Roberto Baggio - An Icon of Italian Football

Baggio beginning his career

When people hear the name "I'll Divino", especially talking with people of the Italian generation, one name comes straight to the top. Roberto Baggio. The name Ill Divino translates to "The divine ponytail" thanks to his iconic hair, is a retired Italian footballber, and a personally idol of mine growing up playing the game. Baggio stands far ahead on the top of my list, my faviourite footballer and icon. Born in Caldogno, Italy on the 18 February, 1967 he quickly devleoped the skill and technique at a young age that caught the eye of many clubs. Starting his career at Vicenza, dominating the headlines week in week out until a serious knee injury not only put his life on hold, but what was a serious sign for things to come.

The legendary number 10

Playing for some of Italy's biggest clubs which included the likes of Fioretnina, Inter Milan, Juventus and AC Milan, Baggio's life never consisted of one dull moment. He had a reputation of changing teams into superstars, but that said he often was out of favour  with managers notably Marcello Lippi and Fabio Capello, an issue many fans and media still wonder upon, but with  no answer. The word going around both managers did not see eye to eye with the Italian player, which was the main cause for Baggio playing for a number of clubs. He attracted large interest from the Spanish, German and English leagues but felt it was his obligation and loyalty to stay in his homeland. Playing in the "number 10" attacking midfielder role, many say Roberto Baggio was a constant nightmare for defenders, a true fox on the field, a fox at time's that  was impossible to catch. Baggio had that special presence about him, the rare type of player that when on the ball you thought absolutely anything was possible. A magician, some were calling him. A highlight of his career, Argentinian legend Diego Maradonna at the time playing for Napoli, came against Baggio, still at a young age, and personally said he was special, a player to look out for the in future, and he was right.

FIFA world player of the year

Roberto Baggio is the only Italian player to score at three world cups, with most peoples memory coming down to his 1994 world cup final miss against Brazil. For many years Baggio carried the national team into a deadly force. His highlights include winning the FIFA world player in 1994, Ballon  d'Or, Silver boot and Silver winner in 1994, 2 Serie A titles, 1 Coppa Italia, 1 UEFA cup, and scoring more 300 career goals. One would only think if Baggio did indeed go on to win the World Cup he was instantly be considered one of the greatest footballers. The world recognized this legendary player regarding him as one of the finest footballers of all time (4th on the internet FIFA poll). The never ending knee injuries were a constant menace throughout his career, multiple operations and rehab sessions never dented his hopes and ambitions, imagine if he stayed injury free throughout his career? Its actually a scary thought of what could of happened. He finally called it quits on his professional career in 2004, leaving a legacy on Italian football. I molded my game and style on the great play-maker,
watched all his videos, thinking one day i could be like him. Roberto Baggio gave me my passion and love for the game, he is a true icon of world football, with his reputation and skill being remembered forever.