Argentine · Roque Pérez, Argentina · Born 18 August 1952Argentine World Cup winner whose mazy solo goal in the 1981 FA Cup final replay is one of the most iconic moments in English football history.
Ricardo "Ricky" Villa was born in Argentina and rose to international prominence as part of the Argentina squad that won the 1978 World Cup on home soil. That same year, he moved to England to join Tottenham Hotspur alongside compatriot Osvaldo "Ossie" Ardiles, in a transfer that broke new ground for English football at a time when South American players in the domestic league were exceptionally rare. Villa's place in English football folklore was cemented on 14 May 1981, in the replayed FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley. With the match level, Villa collected the ball just inside the City half, embarked on a mazy, weaving run past four defenders, and slotted the ball into the net — a goal still routinely ranked among the greatest in Wembley and FA Cup history, and one that secured Tottenham's victory. Villa had substituted himself out of the original drawn final days earlier, making the replay winner all the sweeter. Villa and Ardiles became beloved figures among Tottenham supporters, their technical style and South American flair a novelty that helped popularise the idea of overseas talent enriching the English game. Along with Ardiles, he recorded the football anthem "Ossie's Dream" with pop duo Chas & Dave to mark the 1981 Cup run. Villa later returned to Argentina, where he has remained a revered figure in football circles, periodically reuniting with Ardiles for anniversary celebrations of their famous FA Cup triumph and their shared 1978 World Cup victory with Argentina.
Iconic solo goal in 1981 FA Cup Final replay against Manchester City
His solo goal in the 1981 FA Cup final replay was voted the greatest FA Cup final goal of all time, and is considered one of the finest goals ever scored at Wembley.
Did You Know?How They Played
Creative attacking midfielder with excellent dribbling skills and ability to score spectacular goals
Lasting Impact
Remembered as one of Tottenham's greatest cult heroes and for one of the most famous goals in FA Cup history
Career Honours
- World Cup 1978
- FA Cup 2x
- FA Cup 1981
- UEFA Cup 1984
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quilmes | 1970–1974 | — | 108 | 20 | — |
| San Martín de Tucumán | 1973–1973 | loan | 10 | 3 | — |
| Atlético de Tucumán | 1974–1976 | — | 51 | 19 | — |
| Racing Club | 1976–1978 | — | 52 | 6 | — |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 1978–1983 | — | 133 | 18 | #7 |
| Fort Lauderdale Strikers | 1983–1983 | — | 19 | 3 | #7 |
| Deportivo Cali | 1984–1985 | — | 0 | 0 | — |
| Defensa y Justicia | 1986–1989 | — | 93 | 4 | — |
 Argentina | — | — | 18 | 4 | — |
Argentine Athletes