Paolo Di Canio

Paolo Di Canio is a prominent Italian former footballer and manager, renowned for his dynamic presence both on and off the field. His early career began in Rome, where his passion for football was ignited. He progressed through several top Italian clubs, including Juventus, Napoli, and Milan, where he honed his skills as a forward. During this period, he also played for the Italian U21 team, contributing to their third-place finish in the 1990 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.

Paolo’s move to the English Premier League saw him playing for Sheffield Wednesday, West Ham United, and Charlton Athletic, where he became a fan favourite for his passionate playstyle and memorable moments. At Sheffield Wednesday, he was the club's leading goal scorer for the 1997-98 season and was voted SPFA Players' Player of the Year in 1997 and Sheffield Wednesday’s Player of the Year in 1998. His tenure at West Ham United is particularly notable, highlighted by his BBC Goal of the Season in 2000, which earned him West Ham’s Player of the Season award. This goal remains one of the most celebrated in Premier League history and was voted Goal of the Decade in a 2009 poll.

In more recent years, Di Canio's achievements have extended beyond his playing days into his managerial career. At Swindon Town, he not only secured promotion to League One but also led the team to the Football League Trophy Final in 2012. His leadership was instrumental in Swindon's success, earning him the League Two Manager of the Year award in 2012. He also briefly managed Sunderland, where he notably led the team to a 3-0 victory in the Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle United, ensuring their Premier League survival.

Paolo Di Canio has received several accolades throughout his career. His sportsmanship is renowned; he won the FIFA Fair Play Award in 2001 for his decision to stop play and forego a scoring opportunity to allow an injured goalkeeper to receive treatment.

Hire Paolo Di Canio for his unique perspective on football and leadership. His speeches cover a range of important topics, from overcoming adversity to achieving excellence. Paolo's experiences, both triumphant and controversial, provide valuable lessons in resilience and dedication. His ability to captivate and motivate audiences, coupled with his extensive career achievements, makes him a sought-after speaker for those looking to inspire and drive success in their teams or organisations.