Roberto Baggio

The Divine Ponytail who scored in three World Cups.

Roberto Baggio (born 18 February 1967) is an Italian former professional footballer who mainly played as a second striker, or as an attacking midfielder. He is also the former president of the technical sector of the Italian Football Federation. A highly skillful creative playmaker and set piece specialist, renowned for his curling free-kicks, dribbling skills, and goalscoring, Baggio is regarded by many as one of the greatest players of all time.

Quick Facts

Born: 18 February 1967
Birthplace: Caldogno, Italy
Height: 1.74 m / 5 ft 9 in
Position: Second striker, Attacking midfielder
Total caps: 488
Total goals: 218

Lore & Background

Baggio is the only Italian to score in three World Cups, and with nine goals holds the record for most goals scored in World Cup tournaments for Italy, along with Paolo Rossi and Christian Vieri. In 1993, he was named FIFA World Player of the Year and won the Ballon d'Or. He is known as 'The Divine Ponytail', for the hairstyle he wore for most of his career, for his talent, and for his Buddhist beliefs.

Reader's Guide

At the 1994 World Cup, he led Italy to the final, received the World Cup Silver Ball and was named in the World Cup All-Star Team.

Did You Know?

Baggio made his professional debut with Vicenza at age 16 in Serie C1 on 5 June 1983.
He is the fifth-highest scoring Italian in all competitions with 318 goals.
Baggio is the seventh-highest goalscorer of all time in Serie A, with 205 goals.
In 2003, he was the inaugural winner of the Golden Foot award.