Marco Ballotta

Lore & Background

Ballotta emerged through Bologna's youth system before starting out as a senior with hometown club Boca San Lazzaro. In the 1984 summer he joined Modena, where he remained for the next six years. In January 1991 he transferred to Cesena, but only stayed for six months before being purchased by Parma. He signed with Brescia in 1994, then spent the following campaign in Serie B with Reggiana. He left for Lazio for 1997–98, initially as third-choice. After three seasons with Lazio, he enjoyed a brief stint with Inter Milan, who acquired the player as part of Angelo Peruzzi's move to Lazio. During this timeframe he was also loaned to Modena, helping them gain promotion to the top flight in 2002 and subsequently signing permanently for free. He remained at Modena until the club's relegation at the end of 2003–04, spending the following season with Treviso in the second tier. He rejoined Lazio as a replacement for Fabrizio Casazza as third goalkeeper. Ballotta retired after his contract with Lazio expired at the end of the 2007–08 season. In late 2008, he returned with Prima Categoria side Calcara Samoggia, but as a forward.

In Their Own Story

The lights of the Stadio Olimpico hummed with electric anticipation as the final minutes ticked away. Marco Ballotta stood tall amidst the chaos of the penalty area, his blue jersey stained with grass and sweat. He raised a gloved hand, barking orders to his young teammates, his voice cutting through the roar of the Curva Nord. With a precise clearance, he sent the ball flying into the stands, silencing the visiting crowd. As the referee blew the final whistle, Ballotta didn't run; he walked slowly toward the bench, knowing that another victory had been secured by the sheer force of his will and decades of dedication.

Reader's Guide

Ballotta played as a goalkeeper. He was never a long-serving captain at Lazio. His first-team debut for Lazio was in the 1997–98 season, not 1991. He did not play for Fiorentina. He emerged through Bologna's youth system, not Lazio's.

Did You Know?

• Ballotta set the record as the oldest player to have played in Serie A when he started for Lazio against Roma on 23 October 2005 at age 41 years and 203 days.
• He became the oldest player ever to play in the Champions League during a 1–1 draw with Olympiacos on 18 September 2007, at age 43 years and 168 days.
• Ballotta held the Serie A record for oldest player at 44 years and 38 days (for Lazio vs. Genoa, 11 May 2008).
• He also held the Champions League record for oldest player at 43 years and 252 days (for Lazio vs. Real Madrid, 11 December 2007).