The most loyal captain in Italian football history — Javier Zanetti made 858 appearances for Inter Milan across 19 seasons, more than any other player in the club's history, and remained a consistently excellent right back and defensive midfielder into his late thirties. An Olympic gold medallist with Argentina in 1996, 143 internationals for his country and the Champions League title in 2010 under José Mourinho completed a collection of achievements that made him one of the most decorated full-backs in football history. Inter's vice-president since retirement, his bond with the club and its supporters represents one of the sport's most enduring individual-institution relationships
Football at the highest level rewards technical mastery, physical conditioning and the mental fortitude to perform consistently across a long and unrelenting career. Career highlights included Serie A 5x, Champions League 2010, Treble 2010. Javier embodied the kind of complete athlete that football produces only rarely — technically accomplished, physically prepared and mentally equipped for the full demands of elite competition. Few athletes in football have combined consistency and peak performance as effectively, and across such an extended period, as Javier managed throughout his career. Competing at the highest level in football over an extended period demands outstanding physical gifts and the mental resilience to overcome setbacks — something Javier Zanetti demonstrated consistently throughout. The dedication required to perform consistently in football at international level defined every aspect of Javier Zanetti's approach to the sport.
Serie A 5x
Career Honours
- Serie A 5x
- Champions League 2010
- Treble 2010
- 143 Argentina caps