Gianluca Vialli was an influential Italian football player and coach, celebrated for his significant contributions to the sport in both Italy and England. He first rose to fame as a striker for Sampdoria, where he played a pivotal role in securing the club’s only Serie A title in 1991.
A subsequent move to Juventus saw him achieve even more success, including a UEFA Champions League title. Vialli then moved to Chelsea, where he not only excelled as a player but also made history as the club’s first Italian manager, leading them to multiple titles.
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- Full name: Gianluca Vialli
- Date of birth: July 9, 1964
- Age: 60 years old (posthumous, as of 2024)
- Gender: Male
- Place of birth: Cremona, Italy
- Nationality: Italian
- Occupation: Soccer player and coach
- Height: Not applicable
- Parents: Not applicable
- Siblings: Four siblings
- Spouse: Cathryn White-Cooper (married August 26, 2003)
- Children: Olivia Vialli, Sofia Vialli
- Relationship status: Dead (widowed)
- Religion: Not applicable
- Ethnicity: Not applicable
- Net worth: 2 million USD
Early life and education
Gianluca Vialli was born on July 9, 1964 in Cremona, Italy. Growing up in a wealthy family, his father was a self-made millionaire who owned a construction company. Vialli was the youngest of five children and spent his childhood years in the family home called Castello di Belgioso.
He began his football career at a young age, joining Cremonese’s youth team and making his national team debut at the age of 16. Vialli attended school until the age of 15 before pursuing football full-time. His early career at Cremonese saw him score 23 goals in 105 appearances, helping the club gain promotion to Serie A within four years.
Personal life
Gianluca Vialli married Cathryn White-Cooper on August 26, 2003. The couple has two daughters together, Olivia and Sofia. Details of their courtship remained largely private; however, it is known that they had a strong relationship throughout their marriage.
Vialli’s health struggles began when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017. After being declared cancer-free in 2020, he was re-diagnosed in 2021 and withdrew from his role with the Italian national team shortly before his death on January 6, 2023.
Career
Vialli’s professional career began at Cremonese before he moved to Sampdoria in 1984, where he became one of Italy’s top strikers. During his time there, he won many domestic honors and formed a formidable partnership with Roberto Mancini. His move to Juventus in 1992 for a world record fee further cemented his status as one of Europe’s elite footballers.
In England, Vialli joined Chelsea in 1996 and quickly made an impact by winning the FA Cup in his first season. He became player-coach the following year and led Chelsea to further titles, including the League Cup and UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup. After leaving Chelsea in 2000, he briefly coached Watford before turning to become a professional.
Net worth
Gianluca Vialli’s net worth at the time of his death in 2023 was estimated to be around $2 million.
Death
Gianluca Vialli passed away on January 6, 2023, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. His death caused widespread mourning from fans and players alike, reflecting his significant impact on football.
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