Football legend Paolo Rossi passes away aged 64
Former Italian footballer Paolo Rossi, who led the national team to victory in the 1982 World Cup, has died aged 64. His family confirmed the same on Thursday. His wife Federica Cappelletti posted a photo of them in Instagram with the words "Per sempre". However, she did not disclose the cause of his death as Italian media reports believe he had a long illness.
Rossi made his presence felt in the 1982 World Cup
Rossi was the top goal-scorer and the best player of the 1982 tournament held in Spain. It was his sublime hat-trick that went on to eliminate favorites Brazil in a match many fans see as one of the greatest in FIFA World Cup history.
1982 World Cup defined the brilliance of Rossi
The 1982 World Cup defined Rossi as he went on to register six goals. This helped him win the prestigious Golden Boot award. Meanwhile, Rossi was also adjudged the player of the tournament and given the Golden Ball. Rossi was one of only three players to win all three awards at a World Cup (Garrincha in 1962, Mario Kempes in 1978).
Rossi bagged the Ballon d'Or, holds this record for Italy
The star forward was also awarded the 1982 Ballon d'Or as the European Footballer of the Year for his consistent performances. Along with Roberto Baggio and Christian Vieri he is Italy's top goal-scorer in World Cup history (nine goals each). Overall, he went on to score 20 goals for Italy in 48 games across competitions.
A look at Rossi's club career in football
Rossi went on to amass 134 career club goals in 338 matches. He spent four seasons at Juventus, scoring 44 goals for the Turin club. He went on to win two Serie A honors at Juve, besides lifting the Coppa Italia, European Cup Winners' Cup, UEFA Super Cup and the European Cup. Earlier, he had helped Vicenza to the Serie B honor in 1976-77.
