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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

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

Association football career

Position(s)

Senior career*

Years

Team

Apps

(Gls)

1959–1960

Alessandria

(6)

1960–1979

AC Milan

501

(122)

Total

527

(128)

International career

1962–1974

Italy

(14)

Medal record

Men's Football

Representing Italy
UEFA European Championship
Winner	1968 Italy
FIFA World Cup
Runner-up	1970 Mexico

*Club domestic league appearances and 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 attack and defense.

People called him Italy's "Golden Boy." He spent most of his football career with AC Milan. He started playing for his hometown club, Alessandria, in 1959. After joining Milan in 1960, he had a very successful career. He won three Serie A titles (Italy's top league) and two European Cups (now the UEFA Champions League). He also served as the team's captain for twelve seasons.

Rivera played for the Italian national team 60 times between 1962 and 1974, scoring 14 goals. He played in four World Cups (1962, 1966, 1970, and 1974). He is well-known 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 win took Italy to the final, where they lost to Brazil. Rivera was also part of the first Italian team to win the European Football Championship in 1968. He also played for Italy at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, where the team finished fourth.

Rivera was a graceful and creative playmaker. He had excellent vision and technical skills. He was known for his football intelligence and leadership. Many consider him one of the best passers and most talented offensive playmakers ever. He won the Ballon d'Or award in 1969, which is given to the best player in Europe. In 2015, he became the first Italian footballer to be added to Italy's sports Walk of Fame. In 2004, the legendary player Pelé chose Rivera as one of the FIFA 100 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. In 2013, he was named President of the youth education sector for the Italy national team.

Early Life and Football Start

Giovanni Rivera was born in Alessandria, Piedmont, 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 Serie A team, Alessandria, when he was just 13 years old.

Club Career Highlights

Rivera was often called the Golden Boy of Italian football. He came from his hometown club's youth academy. He played his first game in Serie A for Alessandria on June 2, 1959. He was only 15 years old. Later that year, he scored his first Serie A goal. He is one of the youngest players ever to play and score in Serie A.

A year later, AC Milan bought him. They saw him as a future replacement for their captain, Juan Alberto Schiaffino. Schiaffino himself believed in the young player and became his mentor. Rivera spent his first season with Milan on loan back at Alessandria. He scored 6 goals in 26 matches. 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 regular player and was given the number 10 shirt. Milan finished second in the league that season. In the 1961–62 season, he helped Milan win his first scudetto (league title), scoring 10 goals. He became known for leading Milan's attacks and was made captain in 1966 when he was 23.

Winning European Cups 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. They beat Benfica 2–1 in the final. Rivera was in great form, setting up two goals. For his amazing performances, he finished second in the prestigious Ballon d'Or award that year.

After a few quieter seasons, coach Nereo Rocco returned to Milan in 1967. He built the team's attack around Rivera. In the 1967–68 season, Milan won both the Scudetto and the Cup Winners' Cup. Rivera scored 11 goals in Serie A. He also played for Italy when they won the 1968 European Championship.

Rivera lifting the Cup Winners' Cup in 1968.

The next season, Rivera and Milan won the European Cup. They beat Johan Cruyff's Ajax 4–1 in the final. Rivera was the captain and set up two goals. Milan also won the Intercontinental Cup. These successes finally earned him the Ballon d'Or in 1969. He was the first Italian-born player to win this award.

Rivera lifting the Ballon d'Or in 1969.

Later Years with AC Milan

In the 1970s, Rivera continued to play strongly. Milan reached two more Cup Winners' Cup finals. They won in 1973 but lost in 1974. Rivera also won two Coppa Italia titles (Italian Cup) with Milan in 1972 and 1973. In the 1972–73 season, he was the top-scorer in Serie A with 17 goals.

Rivera won his last scudetto in his final season with Milan in 1979. He was 35 years old. This was Milan's tenth league title, earning them a star on their jersey. He played his last game on May 13, 1979, and retired on June 10. In total, Rivera played 501 Serie A matches for Milan, scoring 122 goals. He played 658 games in all competitions for Milan, scoring 164 goals. He is the highest-scoring midfielder in Serie A history.

International Career with Italy

Rivera played for the Italian national team from 1962 to 1974. He first played for the under-21 team in 1960. He also played in the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, helping Italy finish fourth.

He made his senior international debut on May 13, 1962, when he was 18. He played in the 1962 FIFA World Cup in Chile. Later that year, he scored his first goal for Italy on December 2, 1962. He was the youngest player to score two goals for Italy in a competitive match.

Rivera also played in the 1966 FIFA World Cup in England. Italy was knocked out early after a surprising loss to North Korea. After this, Rivera was left out of the team for a while. But he returned and was part of the Italian team that won the European Championship in 1968. He missed the final due to an injury but still earned a winner's medal.

1970 FIFA World Cup Journey

Rivera playing for Italy alongside Sandro Mazzola.

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, believed Rivera and fellow playmaker Sandro Mazzola could not play together. So, Valcareggi used a strategy called "staffetta" (relay). Mazzola would start the game, and Rivera would come on at halftime. This allowed Rivera to use his skills when opponents were tired.

This strategy helped Italy beat Mexico 4–1 in the quarter-final. Rivera scored a goal and set up two others. In the semi-final against West Germany, Rivera played a big part in one of the most exciting World Cup games ever, known as 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 a minute later, he scored Italy's winning goal, making it 4–3.

In the final against Brazil, Rivera only played for the last six minutes. Brazil won the match 4–1. Despite the loss, Rivera was praised for his performances throughout the tournament.

Later International Years

Rivera also played in the 1974 FIFA World Cup. He scored a goal in Italy's first group game against Haiti. However, Italy was knocked out in the group stage. The 1974 World Cup was the end of Rivera's international career. He played 60 games for Italy and scored 14 goals. He is one of Italy's highest-scoring midfielders. He captained the national team four times.

Life After Football

Milan Vice-President

After retiring from playing, Rivera became a vice-president at AC Milan for seven years. He left this role when Silvio Berlusconi bought the club in 1986.

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 also served as an under-secretary for defense in the government. Later, he became a Member of the European Parliament (MEP).

FIGC President Role

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 Style and Legacy

How Gianni Rivera Played

Rivera was a graceful and creative offensive midfield playmaker. He was very intelligent in football and had great class. He could play in many midfield positions or even upfront. He was often used in a free role, either deeper in midfield or as a classic number 10 behind the strikers. He was also sometimes a deep-lying forward.

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

He was known for his amazing ball control, dribbling skills, and excellent technique. He had quick feet, good acceleration, and balance. This allowed him to change direction and dribble past players easily. Even though he was very skilled, he often chose to pass the ball to create chances for his team. He was known for his precise passing and movement. Rivera was especially famous for his excellent vision and ability to read the game. He could make short passes or long passes across the field. This made him a great assist provider.

Even though he was mainly a creative midfielder, Rivera also scored many goals. He was good at making attacking runs and finishing shots. He is the highest-scoring midfielder in Serie A history. He was also good at free kicks and penalty kicks. Rivera is considered one of the greatest Italian footballers and playmakers ever. He was also known for staying calm under pressure, his good behavior, and his leadership.

What People Thought of Him

Rivera is seen as one of Italy's and AC Milan's greatest footballers. In 1999, he was ranked 19th in the world for the 20th Century by IFFHS. He was also chosen as Italy's best player of the Century. In 2004, Pelé included him in the FIFA 100 list of greatest living footballers.

In 2011, he received the UEFA President's Award for his outstanding achievements. In 2013, he was added to the Italian Football Hall of Fame. In 2015, he became the first Italian footballer to be inducted into Italy's sports Walk of Fame. That same year, journalists from La Gazzetta dello Sport voted him the greatest Italian player of all time.

Outside of Football

Italian Footballers' Association (AIC)

On July 3, 1968, Rivera helped create the Italian Footballers' Association (AIC) in Milan. He founded it with other famous footballers like Giacomo Bulgarelli and Sandro Mazzola. This association helps protect the rights of footballers.

Personal Life

Rivera is married to Laura Marconi. They have two children, Chantal (born in 1994) and Gianni (born in 1996). He also has another daughter, Nicole (born in 1977), 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 the Classic XI, an all-star team. In 2012, Rivera took part in the Italian version of Dancing with the Stars, called Ballando con le Stelle.

Career Statistics

Club Appearances and Goals

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club	Season	League		Cup		Europe		Other		Total
Club	Season	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Alessandria	1958–59	1	0	–	–	–	–	–	–	1	0
	1959–60	25	6	–	–	–	–	–	–	25	6
	Total	26	6	–	–	–	–	–	–	26	6
AC Milan	1960–61	30	6	1	0	–	–	2	0	33	6
	1961–62	27	10	1	0	2	0	–	–	30	10
	1962–63	27	9	–	–	7	2	–	–	34	11
	1963–64	27	7	1	0	2	1	2	0	32	8
	1964–65	29	2	–	–	–	–	–	–	29	2
	1965–66	31	7	1	0	4	1	–	–	36	8
	1966–67	34	12	6	7	2	0	1	0	43	19
	1967–68	29	11	5	3	10	1	–	–	44	15
	1968–69	28	3	4	1	7	2	–	–	39	6
	1969–70	25	8	3	1	3	2	2	1	33	12
	1970–71	26	6	10	7	–	–	–	–	36	13
	1971–72	23	3	6	2	8	4	–	–	37	9
	1972–73	28	17	6	3	9	0	–	–	43	20
	1973–74	26	6	5	1	8	0	–	–	39	7
	1974–75	27	3	4	0	–	–	–	–	31	3
	1975–76	14	1	5	1	3	0	–	–	22	2
	1976–77	27	4	7	0	5	0	–	–	39	4
	1977–78	30	6	5	1	1	0	–	–	36	7
	1978–79	13	1	4	1	5	0	–	–	22	2
	Total	501	122	74	28	76	13	7	1	658	164
Career total		527	128	74	28	76	13	7	1	684	170

International Appearances and Goals

Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team	Year	Apps	Goals
Italy	1962	4	2
	1963	5	2
	1964	4	2
	1965	6	1
	1966	6	2
	1967	4	0
	1968	4	0
	1969	3	0
	1970	7	2
	1971	3	0
	1972	3	0
	1973	7	2
	1974	4	1
Total	60		14

International Goals Scored

No.	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1.	2 December 1962	Bologna, Italy	Turkey	1–0	6–0	1964 European Nations' Cup qualifying preliminary round
2.	2 December 1962	Bologna, Italy	Turkey	5–0	6–0	1964 European Nations' Cup qualifying preliminary round
3.	10 November 1963	Rome, Italy	Soviet Union	1–1	1–1	1964 European Nations' Cup round of 16
4.	14 December 1963	Turin, Italy	Austria	1–0	1–0	Friendly
5.	10 May 1964	Lausanne, Switzerland	Switzerland	3–1	3–1	Friendly
6.	4 November 1964	Genoa, Italy	Finland	3–0	6–1	1966 FIFA World Cup qualification
7.	1 November 1965	Rome, Italy	Poland	4–0	6–1	1966 FIFA World Cup qualification
8.	29 June 1966	Florence, Italy	Mexico	3–0	5–0	Friendly
9.	29 June 1966	Florence, Italy	Mexico	5–0	5–0	Friendly
10.	14 June 1970	Toluca, Mexico	Mexico	3–1	4–1	1970 FIFA World Cup
11.	17 June 1970	Mexico City, Mexico	West Germany	4–3	4–3 (aet)	1970 FIFA World Cup
12.	31 March 1973	Genoa, Italy	Luxembourg	3–0	5–0	1974 FIFA World Cup qualification
13.	20 October 1973	Rome, Italy	Switzerland	1–0	2–0	1974 FIFA World Cup qualification
14.	15 June 1974	Munich, West Germany	Haiti	1–1	3–1	1974 FIFA World Cup