Roberto Baggio facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Roberto Baggio
OMRI

Baggio in 2013
Personal information
Date of birth	(1967-02-18) 18 February 1967 (age 58)
Place of birth	Caldogno, Italy
Height	1.74 m
Playing position	Forward, attacking midfielder
Youth career
1974–1980	Caldogno
1980–1983	Vicenza
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
1982–1985	Vicenza	36	(13)
1985–1990	Fiorentina	94	(39)
1990–1995	Juventus	141	(78)
1995–1997	AC Milan	51	(12)
1997–1998	Bologna	30	(22)
1998–2000	Inter Milan	41	(9)
2000–2004	Brescia	95	(45)
Total		488	(218)
National team
1984	Italy U16	4	(3)
1988–2004	Italy	56	(27)
Honours Men's Football Representing  Italy FIFA World Cup Runner-up 1994 United States Third 1990 Italy
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Roberto Baggio is a famous Italian former footballer. He was born on February 18, 1967. People often called him a "second striker" or an "attacking midfielder." He was known for his amazing skills, like dribbling, scoring goals, and taking free kicks. Many people think he is one of the greatest football players ever.

In 1993, Baggio was named the FIFA World Player of the Year and won the Ballon d'Or, which are huge awards in football. In 2004, the legendary player Pelé included Baggio in his list of the world's greatest living players, called the FIFA 100.

Baggio played for the Italian national team in 56 matches. He is one of Italy's top goalscorers. He helped Italy finish third in the 1990 FIFA World Cup. At the 1994 FIFA World Cup, he led Italy all the way to the final match. He won the World Cup Silver Ball award for being the second-best player in that tournament. Baggio is the only Italian player to score in three different World Cups. He holds the record for most goals scored for Italy in World Cup tournaments, with nine goals.

During his career, Baggio scored over 300 goals. He is one of the highest-scoring Italian players ever. In 1990, he moved from Fiorentina to Juventus for a world record transfer fee at the time. He won two Serie A titles, a Coppa Italia, and a UEFA Cup with different Italian clubs. He played for seven different teams: Vicenza, Fiorentina, Juventus, AC Milan, Bologna, Inter Milan, and Brescia.

Baggio is famous for his nickname Il Divin Codino, which means "The Divine Ponytail." This name came from his hairstyle, his incredible talent, and his Buddhist beliefs. He is also known for his work helping others. In 2010, he received the Man of Peace award for his human rights work. In 2011, he was the first footballer to be added to the Italian Football Hall of Fame.

Who is Roberto Baggio?

Roberto Baggio is an Italian football legend. He was known for his amazing skills on the field. He could score goals, pass the ball perfectly, and dribble past defenders with ease. He was a true "fantasista," which means a creative and imaginative player.

Early Life and Start in Football

Roberto Baggio was born in Caldogno, Italy, on February 18, 1967. He was one of eight children. His younger brother, Eddy Baggio, also became a footballer.

Roberto started playing football at a young age. When he was just nine, his hometown team, Caldogno, noticed his talent. By age 11, he had scored 45 goals and made 20 assists in only 26 matches! He even scored six goals in one game. A scout named Antonio Mora saw his skills, and at 13, Baggio joined the Vicenza youth team. He scored 110 goals in 120 matches for them.

Playing for Italian Clubs

Roberto Baggio played for many famous Italian clubs during his career. He left a big mark on each team.

Vicenza: First Steps

Baggio began his professional career with the Vicenza senior team in 1983, when he was 15 years old. He made his Serie C1 debut on June 5, 1983. He scored his first professional goal in 1983 in the Coppa Italia Serie C.

In the 1984–85 season, he scored 12 goals in 29 games. This helped Vicenza get promoted to Serie B, a higher league. His playing style was compared to his idol, Zico. He even won an award called the Guerin d'Oro in 1985 for being the best player in Serie C1.

Towards the end of his time at Vicenza, Baggio suffered a very serious knee injury in May 1985. This happened just before he was supposed to join Fiorentina. Many doctors thought he might not play again. But Fiorentina still believed in him and paid for his surgery. This showed how much they trusted his talent.

Fiorentina: Becoming a Star

Fiorentina bought Baggio in 1985. Even with his injury, he became incredibly popular with the fans. He is still seen as one of the club's best players ever. He finally made his Serie A debut in September 1986.

Baggio had another knee injury soon after, needing many stitches. He missed most of the 1986–87 season. But he came back and scored his first league goal from a free-kick in May 1987. This goal helped Fiorentina avoid being moved down to a lower league.

The 1988–89 season was a big one for Baggio. He scored 15 goals in Serie A, making him one of the top scorers. He also helped Fiorentina get a spot in the UEFA Cup. He and his teammate Stefano Borgonovo formed a great attacking pair, scoring many goals together. Fans loved him, and experts praised his calm play in front of goal.

In the 1989–90 season, Baggio led Fiorentina to the 1990 UEFA Cup Final. They lost to Juventus, which would be his next club. Baggio scored 17 goals in Serie A that season, making him the second-highest scorer. He also won the Bravo Award as the best young player in Europe. For Fiorentina, Baggio scored 55 goals in 136 games.

Juventus: World Record Transfer

In 1990, Baggio was sold to Juventus, one of Fiorentina's biggest rivals. The transfer fee was a world record at the time. This move caused riots in Florence, with many fans upset. Baggio said he was "forced to accept the transfer."

When Juventus played Fiorentina in 1991, Baggio famously refused to take a penalty kick against his old team. He said the Fiorentina goalkeeper knew him too well. When he was substituted, he picked up a Fiorentina scarf, which made Juventus fans angry at first.

In his first season at Juventus, Baggio scored 14 goals and made 12 assists in Serie A. He was also the top scorer in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup with nine goals.

By his second season, Baggio was accepted by Juventus fans. He was seen as the team's leader. He scored 18 goals in Serie A, helping Juventus finish second in the league.

Baggio became the team captain for the 1992–93 season. He had an amazing year, winning his only European club trophy, the UEFA Cup. He scored two goals and assisted another in the final. He scored a personal best of 30 goals in all club games that season. For his incredible performances in 1993, Baggio won both the European Footballer of the Year and the FIFA World Player of the Year awards.

In the 1993–94 season, Baggio continued to shine, scoring 17 goals in Serie A. He was injured in March 1994 but still finished third in the Ballon d'Or award.

The 1994–95 season was tough for Baggio due to injuries. He missed over three months. However, he still helped Juventus win the Serie A title, his first scudetto (league championship) with the club. He also helped them win the Coppa Italia. Juventus also reached the UEFA Cup final again but lost to Parma.

Baggio scored 115 goals in 200 games during his five seasons at Juventus. He is still one of Juventus's top goalscorers of all time.

AC Milan: Winning More Titles

In 1995, Juventus decided to focus on a younger player, Alessandro Del Piero, and sold Baggio to AC Milan. This move caused more protests from Juventus fans.

Despite some early injuries, Baggio helped Milan win the Serie A title in his first season. He scored a key goal against his old team Fiorentina. He finished the season with 10 goals and 12 assists, making him the top assist provider in Serie A. He became one of only six players to win the league title in two years with different teams.

In the 1996–97 season, Baggio had some disagreements with his coaches, which limited his playing time. Milan did not win the league title that year. Baggio scored 19 goals in 67 games for Milan.

Bologna: A Great Comeback

In 1997, Baggio moved to Bologna. He wanted to help the team avoid being relegated and earn a spot in the 1998 FIFA World Cup. He had an amazing season, scoring a personal best of 22 goals in Serie A. He also made 9 assists. Bologna finished eighth, which was a great result. Baggio was the highest-scoring Italian in Serie A that season. His performances helped him get picked for Italy's 1998 World Cup team. At the start of the season, Baggio cut off his famous ponytail, showing a fresh start.

Inter Milan: Challenges and Triumphs

After the 1998 World Cup, Baggio joined his favorite childhood club, Inter Milan. He wanted to play in the UEFA Champions League. He scored a goal and made three assists in his first game for Inter.

However, Baggio faced challenges at Inter. There were many changes in coaches, and he struggled to get regular playing time. He often played out of his usual position. In the 1998–99 season, he scored five league goals and made 10 assists. He also scored four goals in the Champions League, helping Inter reach the quarter-finals.

In the 1999–2000 season, his former Juventus coach, Marcello Lippi, became Inter's new coach. Lippi did not play Baggio much. Despite this, Baggio scored important goals that helped Inter finish fourth in the league. His most famous contribution was scoring two goals against Parma in a play-off match. This win helped Inter qualify for the Champions League.

Brescia: Final Years and Legacy

After two years at Inter, Baggio left and joined Brescia in 2000. He was 33 years old. He wanted to help Brescia avoid relegation and hoped to be called up for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He became the team captain and wore the number 10 shirt.

Despite some injuries, Baggio played very well. In the 2000–01 season, he scored 10 goals and made 10 assists. Brescia had their best Serie A finish since 1946. Baggio won the Guerin d'Oro award for being the best player in the league that season.

In the 2001–02 season, Baggio started strong, scoring eight goals in nine games. But he suffered two serious knee injuries. He recovered quickly and returned for the last three matches of the season. He scored two goals against Fiorentina and another against Bologna, helping Brescia avoid relegation. Even with his great performances, Italy's coach did not pick him for the 2002 World Cup.

Baggio continued to play well. In the 2002–03 season, he scored 12 goals and made 9 assists. He scored his 300th career goal in December 2002.

The 2003–04 season was his last. He scored 12 goals and made 11 assists. On March 14, 2004, he scored his 200th goal in Serie A, becoming the first player in almost 30 years to reach this milestone. He played his final game on May 16, 2004, at the San Siro stadium against AC Milan. The 80,000 fans gave him a standing ovation as he left the field.

Baggio scored 46 goals in 101 games for Brescia. His number 10 shirt was retired by Brescia in his honor. He is considered the club's greatest player ever. Before Baggio, Brescia had never avoided relegation after being promoted to Serie A for over 40 years. With Baggio, they stayed in Serie A for four years.

International Career: World Cup Heroics

Roberto Baggio played 56 matches for the Italian national team and scored 27 goals. This makes him one of Italy's top goalscorers of all time.

Youth Career and Senior Debut

Baggio played four games for the Italy U16 team in 1984, scoring three goals. He made his first appearance for the senior Italian team on November 16, 1988, at age 21. He scored his first goal for Italy on April 22, 1989, from a free-kick against Uruguay.

First World Cup: Italy 1990

Baggio played in his first World Cup in 1990, which was held in Italy. He scored two goals in the tournament. One of these was called the "goal of the tournament" against Czechoslovakia. He dribbled past several players from midfield before scoring. This goal is still remembered as one of the best in World Cup history.

Italy reached the semi-finals but lost to Argentina in a penalty shootout. Baggio scored his penalty in the shootout. In the third-place match against England, Baggio scored Italy's first goal. He also helped his teammate Salvatore Schillaci score a penalty, which helped Schillaci win the Golden Shoe award for top scorer. Italy won the match 2-1 and took home the bronze medal.

Leading Italy: USA 1994 World Cup

Baggio was Italy's top scorer during the qualification for the 1994 World Cup, scoring five goals. He was expected to be one of the biggest stars of the tournament.

After a slow start in the group stage, Baggio became amazing in the knockout rounds. He scored five incredible goals. In the Round of 16, he scored two goals against Nigeria, including the winning goal in extra time.

He scored another winning goal in the quarter-finals against Spain, dribbling past the goalkeeper to score with only three minutes left. In the semi-finals, Baggio scored two more goals against Bulgaria, leading Italy to the World Cup final for the first time in 12 years.

Baggio was not fully fit for the final against Brazil because of a hamstring injury. The match ended 0-0 after extra time. In the penalty shootout, Baggio took Italy's last penalty. But he shot the ball over the crossbar, and Brazil won the title. This was a very sad moment for Baggio and for Italy. He later called it the worst moment of his career.

Despite the penalty miss, Baggio's performances throughout the tournament were incredible. He won the Silver Ball as the second-best player of the tournament. Many people say he almost single-handedly carried Italy to the final.

Final World Cup: France 1998

After some time away from the national team, Baggio was called up for the 1998 World Cup. In Italy's first match against Chile, Baggio scored a penalty kick, becoming the first Italian player to score in three World Cups. This was a very important goal for him after his miss in 1994.

He scored his second goal of the tournament against Austria, helping Italy win 2-1. This goal tied him with Paolo Rossi for most goals by an Italian player in World Cup finals, with nine.

In the quarter-finals against France, Baggio came on as a substitute. The game went to a penalty shootout. Baggio scored his penalty, but France won the shootout, and Italy was eliminated.

Saying Goodbye to the National Team

Baggio was not picked for the 2000 European Championship due to limited playing time and fitness concerns. He was also controversially left out of the 2002 World Cup squad by coach Giovanni Trapattoni, despite public demand.

However, Baggio was given a special international send-off match at age 37. On April 28, 2004, he played in a friendly game against Spain. He wore the number 10 shirt and was captain for part of the match. He received a standing ovation when he was substituted. This was his 56th and final match for Italy.

Baggio is the only Italian player to score in three World Cups. He holds the record for most World Cup goals for Italy, tied with Christian Vieri and Paolo Rossi.

How Baggio Played: His Unique Style

Baggio was known as a fantasista in Italy. This means he was a creative player who could see things on the field that others couldn't. He was excellent at passing, crossing, and setting up goals. He also scored many goals himself, often playing as a "second striker."

He was very good at dribbling the ball, with amazing control and balance. He could beat defenders with quick moves and changes of direction. He was also a specialist at set pieces, like free kicks and penalties. His free kicks were famous for their curve and accuracy. Even though he missed a big penalty in the 1994 World Cup final, he was generally very good at taking them.

Baggio was not the strongest or tallest player, but he was fast and agile. He had a great first touch and could control the ball even at high speed. Many experts and other players praised his technical skills and intelligence on the field.

Baggio's Amazing Legacy

Roberto Baggio is widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time. In 1999, he was ranked 16th in World Soccer's list of the 100 greatest footballers of the 20th century, making him the highest-ranked Italian player. He was also voted Italy's player of the century in 2000.

In 2003, he won the first-ever Golden Foot award, which recognizes a player's ability and personality. He was included in Pelé's FIFA 100 list of the world's greatest living players in 2004. In 2011, he became the first footballer to be inducted into the Italian Football Hall of Fame.

Many football experts and fans continue to praise Baggio's unique talent and impact on the game. He is remembered for his incredible skill, his memorable goals, and his leadership on the field.

Key Records and Stats

• Baggio played in 16 World Cup matches for Italy.
• He is the joint-highest Italian goalscorer in the World Cup, with nine goals.
• He is the only Italian player to score in three different World Cups (1990, 1994, and 1998).
• He scored 108 out of 127 penalties in official matches, making him one of the best penalty takers in Italian football history.
• He is the seventh all-time highest scorer in Serie A, with 205 goals.
• He is the second-highest assist provider of all time in Serie A, behind only Francesco Totti.
• He is the fourth-highest scoring Italian in all competitions, with 318 professional career goals.

Life After Football

After retiring from playing, Baggio continued to be involved in football. In August 2010, he became the president of the technical sector of the Italian Football Federation. This role involved helping to improve Italian football. However, he stepped down in 2013, saying his ideas for focusing on youth talent were not being used.

Baggio also earned his coaching licenses. In 2012, he received his highest coaching license, which allows him to coach a professional Serie A club.

Beyond the Pitch: Personal Life and Charity

After a serious injury in 1985, Baggio, who was raised Catholic, became a Buddhist. He is a member of the Soka Gakkai International Buddhist organization. His captain's armband often had the colors of this religious group. He married his long-time girlfriend, Andreina Fabbi, in 1989. They have three children: Valentina, Mattia, and Leonardo.

In 2001, Baggio wrote his autobiography called Una porta nel cielo ("A Door in the Sky"). It shared details about his life, career, and beliefs. The book won an award for best football book in 2002.

Baggio is also known for his charity work. In 2002, he became a FAO Goodwill Ambassador for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Through this role, he helped fund hospitals, raise money for earthquake victims, and support democracy movements. In 2010, he received the Man of Peace award from Nobel Peace Prize winners for his work in human rights and peace.

He has participated in many charity matches to raise money for good causes, including research for diseases like ALS.

See also

In Spanish: Roberto Baggio para niños