Roberto Baggio

The Divine Ponytail — Italy's 1994 World Cup Golden Boot winner whose missed penalty in the final defined and haunted his career.

Roberto Baggio was born in Caldogno, Vicenza in 1967 and began at Vicenza (1982–1985) before Fiorentina (1985–1990) where he developed into Italy's finest attacker of his era. Juventus paid a then Italian record fee in 1990 and he won Serie A (1995) and the UEFA Cup (1993) before moves to AC Milan (1995–97), Bologna (1997–98), Inter Milan (1998–2000) and finally Brescia (2000–2004) where he played until 37. He earned 56 Italy caps scoring 27 goals and led Italy to the 1994 World Cup final — scoring 5 goals in the tournament, including extra-time winners against Nigeria and Spain. His missed penalty in the final shootout against Brazil — staring into the sky — is one of football's most iconic images. He won the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year in 1993. His top speed of 29.8 km/h and 9.9 km per game reflect a playmaker whose genius was creative rather than physical. He scored 318 career goals and provided 183 assists in 708 appearances across 7 clubs. His ponytail, his Buddhist faith and his technical artistry made him the most distinctive Italian footballer of his generation.

Creative attacking midfielder/second striker with exceptional dribbling, vision and free-kick ability

One of the greatest Italian players ever, known for his creativity and technical brilliance

• Serie A 1995 (Juventus)
• UEFA Cup 1993 (Juventus)
• Coppa Italia 1995
• Ballon d'Or 1993
• FIFA World Player of Year 1993
• World Cup finalist 1994
• Champions League 1996

Club Career

Club	Period	Apps	Goals	Shirt
Vicenza	1982–1985	36	136	#10
Fiorentina	1985–1990	169	88	#10
Juventus	1990–1995	152	70	#10
AC Milan	1995–1997	67	19	—
Inter Milan	1998–2000	61	12	—
Brescia	2000–2004	95	12	—
Italy	—	56	27	—