from school, he received an offer from his hometown club Montevideo Wanderers and decided to join them. He debuted for the side in 1980 with the first team while Montevideo Wanderers earned second place which was their best place since the fourth and last national title in 1931.

During Enzo’s spell at the club, his behavior and composure earned him the nickname of El Principe which means the Prince. He had this habit of chewing gum in order to avoid dryness in his mouth during the games. Later he commented that the habit grew in him in a way that he couldn’t play on the field without gum in his mouth. The prince played well and showcased his skills on the pitch.

Back in February 1982, he debuted for the Uruguay national team, and later he made another debut at Copa Libertadores while Wanderers got the worst result in the national championship, a fifth-place finish. The side decided to work their best in the 1983 Copa Libertadores and Francescoli along with his teammates Jorge Barrios, Luis Alberto Acosta, Raúl Esnal, and Ariel Krasouski finished first in the group however they got eliminated from the competition during the quarterfinal playoff match. Find out more details about

Enzo Francescoli biography

in the following.

River Plate

The football legend showed his talent and remarkable capabilities on the field which drew other club’s attention. In 1983

decided to sign a contract with him. Upon his arrival at the club Francescoli wasn’t able to feature in games as he spent most of his time Siting on the bench.

Toward the end of the season he spent more time on the field as the side reached the Argentine final however they were defeated 3–0 by Ferro Carril Oeste. In 1984 the midfielder was voted the best South American footballer of the year thanks to his great performances for both River Plate and Uruguay national team along great players like Nelson Gutiérrez and Antonio Alzamendi.

Enzo Francescoli Argentina's Best Player

Enzo Francescoli’s remarkable goal scoring abilities drew attention from other clubs like

and they were doing well that year and would go on to become the Copa Libertadores runners-up between 1985 and 1987. However, Francescoli rejected their offer and was determined to stay at River Plate. Despite the fact that River Plate was unable to win the championship in 1985, the midfielder was voted Argentina's best player and therefore became the first foreign player to be given the honor.

Eventually the side won the tittle the next season during the 1985–86 Championship. He finished the season with 25 goals marking him as the top goal scorer. He managed to score three of the goals in a 5-4 win over Argentinos Juniors for the championship match and qualified for the Copa Libertadores. In January 1986, he aimed the net for his most famous goal which was a decisive bicycle kick and secured River Plate’s victory against the Poland national team. Learn more details about

Enzo Francescoli biography

in the following.

Racing Paris

In 1986 the footballer legend started his career with Racing Paris which was old club and since the 1950s they were experiencing setback. At the time the team had a rivalry with the

which won the French title the previous season. Automotive company Matra sponsored the team therefore the club’s name changed to

in 1987. They were eager to elevate their position in the 1993 Ligue and make their way to the UEFA Champions League.

This is where Francescoli came to the rescue and thanks to his goal scoring abilities he scored 14 goals and was named one of the league's top scorers of the season. His great form and wonders on the pitch made a great inspiration to all. In 1987 he was named the best foreign footballer in France. Artur Jorge, the Portuguese coach joined the team for the 1987-88 season. Francescoli praised him on many occasions and described him as one of the best coaches he has ever worked with.

The Top Goal Scorer Third Time in A Row 

Matra Racing tried hard to reach the top of the table and switched from third to the second place. Following series of matches, the side stood 11 points behind Monaco. The midfielder scored eight goals in the league and once again was named the club’s top goal scorer. At the time his achievements were noticed by the Italian club Juventus and due to the early retirement of their star and captain Michel Platini they were eager to sign a contract with Francescoli.

However, the midfielder turned them down. For the third time in a row Francescoli was named the club’s top goal scorer in the 1988-89 season as Matra Racing avoided relegation. At the time Francescoli also was recognized on international level while playing for the national team. Although Matra Racing was facing some setbacks due to the team’s bad luck in the Matra Racing. Eventually Racing filed for bankruptcy and lost the position to their old rivalry Paris Saint Germain. Learn more details about

Enzo Francescoli biography

in the following.

Olympique Marseille

In 1989 the top goal scorer was transferred to

. He had a one season spell at the club as he won the 1989–90 French Division 1 title. During his short spell he managed to score 11 goals in 28 games. Francescoli was also a great inspiration for

as he became his fan. The midfielder’s former team Racing faced relegation and ironically he came across the squad during the semifinals of the Coupe de France.

Half way to the end of the game Racing won under odd circumstances. Only eight minutes to the end of the game Francescoli aimed the net and scored a goal which tied the game. However, the goal was rejected due to technicality and it was a 2-3 loss for Marseille. The footballer also provided assist for the team during the semifinals of the 1989–90 European Cup.

Cagliari

For the 1990-91 following the 1990 World Cup in Italy, Francescoli joined the Serie A club

along with international teammates Jose Herrera and Daniel Fonseca. During his first two seasons at the club the footballer struggled to find his place in the squad as he was assigned with a deeper midfield role. At the time Cagliari was competing to avoid relegation. With his new role Francescoli was unable to showcase his goal scoring abilities and he only aimed the net for four goal during the 1990–91 season and six in the 1991–92 Serie A season.

Cagliari’s efforts to avoid relegation failed as they were left out of the completion in the first round of the 1991–92 Coppa Italia. Things took another course during the Coppa Italia, as Francescoli scored three goals before the team was eliminated in the quarter-finals over

's Milan, which conquered the league title that year. Francescoli managed to score seven goals in one season and thanks to his contributions Cagliari earned the sixth place in the UEFA Cup.

Torino

In 1993, Francescoli reached an agreement with Turing side

which recently won the Coppa Italia. In the 1993 Supercoppa Italiana final Francescoli was about to win a trophy for the first time since he was in Italy however the side lost to Milan. With Francescoli on their side Torino claimed the title the next season however their efforts failed as they lost to Ancona in the semi-final.

Torino fought to avoid relegation and eventually it all paid off as they went up in the table. The side managed to secure a spot in the next season's UEFA Cup and got qualified for the competition. However, during the championship season's UEFA Cup, they were eliminated by

. Despite the fact that the team managed a successful season, Francescoli had his worst tally during his four seasons in Italy with only 3 goals in 24 games. In 1994, the footballer returned to River Plate and remained there for four seasons.

International Career 

Aside from his club career the footballer also made wonders on an international level. In 1981 after he debuted for the side he was part of the squad that won the South American Under-20 Championship. Due to his strong performance, he was named one of the best young players in the world that year. In 1986 as Uruguay got qualified for the tournament Uruguayan coach Omar Borras commented about Francescoli abilities: “Everyone talks about Platini,

, of Elkjær ... but our Francescoli has everything to be the highlight of the World Cup.” Stay tuned for more details about Enzo Francescoli biography.

Style of Play 

An agile player with creativity, control, and composure. However, Francescoli did lack pace on the pitch. The legendary footballer was praised for his goal-scoring abilities by football pundits and he managed to be a key role player in the clubs he served. His ability to score acrobatic goals was one of a kind and later inspired the famous French footballer Zinedine Zidane who is highly regarded as one of the greatest footballers who ever lived.

Zinedine Zidane praised the legendary footballer on many occasions and stated that he often watched him train at Marseille. He also named one of his sons Enzo after Enzo Francescoli. Aside from Zinedine Zidane other French footballers also praised Francescoli and he commented in an interview that he felt more respect from French footballers comparing to the time he served in the country.

Reception 

Enzo Francescoli is a true legend who cannot be praised enough. In recognition of his talent, the attacking midfielder was the only Uruguayan footballer to be named by Pele as one of the top 125 greatest living footballers in March 2004. His great performances didn’t go unnoticed and he was regarded as one of the greatest players of Cagliari. The legendary footballer was included in the Cagliari Hall of Fame, and in the club's best ever starting XI. Learn more details about Enzo Francescoli biography in the following.

Goal Celebration 

The top goal scorer run in joy with open arms as a sign of victory while celebrating his goals.

Enzo Francescoli Outside Football 

Outside of football Francescoli went to Miami to and created the GOL TV station along with former manager Paco Casal. After five years he went back to Buenos Aires and in the meantime he traveled regularly to United States to do his business. During the 2010 World Cup he led the team of Channel 7 Argentina, Argentina's state broadcaster.

Enzo Francescoli Personal Life

In 1984, Francescoli married Mariela Yern who works as a psychologist. The footballer stated later that his wife career was a great value to their marriage. The couple are married for 37 years now and together they have a great life. Mariela emotionally supports her man and she has been there for him in every up and down. Find out more details about

Enzo Francescoli life story

in the following.

Family Children and Relationships 

The couple are blessed with two children Bruno and Marco. Bruno studied law, on the other hand Marco decided to make a career for himself in football. He followed his father footsteps and eventually ended up in Cagliari like his father. He played there for three years. Later he switched to Estudiantes de La Plata but didn’t go further. One of the reasons Francescoli retired from football was to be closer to his two sons.

Philanthropy

Enzo Francescoli religion

is Christian and in 2002 the legendary footballer was assigned to be the Uruguayan ambassador for UNICEF after Diego Forlan.

Legal Issues

So far the former footballer hasn’t faced any legal issues.

Enzo Francescoli Career Statistics 

Club

In 1980 the footballer joined Montevideo Wanderers and made 74 appearances for the club while scoring 20 goals.   In 1986 he reached an agreement with Racing Paris who later changed their name to Matra Racing. He remained at the club for three seasons and managed to aim the net for 32 goals. For the 1989-90 season Francescoli moved to the first division club Olympique Marseille and had a one season spell at the club. He scored 11 goals for the side. In 1990 he joined

club Cagliari while staying there for three seasons.

He scored 17 goals for the side. In 1993 he the top goal scorer moved to Torino and remained at the club for only one season, while making 33 appearances and scoring five goals. For the 1994-95 season Francescoli went back to Primera Division Club River Plate and stayed there for four season. Overall he made 120 appearances for the side while scoring 67 goals. Learn more details about Enzo Francescoli biography in the following.

International

On international level the legendary footballer made 73 appearances while scoring 17 goals.

Managerial 

Francescoli was asked many times to be the coach of River Plate however he never accepted the offer and later stated that in case he was asked to be the manager of the club he might say yes to the proposition. However, the reason that prevented him from having more acceptance in Uruguay was his relationship with Paco Casal. There were rumors that he bought football television rights through his company Tenfield SA.

A famous critic stated upon the subject: “The contract with Tenfield SA... has been detrimental to Uruguayan football. Players earn ever lower wages, clubs are bankrupt, but entrepreneurs are getting richer. Only journalists who support the contractual relationship between the AUF and Tenfield are those who work for the company, which has a monopoly in the country.” Francescoli stated about Casal: “He is the most important businessman in my country, and built [his power] from nothing.”

He further added: “He is involved in things that generate passion for football and carnival, and this creates divisions of opinions... he is a good person. The man helps more than people believe. Paco did not get up one day and said, 'I want to be owner of Uruguayan football.' Paco was given ownership because the leaders were not able to sell the players that they developed.” Learn more details about Enzo Francescoli biography in the following.

River Plate 

Francescoli had won many titles and trophies with River Plate in his playing days. Eventually the football legend accepted the offer and was back with the club in a leadership role under Rodolfo Raul D'Onofrio. The legendary footballer became the head of player personnel for River Plate. After the departure of Ramon Diaz Francescoli brought the young coach and former River Plate teammate Marcelo Gallardo on board.

His new decisions and leadership paid off well as River Plate had a great success and conquered all continental CONMEBOL trophies such as the Copa Sudamericana 2014, Recopa Sudamericana 2015 and the Copa Libertadores 2015. River Plate also won the first Suruga Bank Championship 2015. Francescoli’s great management along with Gallardo's coaching style saw River Plate to conquer the top Title, again, Copa Libertadores 2018 while defeating their life-long rivals Boca Juniors.

Enzo Francescoli Honors

There is no doubt that Francescoli is one of the greatest footballers in the world. Over the years he won numerous titles and awards and set up a great example for all generations. We have listed all his achievements below. Learn more details in the following.

Clubs

River Plate

• Primera División (5): 1985–86, 1994 Apertura, 1996 Apertura, 1997 Clausura, 1997 Apertura

• Copa Libertadores (1): 1996

• Supercopa Sudamericana (1): 1997

Marseille

• French Division 1: 1989–90

International

Uruguay

• South American Youth Football Championship (1): 1981

• Copa América (3): 1983, 1987, 1995

Individual

• Copa América player of the tournament (2): 1983, 1995

• South American Footballer of the Year (2): 1984, 1995

• Argentine Primera División top scorers (3): 1984 Metropolitano, 1985–86, 1994 Apertura

• Player of the Year of Argentina (2): 1985, 1995

• France Foreign Player of the Year (1): 1990

• South American Team of the Year (4): 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997

• FIFA 100

• World Soccer: The 100 Greatest Footballers of All Time

Cagliari Hall of Fame

• Cagliari Greatest All-time Starting XI

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