Alessandro Costacurta

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Costacurta's nickname "Billy" originated from his thin physique and his skill with the local basketball team, Olimpia Milano. After failing to make an appearance in the 1985–86 season, he made his Coppa Italia debut that year but had to wait until 25 October 1987 for his Serie A debut against Hellas Verona. Despite limited opportunities behind Filippo Galli that first full season, he quickly became a cornerstone of Sacchi's legendary four-man defensive line. The 1988–89 season saw him feature in the Supercoppa Italiana win and start 26 league games as Milan defeated Steaua București 4–0 to claim their fourth European Cup. In 1993, he scored his first Serie A goal in a Derby della Madonnina defeat to Inter. His resilience was tested when he missed the 1994 Champions League final due to suspension after being sent off against Monaco; however, Milan still defeated Barcelona that year under Capello.

In Their Own Story

In his final match for AC Milan on 19 May 2007, the 41-year-old defender stepped up to take a penalty in a desperate bid to salvage a game. Despite his team suffering a 3–2 defeat against Udinese, Costacurta successfully converted the spot-kick, becoming the oldest goalscorer in Serie A history at that time. This record stood until Zlatan Ibrahimović broke it in 2023 by scoring from the spot against Udinese aged 41, five months and 15 days later. Earlier in his twilight years, on 21 November 2006, he set a Champions League record as the oldest player ever to appear at age 40 years and 211 days during a 1–0 loss to AEK Athens. His career concluded with a seventh Scudetto in 2003–04, making him one of only five players in Serie A history to win eight titles when counting his youth team appearances or total career haul as noted in the context of Virgilio Rosetta and others.

Reader's Guide

Costacurta's playing profile was defined by versatility and intelligence. He mainly operated as a central defender but frequently filled in at right-back, particularly during the Zaccheroni era where he played in a three-man defense alongside Maldini and Luigi Sala. Under Ancelotti, he formed part of a formidable unit with Alessandro Nesta, Jaap Stam, and Cafu. His career included a brief loan spell at Monza in Serie C1 during 1986–87 before establishing himself as Milan's vice-captain after Baresi and Tassotti retired. He captained the side to their 16th Scudetto in 1998–99, finishing ahead of Lazio by a single point. Internationally, he earned 59 caps for Italy, scoring two goals, and participated in the 1994 and 1998 World Cups as well as Euro 1996. His international peak was reaching the 1994 World Cup Final, where Italy lost to Brazil on penalties.

Did You Know?

• Costacurta was nicknamed "Billy" because the local basketball team Olimpia Milano was referred to by that name due to their shirt sponsor.
• He scored his first and only goal in a Derby della Madonnina during a 3–1 away loss to Internazionale in the 1989–90 season.
• Costacurta missed the 1994 Champions League final against Barcelona because he was suspended after being sent off in the semi-final against Monaco.
• He became the oldest player to appear in a Champions League match on 21 November 2006 at age 40 years and 211 days, playing against AEK Athens.
• In his final career match on 19 May 2007, he scored a penalty for Milan against Udinese, becoming the oldest goalscorer in Serie A history until 2023.