Gianfranco Zola's Unexpected Role in the 2025 Ryder Cup

The 2025 Ryder Cup is heating up as Europe prepares to face the USA at the iconic Bethpage Black Course in New York. Amidst the intense preparations, an unexpected figure has emerged in Europe's camp—former Chelsea and Italy forward Gianfranco Zola. The 59-year-old football legend has been spotted during practice rounds and even in the official team photo, but what is his role?

Zola's Unique Contribution

Zola is not just there to observe; he has a specific role to play. Serving as vice-captain Francesco Molinari's designated buggy driver, Zola will be instrumental in ensuring smooth operations over the three-day event. This unique position highlights the camaraderie and diverse talents within the European team.

Who is Gianfranco Zola?

Gianfranco Zola is a celebrated football player and manager. He earned 35 caps for Italy and was a key member of the 1994 World Cup squad, finishing as runners-up to Brazil. At the club level, Zola enjoyed a stellar career, particularly with Premier League side Chelsea, where he won two FA Cups among six trophies. Post-retirement, he transitioned into management, including stints at West Ham and Watford. Zola is no stranger to golf, having participated in several pro-am events on the DP World Tour.

Francesco Molinari's Legacy

Francesco Molinari, Europe's vice-captain, is a golfing legend in his own right. In 2018, he made history by winning The Open Championship, becoming the first Italian major champion in golf. Molinari has been a member of three Ryder Cup-winning teams (2010, 2012, 2018) and brings a wealth of experience to his role. His responsibilities include team preparation, mentorship, and keeping the captain informed about on-course developments.

The Ryder Cup 2025 Schedule

The 2025 Ryder Cup will take place from September 26-28 at Bethpage Black, New York. Fans can follow the action through daily live text commentary and in-play clips on the BBC Sport website starting at 11:30 BST. Radio commentary will be available on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds from 12:00, with daily TV highlights on iPlayer from 00:00.

Ask Me Anything

This article is part of BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything series, dedicated to answering your questions and providing in-depth coverage of major sporting events. Stay tuned for more insights and behind-the-scenes stories from the 2025 Ryder Cup and beyond.