Jose Altafini

via Wikipedia: José Altafini · see source

José João Altafini, known as 'Mazzola' in Brazil, arrived at AC Milan from Palmeiras in 1958, immediately reshaping the club’s offensive identity. At just 20 years old, he made his debut on September 21, scoring 28 league goals in his first season to help win the 1958–59 Serie A title. Over seven seasons, Altafini became a prolific force, known for his power and speed, culminating in a record-breaking European Cup campaign. He remains one of Milan’s greatest-ever players, having secured two domestic titles and the club's first European triumph.

Quick Facts

Full name: José João Altafini
Born: 24 July 1938
Birthplace: Piracicaba, Brazil
Height: 1.76 m / 5 ft 9 in
Position: Striker
Total caps: 653
Total goals: 334

Lore & Background

Altafini's arrival in Italy followed a massive transfer fee of 135 million Lire, paid by AC Milan prior to the 1958 World Cup. His impact was instant: on October 5, he scored his first league goal against Bari, and by March 27, 1960, he netted four goals in a 5–3 derby victory over Inter. The following season saw him finish as joint top scorer with 22 goals in 33 games alongside Aurelio Milani. In the European Cup Final against Benfica, Altafini scored two crucial goals to secure a 2–1 victory, delivering Milan's first European Cup title. That same year, he finished as the competition's top scorer with 14 goals, a record that stood for over 50 years until Cristiano Ronaldo broke it in 2013–14. Earlier in that campaign, against l'Union Luxembourg, Altafini scored five goals in a single match, sharing this rare feat with only eight other players.

Reader's Guide

To understand Altafini's legacy at Milan, focus on his statistical dominance and specific record-breaking matches. He scored 32 goals in just 36 appearances across all competitions in his debut season (1958–59). His goal-scoring ratio of 0.74 per game during his Palmeiras days foreshadowed his Italian success, where he maintained elite efficiency. Key moments include the four-goal derby win over Inter in 1960 and the five-goal performance against l'Union Luxembourg in the European Cup. His 14 goals in the 1962–63 European Cup set a benchmark that stood until 2013. Although he was nominated for the Ballon d'Or in 1963 (finishing 11th) and 1964 (16th), his primary contribution was tangible: two Scudetti, one European Cup, and establishing Milan as a continental powerhouse. His departure in 1965 followed disagreements with teammates Amarildo and Paolo Ferrario.

Did You Know?

Altafini scored five goals in a single European Cup match against l'Union Luxembourg, a feat shared by only eight players including Lionel Messi.
He held the record for the most goals scored in a single European Cup campaign (14) for over 50 years until Cristiano Ronaldo scored 17 in 2013–14.
Altafini was the youngest goalscorer in Palmeiras history at age 17, a record that still stands today.
He finished as the joint top scorer of the 1961–62 Serie A season with 22 goals alongside Aurelio Milani.
Despite being a prolific scorer, Altafini only managed to win one minor trophy (the Coppa delle Alpi) during his seven years at Napoli.