Enzo Francescoli, often referred to as “El Príncipe” (The Prince), is a legendary Uruguayan former footballer who left an indelible mark on the sport.
Known for his elegant playing style and exceptional technical skills, Francescoli’s career spanned over 2 decades and saw him become one of South America’s most revered players.
In this article, you will know Enzo Francescoli’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Enzo Francescoli’s Biography
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Enzo Francescoli Uriarte |
| Nickname | El Príncipe (The Prince) |
| Age | 62 |
| Born | November 12, 1961 |
| College | N/A (Began professional career at a young age) |
| Position(s) | Attacking midfielder |
| Nationality | Uruguayan |
| Net Worth | Estimated $10 million |
| Salary | N/A (Retired) |
| Wife | Mariela Yern |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | Not available (Not active on social media) |
Early Career
Enzo Francescoli’s journey in football began in his hometown of Montevideo, Uruguay.
He started playing for local club Wanderers’ youth team at a young age, quickly showcasing his exceptional talent.
Francescoli made his professional debut for Wanderers in 1980 at age 18, marking the beginning of what would become a stellar career.
Professional Career
Francescoli’s professional career took off rapidly after his debut with the Wanderers. In 1983, he made a significant move to River Plate in Argentina, where he truly began to flourish.
His elegant style of play and goal-scoring prowess earned him the nickname “El Príncipe” (The Prince). At River Plate, he won numerous titles and became a club legend.
In 1986, Francescoli moved to Europe, joining Racing Paris in France. He later played for Olympique de Marseille and Cagliari, before returning to River Plate in 1994.
He represented Uruguay in 3 World Cups (1986, 1990, and 1994) and was a key figure in the national team for over a decade.
Wife
Enzo Francescoli has been married to Mariela Yern since 1984. The couple has 2 sons together, Bruno and Marco.
His wife, Mariela, is a psychologist, and Francescoli has spoken about how her profession has helped him maintain mental strength throughout the ups and downs of his football career.
Enzo Francescoli’s Net Worth Details
Enzo Francescoli’s net worth is estimated to be $10 million as of 2025.
Career Earnings
| Period | Team | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 1980-1983 | Wanderers | $100,000 – $200,000 |
| 1983-1986 | River Plate | $500,000 – $1 million |
| 1986-1989 | Racing Paris | $1 million – $2 million |
| 1989-1990 | Olympique Marseille | $500,000 – $1 million |
| 1990-1993 | Cagliari | $2 million – $3 million |
| 1994-1997 | River Plate | $1 million – $2 million |
Endorsements
- Adidas: As one of the premier footballers of his era, Francescoli was a prominent Adidas athlete.
- Puma: Later in his career, he switched to Puma for his football boots.
- Gatorade: Featured in several Gatorade campaigns in South America.
- Local Uruguayan brands: Endorsed various products in his home country.
- Football video games: Appeared as a legend in several football video games post-retirement.
Career Records
| Record/Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Uruguay National Team | 73 caps, 17 goals |
| Copa América | Won in 1983, 1987, 1995 |
| River Plate Titles | 5 Argentine Championships |
| Olympique Marseille | French Division 1 winner (1989-90) |
| FIFA 100 | Named in Pelé’s list of 125 greatest living footballers |
| Notable Opponents | Diego Maradona, Michel Platini, Marco van Basten |
| River Plate All-time Top Scorer | 137 goals in 251 appearances |
| South American Footballer of the Year | Won in 1984, 1995 |
FAQs
1. What was Enzo Francescoli’s playing style?
Francescoli was known for his elegant and technical style of play. He was a creative midfielder with excellent dribbling skills, vision, and the ability to score spectacular goals.
2. How many Copa América titles did Francescoli win with Uruguay?
Enzo Francescoli won three Copa América titles with Uruguay in 1983, 1987, and 1995.
3. Did Francescoli ever play in the English Premier League?
Francescoli never played in the English Premier League. His European career was spent in France and Italy.
4. What is Francescoli doing now after retirement?
After retirement, Francescoli has worked as a sports commentator and analyst. He has also been involved in sports management.
5. Was Francescoli ever considered for the Ballon d’Or?
While Francescoli was highly regarded, he never won the Ballon d’Or. However, he was named South American Footballer of the Year twice.
6. How did Francescoli influence modern footballers?
Francescoli has been cited as an inspiration by several modern players, most notably Zinedine Zidane, who named his son Enzo after him.
7. What was Francescoli’s most memorable goal?
One of Francescoli’s most famous goals was a bicycle kick for River Plate against Poland in a friendly match in 1986.
8. Did Francescoli have any significant injuries during his career?
While Francescoli had a long career, he did face some injury challenges, particularly in his later years, but no career-threatening injuries are widely documented.
9. How many World Cups did Francescoli participate in?
Enzo Francescoli represented Uruguay in 3 FIFA World Cups: 1986, 1990, and 1994.
10. What is Francescoli’s legacy in Uruguayan football?
Francescoli is considered one of the greatest Uruguayan footballers of all time, alongside players like Luis Suárez and Diego Forlán. He is revered for his skill, leadership, and contributions to the national team.
