Javier Zanetti

The vice-president and legendary captain of Inter Milan, known for his versatility, longevity, and 16 trophies.

Javier Adelmar Zanetti (born 10 August 1973) is an Argentine former professional footballer. Spending nearly all his career at Inter Milan, Zanetti was known for his versatility and adeptness, often playing as full-back or wing-back on both flanks, and as a midfielder. He had a key role in the treble-winning 2009–10 season, and he is currently the vice-president of Inter Milan.

Quick Facts

Full name: Javier Adelmar Zanetti
Height: 1.78 m / 5 ft 10 in
Born: 10 August 1973
Birthplace: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Current club: Inter Milan (vice-president)
Position: Full-back, midfielder
Total caps: 714
Total goals: 17

Lore & Background

Zanetti started his career in Argentina with Talleres and then Banfield. From 1995 to 2014 he played for Inter Milan and was captain from 2001 until his retirement. He participated in 1,115 official games, holds the record for most appearances in Inter history (858), and won 16 trophies with the club: five Scudetti, four Coppa Italia, four Supercoppa Italiana, one UEFA Cup, one Champions League, and the FIFA Club World Cup. With Argentina, he played 145 matches, joint-third most appearances for the national team.

Reader's Guide

Zanetti was known for his versatility, playing as full-back, wing-back, or midfielder. He was sent off only twice in his Inter career (1999 and 2011). He played under 19 different coaches at Inter. After retiring, Inter retired his number 4 jersey and named him vice-president. He has been a FIFA ambassador for SOS Children's Villages in Argentina, received the Ambrogino d'Oro award in 2005, and is a Global Ambassador for the Special Olympics.

Did You Know?

Zanetti holds the record for most appearances as captain in the Champions League (82).
He is the foreign player with the most Serie A appearances (615) and fourth-most overall in the league.
He scored in the 1998 UEFA Cup final and became the oldest player to score in the Champions League at age 37 in 2010.
Zanetti was rejected by Independiente's youth academy as a teenager for lacking physique.