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Roberto Baggio

~Il Divin Codino

Feb 18' 1967

Nationality
Italy

The Exhilarating Story...

Roberto Baggio was born on 18 February 1967 in Caldogno, a small town in northern Italy. Raised in a humble family of eight children, Baggio’s parents, Matilde and Fiorindo Baggio, supported their son’s passion for football from an early age. His father, a keen amateur footballer himself, noticed Roberto’s talent and dedication even before he turned ten. But none of them could foresee the rollercoaster path that awaited him. At the age of 18, while playing for Vicenza, Baggio suffered a devastating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury—an injury so severe that doctors initially believed he might never walk again, let alone play professional football. The year was 1985, and sports medicine wasn’t nearly as advanced. He underwent two major surgeries and had 220 stitches in his knee. But Baggio refused to let his dream die. This is where his incredible resilience started to shine. As part of his recovery, Baggio turned to Buddhism, which helped him not only deal with the physical pain but also the emotional turmoil of being sidelined just as his career was taking off. His mental strength became his greatest weapon. Coaches, doctors, and spiritual guides supported his return, but it was Baggio’s unyielding spirit that drove the comeback. Despite lingering injuries throughout his career, Baggio continued to excel, eventually joining Fiorentina, where he became a cult hero. He later played for Juventus, AC Milan, and Inter Milan, among others. But his crowning achievement—and heartbreak—came during the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Baggio carried Italy to the final, scoring five crucial goals. But in the final against Brazil, he missed the decisive penalty in the shootout. That moment could’ve broken anyone. But Baggio took it with grace, saying, “Only those who have the courage to take a penalty miss them.” Baggio’s humility and integrity won him admiration worldwide. He didn't seek excuses. Instead, he kept playing, inspiring teammates and fans. In 2004, Pelé included Baggio in FIFA's list of the 125 Greatest Living Footballers, recognizing his immense impact on the game. What sets him apart isn't just skill—it's his character, forged through pain. Throughout his journey, Baggio credited several figures for shaping his resilience—his father, who instilled discipline; his coaches, who believed in him despite the odds; and his Buddhist mentor, who taught him to find inner peace. These supporters didn’t shield him from struggle—they helped him navigate through it. After retiring in 2004, Baggio stayed largely out of the limelight, embracing a quiet life with his wife Andreina Fabbi and their children. He briefly served as head of Italy's technical sector but preferred the simplicity of country life, often seen tending to his farm or supporting local youth projects. In recent years, he’s become a symbol of silent leadership—a reminder that greatness doesn’t always need a spotlight. In 2023, Roberto Baggio featured in Netflix's Italian biopic “Il Divin Codino” (The Divine Ponytail), rekindling global admiration for his incredible journey. The film brought new fans into the fold and reminded older ones why Baggio remains a timeless figure in world football. Roberto Baggio's story is not just about goals, trophies, or missed penalties—it's about enduring faith, discipline, and humility. It’s a message to every young athlete: setbacks don’t define you, your response does.

Football, for me, is an infinite passion that will always be around.

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Career

Last updated: May 09' 2025
Club

Vicenza

  • Career: 1982–1985
  • Appearances: 36
  • Goals: 13
Club

Fiorentina

  • Career: 1985–1990
  • Appearances: 94
  • Goals: 39
Club

Juventus

  • Career: 1990–1995
  • Appearances: 141
  • Goals: 78
Club

AC Milan

  • Career: 1995–1997
  • Appearances: 51
  • Goals: 12
Club

Bologna

  • Career: 1997–1998
  • Appearances: 30
  • Goals: 22
Club

Inter Milan

  • Career: 1998–2000
  • Appearances: 41
  • Goals: 9
Club

Brescia

  • Career: 2000–2004
  • Appearances: 95
  • Goals: 45
Club

Italy Football Team

  • Career: 1988–2004
  • Appearances: 56
  • Goals: 27

Achievements

Juventus

  • 1× Serie A
  • 1× Coppa Italia
  • 1× UEFA Cup

AC Milan

  • 1× Serie A

Italy

  • 1× FIFA World Cup runner-up
  • 1× FIFA World Cup third place

Individual

  • 2× Guerin d'Oro (including Serie C best player)
  • 1× Bravo Award
  • 1× UEFA Cup Winners' Cup Top Scorer (9 goals)
  • 1× World Soccer World Player of the Year
  • 1× Ballon d'Or
  • 2× Ballon d'Or placements (2nd, 8th)
  • 1× FIFA World Player of the Year
  • 2× FIFA World Player of the Year placements (3rd, 5th)
  • 1× Onze d'Or
  • 1× Onze de Bronze
  • 1× Onze d'Argent
  • 3× Onze de Onze Team of the Year
  • 1× FIFA World Cup Silver Ball
  • 1× FIFA World Cup All-Star Team
  • 1× Don Balón Award
  • 1× Super Onze d'Or (4th place)
  • 1× Serie A Top Assist Provider (12 assists)
  • 1× Premio Nazionale Carriera Esemplare "Gaetano Scirea"
  • 1× Gran Galà del Calcio 'Best Football Book' Award
  • 1× Gran Galà del Calcio 'Serie A Most Loved Player'
  • 1× Golden Foot
  • 1× FIFA 100
  • 1× Giuseppe Prisco Award
  • 1× San Siro Gentleman Nazionale Award
  • 1× AC Milan Hall of Fame
  • 1× Man of Peace Award
  • 1× Italian Football Hall of Fame
  • 1× Juventus 50 Club Legends
  • 1× Gentleman di Platino
  • 1× Walk of Fame of Italian Sport
  • 1× IFFHS 48 Football Men's Legend Players

Orders

  • Member of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic – 5th Class / Knight

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