Gianfranco Zola: Why is the former Chelsea player driving a buggy at the Ryder Cup? - The Athletic

The 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black course near New York City has seen a surprising inclusion in Team Europe's official photograph: former Italian footballer Gianfranco Zola. Zola is serving as the official buggy driver for Europe's vice-captain, Francesco Molinari, as the team intensifies preparations for the tournament starting this Friday.

Gianfranco Zola, a retired striker renowned for his seven-year stint at Chelsea where he won multiple trophies, is an avid golfer with a single-figure handicap. At 59 years old, he will be on the course throughout the three-day event to support Europe's attempt to secure a Ryder Cup victory on American soil for the first time in 13 years. Zola's football legacy includes playing for Italy in the 1994 World Cup final and managing clubs like West Ham United after his retirement.

Francesco Molinari, the vice-captain, is a historic figure in golf as the first Italian major champion after winning The Open in 2018 and has been part of three Ryder Cup-winning teams. He is one of five vice-captains selected by captain Luke Donald, with vice-captains typically mentoring players and updating the captain on course developments. The role of having a dedicated buggy driver like Zola highlights a modern quirk in the tournament, as vice-captains were once humorously compared to glorified drivers themselves.

Zola's involvement stems purely from his connection and friendship with Molinari, and while his primary task is to drive the buggy around the 18 holes, he may also be sought out by football fans within the European squad for advice during the week.