A quick, elegant, creative and technically-gifted attacking midfielder who was also capable of playing in the centre as a second striker, Francescoli was noted in particular for his control, grace, fluidity, dribbling skills and ability on the ball, despite his lack of notable pace.
A two-footed playmaker with excellent vision, passing ability, and an eye for goal from midfield, he was also known for his ability from set-pieces, and also had a penchant for scoring acrobatic goals from overhead kicks.
These qualities would later influence the style of French creative offensive midfielder Zinedine Zidane, who has stated that, along with compatriot Michel Platini, Francescoli was one of his favourite players as a young boy, and that he would often watch him train with Marseille.
Zidane even named one of his sons, Enzo, in homage to him.
Francescoli learned of this fact just before the Intercontinental Cup final match of 1996, and so the two players swapped jerseys at the end of the match.
The piece became a favourite of Zidane's to wear.
Subsequently, the two presented television show Football Cracks, a reality show that sought new football talent in Spain.
Francescoli's admiration for Zidane extended to other French players and he has stated he felt more respect from French fans then than he had while playing there.

Another player to have been named after him is Argentine international and current River Plate midfielder Enzo Pérez.
Argentine striker Diego Milito has also been given the nickname "Il Principe" during Milito's tenure with Internazionale due to his elegant style of play and physical resemblance to Francescoli.
Francescoli has joked saying that neither of his sons resemble him as much as Milito, both in physical appearance and in their walk.
Further, Argentine attacking midfielder Javier Pastore, who was also a fan of Francescoli as a youngster, was given the Uruguayan's nickname "El Flaco" because of their similar style of play as well as their slender build.

In recognition of his talent, Francescoli was the only Uruguayan footballer to be named by Pelé as one of the top 125 greatest living footballers in March 2004.
A quick, elegant, creative and technically-gifted attacking midfielder who was also capable of playing in the centre as a second striker, Francescoli was noted in particular for his control, grace, fluidity, dribbling skills and ability on the ball, despite his lack of notable pace. A two-footed playmaker with excellent vision, passing ability, and an eye for goal from midfield, he was also known for his ability from set-pieces, and also had a penchant for scoring acrobatic goals from overhead kicks. These qualities would later influence the style of French creative offensive midfielder Zinedine Zidane, who has stated that, along with compatriot Michel Platini, Francescoli was one of his favourite players as a young boy, and that he would often watch him train with Marseille. Zidane even named one of his sons, Enzo, in homage to him. Francescoli learned of this fact just before the Intercontinental Cup final match of 1996, and so the two players swapped jerseys at the end of the match. The piece became a favourite of Zidane's to wear. Subsequently, the two presented television show Football Cracks, a reality show that sought new football talent in Spain. Francescoli's admiration for Zidane extended to other French players and he has stated he felt more respect from French fans then than he had while playing there.
Another player to have been named after him is Argentine international and current River Plate midfielder Enzo Pérez. Argentine striker Diego Milito has also been given the nickname "Il Principe" during Milito's tenure with Internazionale due to his elegant style of play and physical resemblance to Francescoli. Francescoli has joked saying that neither of his sons resemble him as much as Milito, both in physical appearance and in their walk. Further, Argentine attacking midfielder Javier Pastore, who was also a fan of Francescoli as a youngster, was given the Uruguayan's nickname "El Flaco" because of their similar style of play as well as their slender build.
In recognition of his talent, Francescoli was the only Uruguayan footballer to be named by Pelé as one of the top 125 greatest living footballers in March 2004.
Enzo Francescoli