Gianfranco Zola, the former Chelsea star and West Ham manager, continues to be a prominent figure in football with an impressive net worth and a lesser-known personal life. Zola, known for his technical prowess and artistic play style, made a mark in the Premier League with over 300 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 80 goals and providing 42 assists. After his playing career, he ventured into management with clubs like Watford and Birmingham City, along with being an assistant at Stamford Bridge during the 2018/19 season.
Zola’s financial success is evident as Celebrity Net Worth estimates his fortune to be around £29 million, thanks to lucrative contracts during his playing days and managerial roles at top clubs. His departure from Chelsea in 2003 and subsequent move to Cagliari, although a significant drop in earnings from his time at Chelsea, showcased his integrity in honouring commitments. This decision reportedly led to a fallout with Chelsea’s owner at the time, Roman Abramovich, who allegedly made efforts to acquire Zola’s new club, Cagliari.
Away from the spotlight, Zola is a family man, married to Francesca, also known as Franca, with whom he shares three children. Their son, Andrea, followed his father’s footsteps in football, while their daughter, Martina, made headlines for her professional martial arts debut in 2023. Despite retiring from playing in 2005 and having managed several clubs, Zola remains active in football as the vice-president of Lega Pro, the governing body of Serie C in Italy, under president Matteo Marani.
As Zola prepares to grace our screens once more on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, his enduring legacy in football is a testament to his talent and dedication to the sport. With a successful career both on and off the pitch, Gianfranco Zola continues to inspire fans and aspiring footballers alike with his unwavering passion for the beautiful game.