A legendary Italian midfielder and coach, celebrated for his iconic goal celebration at the 1982 World Cup, leading Italy to victory.
Marco Tardelli, a name synonymous with Italian football, is renowned for his exceptional skills on the pitch, earning him a reputation as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation. His unforgettable goal celebration in the 1982 World Cup final, where he ran away shouting "Gol! Gol!" with tears streaming down his face, has become an iconic moment in World Cup history.
Born on September 24, 1954, in Italy, Tardelli began his professional football career with Pisa in 1972. He later played for Como, Juventus, and Internazionale, before retiring with Swiss club St. Gallen in 1987. His most successful stint was with Juventus, where he won five league titles, multiple Coppa Italia titles, and four major UEFA competitions, including the European Cup, Cup Winners' Cup, UEFA Cup, and UEFA Super Cup.
Tardelli represented Italy in three FIFA World Cups (1978, 1982, and 1986), winning the 1982 edition of the tournament. He also participated in UEFA Euro 1980, where Italy finished fourth on home soil, and was named to the team of the tournament. Tardelli's energetic and hard-tackling yet technically skillful playing style made him an invaluable asset to the Italian national team.
After retiring from active football, Tardelli transitioned into coaching, initially working with the Italy U16 side. He later served as an assistant manager to Cesare Maldini for the U21 side and subsequently led several clubs in Italy. In 2000, he guided the Italy national under-21 football team to victory in the UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship. In 2004, Tardelli was named 37th in the UEFA Golden Jubilee Poll, and in 2015, he was inducted into the Italian Football Hall of Fame.
Tardelli's iconic goal celebration in the 1982 World Cup final has become an integral part of football folklore. This moment not only showcased his exceptional skill but also demonstrated his passionate and emotional approach to the game. Throughout his career, Tardelli has been recognized for his contributions to Italian football, solidifying his place as one of the country's greatest midfielders.
Tardelli's success on the pitch and his dedication to the sport have inspired generations of football enthusiasts. His achievements have contributed to the growth and popularity of Italian football, making him an iconic figure in the sport. His legacy continues to influence modern football, with many players drawing inspiration from his playing style and work ethic.
In the context of Italian football history, Tardelli's achievements are unparalleled. He is one of the few players to have won all three major UEFA club competitions, and his success with the Italian national team has cemented his place as one of the country's greatest midfielders. Tardelli's legacy extends beyond his playing career, as he has contributed significantly to the development of Italian football through his managerial and coaching roles.
48 Years Old
Legendary Italian goalkeeper with a record-breaking career, known for his incredible reflexes and leadership on the pitch.
51 Years Old
Italian football legend and iconic striker, known for his exceptional skills, vision, and goal-scoring ability, leading Juventus to numerous titles and winning the 2006 World Cup with Italy.
46 Years Old
A highly skilled and creative midfielder, renowned for his exceptional vision, passing range, and free-kick expertise, leading Italy to World Cup victory in 2006.
49 Years Old
A legendary Italian forward who won the World Cup with Italy in 2006 and is the all-time leading scorer for Roma, his boyhood club.
61 Years Old
Former Italian striker and Chelsea FC manager, known for his charismatic leadership and attacking flair on the pitch. He led Chelsea to several domestic and international titles, including the League Cup and UEFA Cup Winners' Cup.
59 Years Old
Italian football legend and Ballon d'Or winner, known for his exceptional dribbling skills, vision, and goalscoring ability, leading Italy to the 1994 World Cup final.
57 Years Old
Legendary defender who won five European Cups and seven Italian league titles with AC Milan, earning a reputation as one of the greatest defenders in football history.
65 Years Old
Legendary defender and captain of AC Milan, known for his tireless work rate, vision, and leadership on the pitch. He won numerous titles, including three European Cups.
