It is not surprising that the Italian footballer Roberto Baggio is regarded as one of the finest players in the history of the beautiful game, given his record during a career that spanned nearly two decades at the highest level. Roberto Baggio began his professional career while still in his early teens, and by the time he was 18 he was playing for Fiorentina, one of the largest Italian organizations based in Florence. Baggio became one of the most sought-after players early in his career due to the abilities he brought to the table; consequently, he went on to play for the most prestigious Italian clubs, including Juventus, AC Milan, and Inter Milan. On the other hand, Baggio represented Italy in three consecutive World Cup tournaments from 1990 to 1998, and he was instrumental in leading Italy to the World Cup final in 1994. Baggio was named to the 2002 FIFA World Cup Dream Team, the 2004 FIFA 100 list of the world’s finest living players, and the 2011 Italian Football Hall of Fame.
Youth and Early Life
Roberto Baggio was born in Caldogno, Veneto, Italy on February 18, 1967, to Florindo Baggio and Matilde Maggio. He was the sixth of the family’s eight offspring. Early on, Roberto Baggio’s exceptional football abilities as a player were acknowledged. Baggio was taken up by his local club Caldogno’s youth team when he was only nine years old, and in less than two years he established himself as a prodigious talent who could score many goals.
He was purchased by Vicenza for £300 when he was 13 years old, and he rapidly rose through the ranks to become a member of the main squad in 1983. During the next two years, Baggio displayed enough aptitude as a forward to attract the attention of the top Italian clubs.
Roberto Baggio’s Career
Fiorentina, a club based in Florence, indicated an interest in acquiring Robert Baggio after his exploits in the lower division. Despite suffering a career-threatening injury, the club paid his medical bills and completed the transfer for £1.5 million in 1985. Baggio went on to play for Fiorentina for five years, tallying 39 goals in 94 matches and becoming a club legend.
In 1990, two years after Roberto Baggio made his international debut for Italy, Juventus, one of Italy’s most prestigious clubs, paid a then-record £8 million to acquire him. Due to the wrath of Fiorentina supporters, riots broke out in Florence following the transfer.
Roberto Baggio played for Juventus for five seasons and scored 115 goals in 200 total appearances. During his tenure with the club, Baggio contributed to their 1993 UEFA Cup victory. Robert Baggio made his World Cup debut for Italy in 1990, and despite not being a regular starter, he astonished everyone by scoring two goals, one of which was a magnificent goal against Czechoslovakia.
Baggio was Italy’s greatest star at the 1994 World Cup in the United States, where he scored five goals and led his team to the final. He missed the decisive penalty in the penalty shootout that led to Italy’s loss to Brazil in the championship match.
Roberto Baggio transferred to AC Milan for £6.8 million in 1995 after falling out with the Juventus hierarchy. At Milan, Baggio scored 12 goals over the course of two seasons, and although Milan won the Seria A title immediately after his arrival, he did not appear to possess the same dynamism as he had at Juventus. Roberto Baggio’s transfer to Bologna FC in 1997 proved to be a wise decision, as he tallied 22 league goals and saved the club from relegation.
After a disappointing 1998 World Cup campaign, Roberto Baggio transferred to Inter Milan, where he was plagued by ailments and saw his role in the starting eleven drastically reduced by Marcelo Lippi’s hiring. Roberto Baggio moved to Brescia in the year 2000, and he was an integral part of the club during his four-year tenure there, netting crucial goals and assisting other teammates in scoring goals. Baggio scored 45 goals for Brescia during his tenure with the club, and until his retirement in 2004, Brescia outperformed its potential.
Awards & Achievements
He earned the FIFA World Player of the Year and European Footballer of the Year awards in 1993. He ranked fourth in the FIFA Player of the Century internet poll in 1994. He was nominated to the FIFA World Cup Dream Team in 2002. Pele included him on the FIFA 100 list of the world’s finest living players in 2004.
Personal History and Legacy
Robert Baggio and Adreina Fabbi tied the knot in 1989 after a lengthy courtship. The couple has three children: Valentina, Matteo, and Leonardo. Baggio was born a Catholic, but he converted to Buddhism in 1985 after recuperating from an injury that threatened to end his football career.
Estimated Net Worth
Roberto Baggio is an Italian former professional soccer player with a $15 million net worth. In February 1967, Roberto Baggio was born in Caldogno, Italy. In 1982, he began his professional career with Vicenza as a second striker and attacking midfielder. He was voted fourth in the FIFA Player of the Century internet election and was selected to the FIFA World Cup Dream Team.