Italy’s greatest ever: ranking the top 10 Italian soccer legends

October 25, 2025 Kris Isaksen

Italy has given the world more than just catenaccio and defensive discipline—it's produced some of the most stylish, graceful, and tactically gifted soccer players of all time. From iconic defenders to elegant playmakers and ruthless strikers, these ten legends represent the very best Italian football has ever offered.

10. Alessandro Del Piero

Alessandro Del Piero was Juventus’ heartbeat for nearly two decades. With 290 goals in 705 games, he delivered time and again—especially in big matches like the 2006 World Cup semifinal. His loyalty to Juve, even through relegation, cemented his legendary status.

9. Dino Zoff

Dino Zoff’s story proves that greatness can come late. Rejected in his youth, he became a Juventus and Italy legend, lifting the 1982 World Cup as captain at age 40. His calm presence and leadership made him one of the most respected goalkeepers in history.

8. Francesco Totti

Francesco Totti was Rome’s golden boy who never left his hometown club. With 786 appearances and 307 goals for Roma, he remains a symbol of loyalty and class. He played a key role in Italy’s 2006 World Cup triumph and is second only to Piola in Serie A goals.

7. Gianni Rivera

Gianni Rivera was the original Italian “fantasista”—a creative genius with unmatched flair. He led AC Milan to European glory and was Italy’s first native Ballon d’Or winner. His coach once said only Rivera could provide quality from minute one to ninety.

6. Andrea Pirlo

Andrea Pirlo made the difficult look easy with his calm, calculated playmaking. He dictated matches with his passing, vision, and dead-ball brilliance, tying for the most free-kick goals in Serie A history. With titles across Milan, Juventus, and the national team, Pirlo was a quiet maestro.

5. Franco Baresi

Franco Baresi was the backbone of AC Milan’s legendary defense in the '80s and '90s. As a sweeper, his tactical awareness and composure on the ball set a new standard for defenders. His battles alongside Maldini and others made Milan nearly unbeatable.

4. Gianluigi Buffon

Gianluigi Buffon redefined goalkeeping with his longevity and consistency. A World Cup winner and ten-time Serie A champion, he retired at 45 as Italy’s most-capped player. Though he never won the Champions League, his legacy between the posts is untouchable.

3. Giuseppe Meazza

Giuseppe Meazza was Italy’s first soccer superstar, dazzling crowds with his flair and goal-scoring instincts. He won two World Cups with the Azzurri and remains Inter Milan's all-time leading scorer. The San Siro stadium is named in his honor—a testament to his enduring legacy.

2. Roberto Baggio

Known as “The Divine Ponytail,” Roberto Baggio was all elegance and invention. Winner of the 1993 Ballon d’Or, his creativity, dribbling, and finishing made him a generational talent. Even late in his career, teammates like Pep Guardiola marveled at his genius despite his injuries.

1. Paolo Maldini

Paolo Maldini wasn’t just a defender—he was a footballing icon. With seven Serie A titles and five Champions League trophies, he defined an era of dominance for AC Milan. Known for his positioning and intelligence, Maldini famously said that if he had to make a tackle, he'd already made a mistake.