David Ginola
The French winger who brought flair and goals to Newcastle's title-chasing side.
David Ginola joined Newcastle United in July 1995 for £2.5 million, signed by manager Kevin Keegan as part of an attempt to turn the club into a major force in English football. He made his debut against Coventry City on 19 August 1995 in a 1–0 win and scored his first league goal on 30 August against Middlesbrough in a 1–0 home win. In the 1995–96 season, Newcastle finished second, four points behind Manchester United, having led by up to 12 points as late as January. Ginola scored five league goals in his first season, though Newcastle's second goal in their 4–3 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield—considered one of the greatest games in Premier League history—was scored by Les Ferdinand.
- Role
- Attacking Midfielder / Winger
- Nationality
- French
- Era
- 1995–1997
- Previous Club
- Paris Saint-Germain
- Status
- Retired Legend
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
In 1996, it was rumored that Barcelona manager Bobby Robson had an interest in signing Ginola, but no widely-known canon evidence supports that he personally attempted the transfer or that Newcastle refused a deal. Newcastle then paid £15m, breaking the transfer record, to sign Alan Shearer ahead of the 1996–97 season. Despite this, they finished second again behind Manchester United. Halfway through the season, Kevin Keegan suddenly resigned as manager to be succeeded by Kenny Dalglish. Ginola fell out of favour and sought a transfer elsewhere. He left for Tottenham Hotspur in July 1997 for £2.5 million.
In Their Own Story
On 20 October 1996, Ginola scored in Newcastle's 5–0 win over reigning Premier League champions Manchester United, a goal that showcased his ability to get past players from any type of position and subsequently score. Earlier that season, on 27 August, he had scored his first league goal for the club in a 2–0 away win at Sheffield Wednesday. His five league goals in the 1995–96 season included a memorable strike in the 4–3 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield, a game widely regarded as one of the greatest in Premier League history.
Reader's Guide
David Ginola joined Newcastle United in July 1995 for £2.5 million, signed by manager Kevin Keegan. He made his debut on 19 August 1995 in a 3–0 win against Coventry City. His first league goal came on 27 August against Sheffield Wednesday in a 2–0 away win. In the 1995–96 season, Newcastle finished second, four points behind Manchester United, having led by up to 12 points as late as January. Ginola scored five league goals that season, including Newcastle's second in their 4–3 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. In 1996, Barcelona's Bobby Robson tried to sign him, but Newcastle refused. After Newcastle signed Alan Shearer for a record £15m, they finished second again. Keegan resigned, Dalglish took over, and Ginola fell out of favour, seeking a transfer. He left for Tottenham Hotspur in July 1997 for £2.5 million.
Did You Know?
- Ginola joined Newcastle United in July 1995 for £2.5 million.
- He made his debut against Coventry City on 19 August 1995 in a 1–0 win.
- In the 1995–96 season, Newcastle led the Premier League by up to 12 points as late as January but finished second, four points behind Manchester United.
- There is no widely-known canon evidence that Barcelona manager Bobby Robson personally attempted to sign Ginola in 1996, nor that Newcastle refused a transfer.
- Ginola scored in Newcastle's 5–0 win over reigning Premier League champions Manchester United on 20 October 1996.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is David Ginola?
David Ginola was a French attacking midfielder and winger who joined Newcastle United from Paris Saint-Germain in July 1995. He became an instant icon for his artistic flair and technical skill during the club's famous title-chasing era under manager Kevin Keegan.
What role did David Ginola play on the pitch?
Operating primarily as a creative attacking midfielder or winger, Ginola was tasked with unlocking defenses through dribbling and vision. His unique style brought an element of showmanship that transformed Newcastle into one of the most exciting teams in English football.
How did David Ginola's time at Newcastle begin?
He made his debut on August 19, 1995, in a convincing 3–0 victory over Coventry City. Just days later, he scored his first league goal as the Magpies secured a 2–0 away win against Sheffield Wednesday.
Why is David Ginola considered important to Newcastle's history?
Ginola was the centerpiece of Kevin Keegan's 'Entertainers' squad that pushed Manchester United hard for the Premier League title in the 1995–96 season. His arrival signaled a new era of ambition and glamour, helping the club finish second in the league despite finishing four points behind the champions.
When did David Ginola leave Newcastle?
After two seasons where he scored five league goals in his first year alone, Ginola departed the club in 1997. Although his tenure was relatively short, his impact cemented his status as a retired legend among Geordie fans.
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