Giovanni "Gianni" Rivera is an Italian politician and former footballer who played as a midfielder. During his career as a footballer he was mostly utilised as an attacking midfielder. Dubbed Italy's "Golden Boy" by the media, he played the majority of his club career with Italian side A.C. Milan, after beginning his career with hometown club Alessandria in 1959. After joining Milan in 1960, he enjoyed a highly successful career in domestic and European football, winning three Serie A titles and two European Cups, among several other trophies, and also serving as the team's captain for twelve seasons. At international level, he represented Italy 60 times between 1962 and 1974, scoring 14 goals, and took part at four World Cups. Rivera is widely remembered for scoring the decisive goal in Italy's 4–3 extra-time win over West Germany in the semi-final of the 1970 World Cup, leading the team to final, only to suffer a 4–1 defeat against Brazil, however.
Born: | August 18, 1943, Alessandria, Italy |
Political party: | Democratic Centre (since 2013), The Daisy (2002–2007), The Democrats (1999–2002), Segni Pact (1994–1996), Christian Democracy, (before 1994) |
Height: | 5 ft 9 in |
Occupation: | Footballer (retired), Politician |
About Gianni Rivera
Italian midfielder who starred for AC Milan from 1960 to 1979, scoring 122 goals in 501 appearances. He was a member of the Italian national team from 1962 to 1975.
Before Fame
He tried out for his hometown team at age 13 by putting on a display of tricks that attracted a crowd.
Achievement
He earned three Serie A titles, four Coppa Italias, and the European Championship during his career.
Family Life
He grew up in Alessandria, Italy.
Associations
He was appointed the international ambassador of Italian football along with another great former footballer, Roberto Baggio.
Information related to Gianni Rivera
- The Democrats (Italy) politicians
- Democratic Party (Italy) MEPs
- Democracy is Freedom – The Daisy politicians
- UEFA Euro 1968 players
- FIFA 100
- Olympic footballers of Italy
- Footballers at the 1960 Summer Olympics
- U.S. Alessandria Calcio 1912 players
- Christian Democracy (Italy) politicians
- UEFA European Championship-winning players
- 21st-century Italian politicians
- 20th-century Italian politicians