Gianni Rivera: Milan (1960 – 1979)
Signed as a 17-year old by Milan for a then world record fee, Italy’s pre-Baggio Baggio, Gianni Rivera, went on to make more than 500 appearances for the club, thus becoming its – and Italian football’s – ‘Golden Boy’.
The midfield fantasista was an extraordinary talent for Milan, winning many trophies both domestically and in Europe. Indeed, he helped the now European giants to their first ever European Cup final win in 1963 – then repeated the feat in 1969. He scored 122 times for Milan and probably created double that amount during his 19 year stint at the San Siro.
At international level, he may have achieved greater things had he not had to share the number 10 role with one man – the final player on this list…
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