Argentine footballer who became a key striker for Argentina's national team and Juventus, famous for his pace and crucial World Cup performances.
Claudio Paul Caniggia was born in Henderson, Buenos Aires on 9 January 1967. Nicknamed 'Son of the Wind' for his extraordinary pace, Caniggia was one of the most exciting forwards of his era. He emerged at River Plate before moving to Italy with Hellas Verona and then Atalanta. His career-defining moment came at the 1990 World Cup, where his goal against Brazil in the Round of 16 and his semi-final heroics helped Argentina reach the final. A serious injury sustained through drugs testing kept him out of the game for 13 months. He joined Benfica and then Roma before moving to Juventus, where he won Serie A in 1997. He later played for Atalanta, Dundee, Rangers and Boca Juniors. For Argentina he earned 50 caps and scored 16 goals, appearing at three World Cups (1990, 1994, 2002).
Scoring the winning goal against Brazil in 1990 World Cup Round of 16
His goal against Brazil in the 1990 World Cup Round of 16 — a flicked header from a Maradona through ball — helped eliminate the favourites and remains one of the most celebrated goals in Argentine football history.
Did You Know?How They Played
Lightning-fast winger with excellent dribbling and finishing ability
Lasting Impact
One of Argentina's most memorable wingers who starred in two World Cups
Career Honours
- Serie A 1997 (Juventus)
- World Cup finalist 1990
- UEFA Cup 1993 (Juventus)
- Coppa Italia 1995 (Juventus)
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| River Plate | 1985–1988 | — | 16 | #10 |
| Hellas Verona | 1988–1989 | 50 | 14 | #10 |
| Atalanta | 1989–1992 | 64 | 23 | #10 |
| Juventus | 1992–1999 | 168 | 51 | #10 |
| Boca Juniors | 1999–2000 | 32 | 7 | — |
| Dundee | 2000–2001 | 26 | 8 | — |
| Rangers | 2001–2003 | 26 | 5 | — |
| Qatari SC | 2003–2004 | 0 | 0 | — |
| Argentine | — | 50 | 16 | — |