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Chelsea legend to drive Ryder Cup star's buggy in major career switch-up
Sep 24 2025 12:38 · By Aaron Morris/Dan Marsh
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Gianfranco Zola has a role in this weekend's Ryder Cup (Image: Andrew Redington, Getty Images)
Gianfranco Zola is set to take on an unexpected role at Bethpage Black, in agreeing to be Francesco Molinari's designated buggy driver during the Ryder Cup .
Zola , 57, was spotted by sharp-eyed fans in the front row of a full player and support team photograph ahead of the team event, which kicks off on Friday in New York.
It has now been revealed that the iconic Italian footballer will be behind the wheel, assisting Europe's vice-captain.
Golf Digest have confirmed that Zola will be the designated buggy driver for Molinari, who formed a friendship with his fellow countryman during his tenure at West Ham .
Molinari is a Hammers fan and began supporting the east London club after moving to England in 2009.
Zola spent nearly two years as the club's manager after ending his legendary playing career. Regrettably for one of the Premier League's all-time greats, his stint in charge of West Ham concluded on a bitter note when he was sacked after finishing fourth from bottom in the 2009-10 season, narrowly escaping relegation.
While Zola made his name as a footballer, he is no stranger to the world of golf; he has participated in several pro-ams on the DP World Tour, and he teed up with a number of other former Premier League stars at the inauguration of the new golf course at Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeen, reports the Mirror .
Gianfranco Zola will drive for Francesco Molinari (Image: Andrew Redington, Getty Images)
This week in New York, Molinari will be serving as deputy to Team Europe's captain, Luke Donald.
Molinari said of Donald in July: "Luke is a very smart, switched on individual. It's been great to see at first-hand how much he is putting into being the captain.
"He did the same two years ago and he's doing it now. He leads by example so that passion trickles down to the players.
"It is going to be a big challenge at Bethpage. Everyone will give their best and I am very happy to be able to give my contribution to the team."