Roberto Baggio

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Baggio played for Italy in 56 matches and is the joint fourth-highest goalscorer for his national team. He starred in the Italian team that finished third in the 1990 FIFA World Cup. 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. Although he was the star performer for Italy at the tournament, he missed the decisive penalty in the shootout of the final against Brazil. 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 Their Own Story

The stadium in Pasadena roared with tension, the air thick with humidity and anticipation. Roberto Baggio stood over the ball, the white spot stark against the green grass. The weight of an entire nation rested on his right foot. He took his run-up, a rhythmic dance of steps honed by years of instinct. Time seemed to suspend as he struck the leather sphere. It soared high, arching past the reach of the goalkeeper and the despairing arms of the crowd, landing harmlessly into the night sky above the goal.

Reader's Guide

Baggio began his youth career after being noticed by his hometown youth team, Caldogno, at age nine. He began his professional career with the Vicenza senior side in 1983, at age 15. He made his Serie C1 debut with Vicenza on 5 June 1983. He scored his first goal in Serie C1 on 3 June 1984. Fiorentina purchased Baggio in 1985 for £1.5 million. In 1990, he moved from Fiorentina to Juventus for a world record transfer fee. Baggio won two Serie A titles, a Coppa Italia, and a UEFA Cup, playing for seven different Italian clubs during his career (Vicenza, Fiorentina, Juventus, AC Milan, Bologna, Inter Milan, and Brescia).

Did You Know?

• In 1993, Baggio was named FIFA World Player of the Year and won the Ballon d'Or.
• Baggio is the only Italian to score in three World Cups.
• He is the fifth-highest scoring Italian in all competitions with 318 goals.
• Baggio is known as 'The Divine Ponytail' for his hairstyle, talent, and Buddhist beliefs.
• In 2011, he was the first footballer to be inducted into the Italian Football Hall of Fame.