Gianni Rivera facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Giovanni Rivera
Official portrait, 1996
Member of European Parliament
In office 25 May 2005 – 13 July 2009
Constituency	North-West Italy
Member of the Chamber of Deputies
In office 2 July 1987 – 29 May 2001
Constituency	Milan
Personal details
Born	(1943-08-18) 18 August 1943 (age 81) Alessandria, Italy
Political party	CD (2013) DL (2002–2007) Dem (1999–2002) Segni Pact (1994–1996) DC (1987–1994)
Height	1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
Occupation	Footballer (retired) Politician
Gianni Rivera Personal information Playing position Forward Attacking midfielder Senior career* Years Team Apps† (Gls)† 1959–1960 Alessandria 26 (6) 1960–1979 AC Milan 501 (122) Total 527 (128) National team 1962–1974 Italy 60 (14) Honours Men's Football Representing  Italy UEFA European Championship Winner 1968 Italy FIFA World Cup Runner-up 1970 Mexico Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Giovanni "Gianni" Rivera (born August 18, 1943) is a famous Italian politician and former footballer. He played as an attacking midfielder, a player who helps both defend and attack. People called him Italy's "Golden Boy."

He spent most of his football career with AC Milan. Before that, he started with his hometown club, Alessandria, in 1959. After joining Milan in 1960, he won many important trophies. These included three Serie A titles (Italy's top league) and two European Cups (now called the UEFA Champions League). He was also the team's captain for twelve seasons.

Rivera played for the Italian national team 60 times from 1962 to 1974. He scored 14 goals for his country. He played in four World Cups (1962, 1966, 1970, and 1974). He is famous for scoring the winning goal in Italy's exciting 4–3 extra-time win against West Germany in the 1970 World Cup semi-final. This led Italy to the final, where they lost to Brazil. Rivera also helped Italy win the European Football Championship in 1968.

He was a very smart and creative player. He was known for his excellent vision and passing skills. Many people consider him one of the best Italian footballers ever. In 1969, he won the Ballon d'Or, an award for the best player in Europe. In 2004, the legendary player Pelé included Rivera in his FIFA 100 list of the greatest living footballers.

After he stopped playing football in 1979, Rivera became Milan's vice-president. Later, in 1987, he started a career in politics.

Early Life and First Steps in Football

Giovanni Rivera was born in Alessandria, Italy. His father worked for the railway. Gianni started playing football with a local team called ASD Don Bosco. A former Milan player, Franco Pedroni, noticed him. This led Rivera to join his local club, Alessandria, when he was just 13 years old.

Club Career: The Golden Boy's Rise

Starting Out with Alessandria and AC Milan

Rivera was called l'Abatino (the little abbot) and the Golden Boy. He came from his hometown club's youth academy. He played his first Serie A game for Alessandria on June 2, 1959. He was only 15 years old, making him one of the youngest players ever to debut in Serie A. Later that year, he scored his first Serie A goal.

A year later, AC Milan bought him. They saw him as a future replacement for their captain, Juan Alberto Schiaffino. Schiaffino believed in Rivera's talent, even though he was small. Rivera spent his first season with Milan on loan back at Alessandria. He played 26 matches and scored 6 goals. Milan was impressed and signed him permanently.

Juan Schiaffino and Rivera in 1960.

Rivera played his first game for Milan on September 18, 1960. He quickly became a key player, wearing the number 10 shirt. In his second season, 1961–62, he helped Milan win his first scudetto (league title). He scored 10 goals that season. He became known for leading Milan's attacks. He was the club's captain for 12 of his 19 seasons, starting in 1966 when he was 23.

Winning European Trophies with AC Milan

Rivera's league win in 1962 allowed Milan to play in the European Cup. In 1963, Milan won their first ever European Cup title. Rivera, at just 20 years old, played a huge role. He made two important passes for José Altafini's goals in the final. For his great performances, Rivera finished second in the Ballon d'Or award that year.

Milan had some tough years after that. But Rivera continued to play well. He helped Milan win the Coppa Italia (Italian Cup) in the 1966–67 season. He was the top scorer in that competition with 7 goals.

Rivera lifting the Cup Winners' Cup in 1968.

In the 1967–68 season, Milan won both the Scudetto and the Cup Winners' Cup. Rivera scored 11 goals in the league. That summer, he also helped Italy win the 1968 European Championship. The next season, Rivera and Milan won the European Cup again in 1969. They beat Johan Cruyff's Ajax 4–1 in the final. Rivera was the captain and set up two goals. He also won the Intercontinental Cup that year. These successes finally earned him the Ballon d'Or in 1969. He was the first Italian-born player to win this important award.

Rivera lifting the Ballon d'Or in 1969.

Later Years and Final Wins with AC Milan

In the 1970s, Rivera helped Milan reach two more Cup Winners' Cup finals. They won in 1973 but lost in 1974. Rivera also won two Coppa Italia titles in a row in 1972 and 1973. In the 1972–73 season, he was the top scorer in Serie A with 17 goals. He scored a personal best of 20 goals in all club games that season.

Rivera won his last scudetto in his final season, 1978–79. He was 35 years old but still helped Milan win their tenth league title. This win earned Milan a special star on their jersey. He played his last game on May 13, 1979. He officially retired on June 10.

In total, Rivera played 501 Serie A matches for Milan. He scored 122 league goals. He played 658 games in all competitions for Milan, scoring 164 goals. He is the highest-scoring midfielder in Serie A history. He also made 105 assists in the league, making him one of the top assist providers ever.

Romeo Benetti, Luciano Chiarugi, Rivera and Giuseppe Sabadini at Schiphol in May 1974.

International Career: Playing for Italy

Early Days with the National Team

Rivera played for the Italian national team from 1962 to 1974. He first played for the under-21 team in 1960. At the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, he helped Italy finish fourth. He scored three goals in five matches.

Rivera's number 10 Italy shirt, worn against Bulgaria on April 20, 1968.

He made his senior international debut on May 13, 1962, at 18 years old. He played in the 1962 FIFA World Cup in Chile. Italy did not do well and was eliminated early. Later that year, he scored his first goal for Italy. He was the youngest player ever to score two goals for Italy in a competitive match.

Rivera also played in the 1966 FIFA World Cup in England. Italy was surprisingly knocked out by North Korea. Despite this, Rivera was praised for his performance. He later helped Italy win their first European Championship in 1968. He missed the final due to an injury but still earned a winner's medal.

The 1970 World Cup: "The Game of the Century"

Rivera played for Italy in the 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. He was at the peak of his career. The Italian coach, Ferruccio Valcareggi, had a problem. He thought Rivera and another great player, Sandro Mazzola, couldn't play together. They both played similar attacking roles.

Valcareggi came up with a plan called the "staffetta" (relay). Mazzola would start the first half. Rivera would come on at halftime when the other team was tired. This allowed Rivera to create more chances. With this plan, Rivera helped Italy beat Mexico 4–1 in the quarter-final. He scored a goal and set up two goals for Luigi Riva.

Rivera playing for Italy alongside Sandro Mazzola; the two players would be involved in manager Ferruccio Valcareggi's famous "Staffetta" policy at the 1970 FIFA World Cup.

In the semi-final against West Germany, Rivera played a big part in "The Game of the Century". After a 1–1 draw, Rivera's passes led to two goals in extra time. He made a mistake that led to Germany's third goal. But just a minute later, Rivera scored Italy's winning goal, making it 4–3.

In the final against Brazil, Rivera only played for the last six minutes. Italy was losing 3–1 and eventually lost 4–1. Despite the loss, Rivera was praised for his important performances throughout the tournament.

Later International Years

Rivera also played in the 1974 FIFA World Cup. He scored a goal in the opening game against Haiti. But Italy was knocked out in the group stage. This was the end of Rivera's international career. He played 60 games for Italy and scored 14 goals. He captained the national team four times.

Life After Football: Vice-President and Politician

Milan Vice-President

After he retired from playing, Rivera became a vice-president at AC Milan for seven seasons. When Silvio Berlusconi bought the club in 1986, Rivera left his role.

Political Career

Rivera started his political career in 1986. He became a member of the Italian Parliament in 1987. He was re-elected several times. He served as an under-secretary for defense in one government. He also became a Member of the European Parliament (MEP).

FIGC President

In 2013, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) appointed Rivera as President of the Technical Sector. This role involves overseeing the training of football staff in Italy.

Player Profile: Rivera's Style of Play

Rivera was a graceful, creative, and very skilled offensive midfield playmaker. He was known for his amazing football intelligence. He could play in many midfield roles. He was often used as a "number 10" player, just behind the main strikers.

He wasn't known for his defensive skills or speed. But he was incredibly talented with his right foot. He was famous for his vision and how well he understood the game. He had excellent ball control and dribbling skills. He was quick on his feet and had great balance.

A young Rivera in training with Alessandria, c. late 1950s and early 1960s.

Rivera was very good at passing the ball. He could make short passes or long passes across the field. This made him an excellent assist provider. Even though he liked to help teammates score, he also had a good eye for goal himself. He is the highest-scoring midfielder in Serie A history.

Many people think Rivera is one of the greatest Italian footballers ever. He was also known for staying calm under pressure and being a good leader.

Outside of Professional Football

Italian Footballers' Association (AIC)

On July 3, 1968, Rivera helped start the Italian Footballers' Association (AIC). He founded it with other famous footballers. This association helps protect the rights of football players.

Personal Life

Rivera is married to Laura Marconi. They have two children, Chantal and Gianni. He also has another daughter, Nicole, from a previous relationship.

Media Appearances

Rivera is featured in the EA Sports football video games FIFA 11, FIFA 14 and FIFA 15. He is part of a special "Classic XI" team in these games. In 2012, Rivera also took part in the Italian version of Dancing with the Stars.

Honours

AC Milan

• Serie A: 1961–62, 1967–68, 1978–79
• Coppa Italia: 1966–67, 1971–72, 1972–73, 1976–77
• European Cup: 1962–63, 1968–69
• European Cup Winners' Cup: 1967–68, 1972–73
• Intercontinental Cup: 1969

Italy

• FIFA World Cup runner-up: 1970
• UEFA European Championship: 1968

Individual Awards

• Coppa Italia top scorer: 1966–67, 1970–71
• Ballon d'Or: 1969 (also runner-up in 1963)
• FIFA XI: 1967
• FUWO European Team of the Season: 1969, 1970
• Serie A Top-scorer: 1972–73 (shared)
• IFFHS Italian Player of the 20th Century: 1999
• FIFA 100 (chosen by Pelé)
• UEFA Golden Jubilee Poll: No. 35
• AC Milan Hall of Fame
• UEFA President's Award: 2011
• Inducted into the Italian Football Hall of Fame: 2013
• Inducted into the Walk of Fame of Italian sport: 2015

Images for kids

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  Rivera's Italy shirt.

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  Rivera's Italy shirt.

See also

In Spanish: Gianni Rivera para niños