Alessandro Costacurta

The enduring pillar of the greatest defense in football history.

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Alessandro "Billy" Costacurta is an Italian former professional footballer widely regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation. Born on 24 April 1966, he spent over twenty years with AC Milan between 1986 and 2007, a rare feat for a player at the highest level. Known affectionately by fans as "Billy" due to his thin youth physique and basketball skills, he formed one of history's greatest defensive lines alongside Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini, and Mauro Tassotti. Under managers Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello, Costacurta operated primarily as a central defender, winning seven Serie A titles and five Champions League trophies before retiring at age 41.

Quick Facts

Born: 24 April 1966
Birthplace: Jerago con Orago, Italy
Height: 1.83 m / 6 ft
Position: Defender
Total caps: 488

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.

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?

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.