Javier Zanetti facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Javier Zanetti

Zanetti with Inter Milan in 2009
Personal information
Full name	Javier Adelmar Zanetti
Date of birth	(1973-08-10) 10 August 1973 (age 51)
Place of birth	Buenos Aires, Argentina
Height	1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Position(s)	Full-back / Right winger / Midfielder
Team information
Current team	Inter Milan (vice-president)
Youth career
1982–1989	Independiente
1991–1992	Talleres
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1992–1993	Talleres	33	(1)
1993–1995	Banfield	66	(4)
1995–2014	Inter Milan	615	(12)
Total		714	(17)
International career
1996	Argentina U23	13	(0)
1994–2011	Argentina	145	(5)
Medal record Men's football Representing  Argentina Pan American Games Gold 1995 Mar del Plata Team Olympic Games Silver 1996 Atlanta Team Copa América Runner-up 2004 Peru Team Runner-up 2007 Venezuela Team FIFA Confederations Cup Runner-up 1995 Saudi Arabia Team Runner-up 2005 Germany Team
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Javier Adelmar Zanetti, born on August 10, 1973, is a famous Argentine former football player. He is known as one of the best right-backs ever. Zanetti spent almost his entire career playing for the Italian club Inter Milan. He was a key player when Inter Milan won three major trophies in the treble-winning 2009–10 season. Zanetti was very good at playing in different positions. He mostly played as a full-back or wing-back on both sides of the field. He also spent a lot of time playing as a midfielder. Today, he is the vice-president of Inter Milan.

Zanetti started his football journey in Argentina with clubs like Talleres and Banfield. From 1995 to 2014, he played for Inter Milan in Italy. He became the team's captain in 2001 and stayed captain until he retired in 2014. He played in 1,115 official games, which is one of the highest numbers for any male footballer. He also holds the record for the most games played by a foreign player in Italy's top league, Serie A, with 615 appearances. He is fourth overall in Serie A appearances. Zanetti holds the record for the most games played in Inter Milan's history (858). He also won the most trophies with the club, a total of 16. These include five Italian league titles, four Coppa Italia cups, four Supercoppa Italiana cups, one UEFA Cup, one Champions League title, and the FIFA Club World Cup. He also captained the most Champions League matches (82).

For the Argentina national team, Zanetti played in 145 games. This makes him one of the top players with the most appearances for Argentina. He reached the finals of the Copa América in 2004 and 2007. He also played in the finals of the FIFA Confederations Cup in 1995 and 2005.

When Zanetti retired, Inter Milan decided that no other player would wear his number 4 jersey. They also made him the club's vice-president. FIFA named him an ambassador for the SOS Children's Villages project in Argentina. In 2005, he received the Ambrogino d'Oro award from the city of Milan for his work helping others. Zanetti is also a Global Ambassador for the Special Olympics.

Early Life and First Steps in Football

Javier Adelmar Zanetti was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His parents were working-class people with Italian family roots. He grew up in the Dock Sud area, which was a tough part of the city. His father was a bricklayer, and his mother was a cleaner.

Javier started playing football on a field in the city's suburbs. He even helped take care of the field in his free time. When he was a teenager, he tried out for the youth team at Independiente, a local club. However, he was told he wasn't strong enough to succeed in the game. After this, he focused on school and helped his father with building work. He also did odd jobs like delivering milk and helping at a relative's grocery store.

Club Career Highlights

Starting Out in Argentina

After being turned down by Independiente, Zanetti joined Talleres. This was a second-division team at the time. He played 33 matches and scored one goal in his only season there. In 1993, he moved to Banfield, a team in Argentina's top league.

Zanetti, at 20 years old, played his first game for Banfield on September 12, 1993. He scored his first goal 17 days later. His excellent playing for Banfield made him popular with fans. It also led to him being called up to the national team. Big clubs like River Plate and Boca Juniors were interested in him. But Zanetti chose to stay at Banfield for another year. In 1995, he moved to Italy to play for Inter Milan. He was the very first player bought by Inter's owner, Massimo Moratti.

Becoming an Inter Milan Legend

Zanetti training with Inter Milan in 2009

Zanetti played for Inter Milan for 19 seasons. He made 858 appearances across all competitions. This makes him the player who has played the most games in Inter's history. He passed Giuseppe Bergomi's record of 758 games.

During his time at Inter, he won 16 trophies. He was captain for 15 of these wins. These trophies include the UEFA Cup in 1998, five Coppa Italia cups, four Supercoppa Italiana cups, five Italian league titles (called Scudetti), and the 2009–10 UEFA Champions League.

Zanetti was known for his fair play. He went 12 years without being sent off (getting a red card) in a match. The first time he received a red card was in a Coppa Italia match in 1999. The only other time he was sent off was in a Serie A match in 2011. These were the only two red cards in his entire career at Inter.

Zanetti played under 19 different coaches at Inter. This means he played for more coaches than any other player at the club. He always said he wanted to stay at Inter even after he stopped playing. He felt a strong connection to the club:

It was the first team to open the doors of European football. I was very young when I came here and I think not many teams could have had so much faith and patience with a boy in his early 20s from the very first day like Inter did with me. I will always be grateful for that. For some reason I have always felt at home here at Inter and this is why I have never thought of leaving.

Early Success and Captaincy

Zanetti played his first game for Inter on August 27, 1995. He scored Inter's second goal in their 3–0 win over Lazio in the 1998 UEFA Cup final. This was his first trophy with the club. He had lost in the final the season before.

After two years, Zanetti often wore the captain's armband because Ronaldo was injured. In late 2001, he was officially made the club captain. In August 2003, Zanetti signed a new contract with Inter until June 2007.

Moving to Midfield

When Maicon joined Inter in the 2006–07 season, Zanetti moved from playing as a right-back to playing in midfield. He scored a goal on November 5, 2006, ending a four-year goal drought. On September 27, 2006, Zanetti played his 500th professional match for Inter. On November 22, 2006, he played in his 100th UEFA match.

Zanetti played a big part in the 2008 Supercoppa Italiana match against Roma. He scored his team's last penalty in a shootout, which Inter won. This was his first-ever penalty kick in his career. On September 24, 2008, he celebrated his 600th match for Inter with a 1–0 win.

Zanetti playing for Inter in 2009

Even though Zanetti was often seen as a defender, he played mostly in midfield during the first half of the 2008–09 season. Inter's coach, José Mourinho, moved him to midfield because other key midfielders were injured.

The 2009–10 season started very well for Zanetti and Inter. They beat their rivals Milan 4–0 in a big derby match. On October 24, Zanetti reached Giacinto Facchetti's record of 476 Serie A appearances.

Inter won the 2010 Champions League final 2–0 against Bayern Munich on May 22, 2010. This was Zanetti's 700th game for Inter. He became the first player to captain an Italian club to win the treble: the Scudetto, Coppa Italia, and Champions League.

Later Career and Retirement

On October 20, 2010, at 37 years old, Zanetti became the oldest player to score in the Champions League. He scored in Inter's 4–3 win against Tottenham Hotspur. This was only his second Champions League goal ever. He also scored in Inter's 3–0 win against Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma at the 2010 FIFA Club World Cup, which Inter won.

Zanetti shaking hands with Sergei Ignashevich before a Champions League match against CSKA Moscow in 2011

On January 19, 2011, Zanetti played his 520th Serie A match for Inter, passing Inter legend Giuseppe Bergomi in appearances. On May 11, 2011, Zanetti played his 1,000th professional football match for Inter against Roma. On September 20, 2011, Zanetti set the all-time appearance record in a Serie A game, again surpassing Giuseppe Bergomi.

On March 10, 2013, Zanetti played in his 600th Serie A match for Inter. On April 21, 2014, he played his 1,100th official match, becoming one of the players with the most appearances of all time.

On April 29, 2014, Inter chairman Erick Thohir announced that Zanetti would retire at the end of the 2013–14 season. He would then become a club director. Zanetti's last game at Inter's home stadium, San Siro, was a 4–1 win over Lazio on May 10, 2014. He came on as a substitute and wore a special armband with the names of every player he had played with at Inter. He officially retired after the last game of the season on May 18, 2014.

After Playing Football

In June 2014, Inter chairman Erick Thohir made Zanetti the club's vice-president for two years. He kept this role when the club's ownership changed to the Suning Holdings Group.

On May 4, 2015, during a charity match at the San Siro, Inter officially retired Zanetti's number 4 jersey. This was a special honor for his amazing career at the club.

International Career with Argentina

Debuts and Milestones

Javier Zanetti in action against Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo during a friendly match in Geneva, Switzerland, in 2011.

Zanetti played his first game for Argentina on November 16, 1994. He was chosen for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. He scored a goal in the Round of 16 match against England, making the score 2–2.

Zanetti celebrated his 100th game for Argentina by helping them win their 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup semi-final against Mexico on June 26, 2005. He was named the Man of the Match. Even though he played in the qualification games, Zanetti was not chosen for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. This was a surprising decision by the coach.

Later Years with Argentina

With a new coach, Alfio Basile, Zanetti played a friendly match against France on February 7, 2007. He helped Javier Saviola score the only goal, giving Argentina a win.

Zanetti during the friendly match against Portugal in 2011

In April 2007, Zanetti received the National Giuseppe Prisco Award. After Roberto Ayala retired, Zanetti became the captain of the national team. On November 17, 2007, he became the player with the most appearances for Argentina in a World Cup qualification match against Bolivia.

Zanetti continued to play regularly under the new coach, Diego Maradona. However, Javier Mascherano took over as captain.

On August 20, 2010, Argentina's coach Sergio Batista called Zanetti back to the squad for a friendly match against Spain. He and fellow legend Gabriel Batistuta were honored by the Argentine Football Association in front of over 48,000 fans. He was called up again for a friendly against Japan in October 2010 but had to withdraw due to an injury.

Zanetti was part of Argentina's team for the 2011 Copa América held in his home country. He started in all four of the team's matches. Argentina was knocked out by Uruguay in the quarter-finals.

Style of Play

Zanetti making a tackle in an international friendly against Russia in 2009

Zanetti was nicknamed El Tractor (The Tractor) because of his incredible stamina. He could run up and down the wings tirelessly to help both in attack and defense. His teammates knew him for his consistency and his dedication to staying fit. Even in his late 30s, he started in over 30 games each season. As a captain for both his club and national teams, he was highly respected by fans and opponents. This was due to his leadership, calm attitude, and good behavior on and off the field. In his entire 22-year career, he only received two red cards.

In his best years, Zanetti was a fast, strong, and physically fit player. He had excellent ball control, dribbling skills, and technical ability. He was also good at reading the game defensively, winning the ball, and marking opponents. He could also pass the ball well to his teammates. He was a versatile player, able to play on either side of the field. He could move forward into attacking positions to cross the ball for his teammates. He also had a powerful shot from far away. In his later years at Inter, he formed a strong partnership with fellow full-back Maicon, helping the club win many titles.

Zanetti started his career as a right offensive winger. But he later moved back into midfield. He became a smart and adaptable player who could play anywhere in midfield or in defense. He was mainly used as a wide midfielder or as a full-back or wing-back on either side. He also played as a central defender, sweeper, or as a central or defensive midfielder. Sometimes, he even played in more attacking roles. Zanetti was praised for his determination, consistency, and hard work. His long career was due to his dedication in training.

Personal Life

On December 23, 1999, Zanetti married his long-time girlfriend, Paula de la Fuente. They met when he was 19 and she was 14. They dated for seven years before getting married. They live near Lake Como in Italy. They also own a restaurant called El Gaucho in Milan. Paula is a photographer. The couple has a daughter, Sol (born in 2005), and two sons, Ignacio (born in 2008) and Tomás (born in 2012).

Zanetti's mother, Violeta Bonazzola, passed away from a heart attack hours after Inter won the 2011 Coppa Italia final. He has written two books about his life: Capitano e gentiluomo in 2010 and Giocare da uomo in 2013.

Zanetti is a devoted Catholic. After the election of fellow Argentine Pope Francis in 2013, Zanetti was invited to the Vatican to meet him. He said he was thrilled for all Argentines and that the Pope was very humble and close to the people.

Zanetti is a close friend of Dutch footballer Wesley Sneijder. He inspired Sneijder to become a Catholic.

Zanetti's older brother Sergio is also a former football defender. Javier Zanetti is not related to Cristiano Zanetti, an Italian player who played alongside him at Inter for five seasons.

In 2007, Zanetti worked with Italian singer Mina on a Spanish version of the song "Parole parole". This song is on her album Todavía.

Charity Work

Zanetti in 2011

Zanetti is a FIFA ambassador for the SOS Children's Villages project in Argentina. He has also supported the Mexican Zapatista rebels.

Fundación PUPI

Zanetti has also shown great care for society. After Argentina's economic crisis in 2001, which left many people in poverty, Zanetti and his wife Paula created the Fundación PUPI. This foundation in Argentina helps poor children. Its goal is to help children affected by the country's economic problems. It gives them chances for education and makes sure they have enough food. He explained:

When I look back to my childhood, many concrete scenes come to my mind, good ones and bad ones. I had a difficult childhood, and even though I don't live in my country at present, I'm well aware of what's going on there and the devastating effect it's having on our poorest children. I've always believed that our public actions need to take account of our social responsibility,

Zanetti, along with his friend Esteban Cambiasso, started this charity. It helps coach young children who have social problems or difficulties with movement. Zanetti said that this idea is behind all of Inter's projects for young people.

Media Appearances

Francesco Ippolito and Javier Zanetti at the presentation of the book Le maglie dell'Inter in 2023

In 2015, Zanetti was the subject of a documentary film called Zanetti Story.

Zanetti is featured in EA Sports' FIFA football video game series. He was included in the Ultimate Team Legends in FIFA 16.

In 2023, Zanetti wrote the introduction for the official Inter book Le maglie dell'Inter. This book, written by Francesco Ippolito, is a collection of all the jerseys worn throughout Inter Milan's history since 1908.

Honours and Awards

Inter Milan

• Serie A: 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10
• Coppa Italia: 2004–05, 2005–06, 2009–10, 2010–11
• Supercoppa Italiana: 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010
• UEFA Champions League: 2009–10
• UEFA Cup: 1997–98
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2010

Argentina

• Pan American Games Gold Medal: 1995
• Olympic Games Silver Medal: 1996

Individual Awards

• FIFA 100 (list of the greatest living footballers)
• Pirata d'Oro (Inter Milan Player of the Year): 1996
• Pallone d'Argento: 2002
• Copa América Team of the Tournament: 2004, 2007
• Premio Nazionale Carriera Esemplare "Gaetano Scirea": 2010
• Golden Foot: 2011, as a Football Legend
• Premio Internazionale Giacinto Facchetti: 2012
• Gran Galà del Calcio AIC Loyalty Award: 2012
• Number 4 Retired by Inter Milan
• Premio Gentleman Platinum Career Award: 2014
• AFA Team of All Time (Published 2015)
• Globe Soccer Player Career Award: 2016
• Inter Milan Hall of Fame: 2018
• Italian Football Hall of Fame: 2018
• IFFHS Argentina All Times Dream Team: 2021

Images for kids

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  Zanetti with Inter Milan in 2009

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  Zanetti training with Inter Milan in 2009

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  Zanetti playing for Inter in 2009

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  Javier Zanetti in action against Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo during a friendly match in Geneva, Switzerland, in 2011.

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  Zanetti during the friendly match against Portugal in 2011

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  Zanetti shaking hands with Sergei Ignashevich before a Champions League match against CSKA Moscow in 2011

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  Zanetti making a tackle in an international friendly against Russia in 2009

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  Zanetti in 2011

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  Francesco Ippolito and Javier Zanetti at the presentation of the book Le maglie dell'Inter in 2023

See also

In Spanish: Javier Zanetti para niños