Gianni Rivera

Who is Gianni Rivera?

Giovanni Rivera is an Italian former football midfielder, mostly as an offensive playmaker, who was awarded the Ballon d'Or, one of the most prestigious individual awards in football, in 1969. He played the majority of his career with Serie A side A.C. Milan. Internationally, he represented Italy, 60 times scoring 14 goals, at four World Cups as well as being part of the first Italian side to win the European Football Championship in 1968.

An elegant and efficient playmaker, mostly known for his dribbling skills and vision. Rivera was a hugely respected footballer, this was demonstrated with finishing runners up for the Ballon Do'r in 1963, and eventually winning the honor in 1969.

After retiring from football, Rivera has gone into politics and currently is a Member of the European Parliament for the Uniti nell'Ulivo party. He has been appointed as the President of the educational youth sector by the FIGC for the Italy national football team, along with Roberto Baggio and Arrigo Sacchi under head coach Cesare Prandelli.