The 1980–81 season was FC Zürich's 84th season in their existence, since their foundation in 1896. It was their 22nd consecutive season in the top flight of Swiss football, following their promotion at the end of the 1957–58 season. They played their home games in the Letzigrund.
Overview The club's president since December the previous season was Alfred Zweidler, who had taken over following Edwin Nägeli death. Nägeli had held this position for over 22 years, since 1957. The newly appointed head-coach was Daniel Jeandupeux. He took over from Albert Sing and Rosario Martinelli, who had acted as joint-coaches until the end of the previous season, this following the sacking of Zlatko Čajkovski. FCZ competed not only in the domestic first-tier 1979–80 Nationalliga A, but also competed in 1979–80 Swiss Cup and in the 1979–80 Swiss League Cup. The team had not qualified for any European competitions.
Players The following is the list of the FCZ first team squad this season. It also includes players that were in the squad the day the domestic league season started, on 23 August 1980, but subsequently left the club after that date.
Players who left the squad
Results Legend
Nationalliga A
Matches
Final league table
FCZ won the Nationalliga A and this was the club's ninth league championship title to this date.
Swiss Cup
Lausanne-Sport won the cup and this was the club's seventh cup title to this date.
Swiss League Cup
FCZ won the League Cup, winning the final 2–1 on aggregate. This was the club's first League Cup title.
Friendly matches Pre- and mid-season
Winter break
Sources and references dbFCZ Homepage Switzerland 1980–81 at RSSSF Swiss League Cup at RSSSF Edi Naegeli Memorial Tournament at RSSSF Tournament in Mendriso at RSSSF