Date of Birth: July 9, 1968
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Biography
Paolo di Canio is an Italian former professional footballer and manager, known for his charismatic and sometimes controversial presence both on and off the field. Born in Rome, Italy, Di Canio started his football career with Lazio before moving to Juventus, where he won the UEFA Cup in 1992-1993. He also played for Napoli, AC Milan, and Celtic. However, his most notable stints were in the English Premier League with Sheffield Wednesday, West Ham United, and Charlton Athletic. Di Canio’s career in England was marked by both brilliance and controversy. Known for his technical skills and fiery temperament, he gained widespread attention for a sportsmanship incident during a match against Everton in 2000, where he caught the ball instead of scoring when the opposing goalkeeper was injured. After retiring as a player, Di Canio transitioned into management. He managed Swindon Town and Sunderland, bringing his passionate style to the sidelines. His tenure at Sunderland was particularly noted for its intensity and mixed results. Off the pitch, Di Canio has been a polarizing figure, often making headlines for his political views and outspoken personality. Despite the controversies, his contributions to football are widely recognized, making him a memorable figure in the sport.
5 Interesting Facts about Paolo di Canio
1. Paolo di Canio won the FIFA Fair Play Award in 2001 for his sportsmanship during a match where he caught the ball instead of scoring because the opposing goalkeeper was injured.
2. He scored one of the Premier League’s most iconic goals, a scissor-kick volley for West Ham United against Wimbledon in March 2000.
3. Di Canio managed Swindon Town to a League Two title in the 2011-2012 season.
4. During his time at Lazio, Di Canio was involved in the controversial “Roman salute” incident, which led to significant media attention and fines.
5. Despite his controversial moments, Di Canio is beloved by West Ham fans, who voted him their greatest player of all time in a 2003 poll.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Paolo di Canio
1. “I am a person who always tries to be honest and true to himself.”
2. “Football is not just a job; it’s a passion.”
3. “I live for the game, for the moments of magic.”
4. “Controversy is part of the game; it keeps it alive.”
5. “My heart and soul belong to football; it’s more than just a sport to me.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Paolo di Canio’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
Paolo di Canio has two children, named Ludovico and Lucrezia.
Relevant Links
1. [Paolo Di Canio on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paolo_Di_Canio
2. [FIFA Fair Play Award](https://www.fifa.com/the-best-fifa-football-awards/fifa-fair-play-award/
3. [West Ham United – Official Site](https://www.whufc.com/
4. [Di Canio’s iconic scissor-kick goal](https://www.premierleague.com/news/1044688
5. [Swindon Town’s League Two Title](https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/17818882
