Gianni Rivera

Gianni Rivera is one of the greatest players in Italian football history and the first Italian trained in the country to win the Ballon d'Or in 1969. Nicknamed Golden Boy, he was a classic midfielder with refined technique, exceptional vision and rare elegance. Discovered by Alessandria, his hometown, he joined AC Milan at the age of 16 and wore the red-and-black shirt for almost two decades, becoming the club's greatest symbol in his era. He won three Italian league titles, two European Cups (1963 and 1969), two UEFA Cups and the Intercontinental Cup in 1969, with memorable performances as captain. For the Italian national team, he was champion of the 1968 European Championship and runner-up at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. In that tournament, he scored the decisive goal in the 4-3 victory over Germany in the semi-final, the so-called Match of the Century. After retiring in 1979, he pursued a political career in Italy and in football institutions.