Full Name
Roberto Baggio
Position
Second Striker
Born
18 February 1967
Country
Italy
Clubs
Vicenza (Italy)
Fiorentina (Italy)
Juventus (Italy)
AC Milan (Italy)
Bologna (Italy)
Inter Milan (Italy)
Brescia (Italy)
Professional Career
1982-2004
International Caps/Goals
56 caps/27 goals
Honours
1 Serie A Scudetto, 1 Coppa Italia (Juventus)
1 Serie A Scudetto (AC Milan)
1 UEFA Cup (Juventus)
1993 Ballon d’Or
1993 FIFA World Player of the Year
The pony-tailed striker was one of the most adored Italian players ever. During his playing days, Baggio’s excellent dribbling technique, an eye for goal and pinpoint freekicks made him a player in demand by most big Italian clubs. He became the world’s most expensive footballer when he was transferred to Juventus in 1990 for a then world record fee of £7.7 million. Other than Juventus, Baggio also played for other large Italian clubs such as Fiorentina, Inter and AC Milan.
Baggio almost led Italy to World Cup glory in 1994. He scored in each of the knockout phases, and with his goals, Italy charged into the final against Brazil. However, after a goalless draw in normal time, Baggio would miss the last penalty shootout that gifted Brazil the trophy. His international career lasted until 2004, when the 37-year-old Baggio was given a farewell match against Spain, before retiring as the fourth all-time Italian top scorer and all-time Italian World Cup top scorer.
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