Giovanni Rivera remains the oldest living recipient of the Ballon d'Or, an accolade granted in 1969 for his contributions as an attacking midfielder. Born in 1943 in Alessandria, Italy, he carved a career in association football that eventually pivoted toward a multi-term tenure in the Italian government and European parliamentary service.
Early Professional Development
Rivera began his formal football path with his hometown club, Alessandria. He reached the senior side in 1959 and made his league debut against Internazionale at fifteen years of age. His performance quickly caught the attention of AC Milan. Despite initial concerns regarding his physique, he transferred to Milan, where he ultimately secured three Serie A titles, four Coppa Italia titles, and two European Cups during his tenure.
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Between 1962 and 1974, he represented Italy on the international stage sixty times, scoring fourteen goals. His participation spanned four World Cup tournaments, including 1962, 1966, 1970, and 1974. He played a decisive role in the 1970 World Cup semi-final against West Germany, contributing the winning goal in an extra-time victory. Additionally, he was part of the squad that achieved a fourth-place finish at the 1960 Summer Olympics held in Rome.
Political Transition
Upon retiring from professional football in 1979, Rivera shifted his focus toward public service. He entered the political arena in 1987, serving multiple terms as a member of the Chamber of Deputies of the Italian Republic across the years 1987 to 1992, 1992 to 1994, 1994 to 1996, and 1996 to 2001. Subsequently, he represented his country as a member of the European Parliament between 2005 and 2009, with his duties requiring presence in Rome, Brussels, and Strasbourg.
Recognition and Later Roles
His status in sporting history was reaffirmed when he was inducted into Italy's sports Walk of Fame in 2015. In 2013, the FIGC appointed him president of the educational youth sector for the Italy national team, working alongside Roberto Baggio and Arrigo Sacchi. He was also honored by the UEFA President's Award in 2011 for his professional contributions.
Fast facts
- Born: 1943, Alessandria, Italy
- Primary Occupation: Football player and politician
- Ballon d'Or: Recipient
- Member of the European Parliament: 2005–2009
- Chamber of Deputies service periods: 1987–1992, 1992–1994, 1994–1996, 1996–2001
- UEFA President's Award: 2011
- Language: Italian
Questions readers ask
What clubs did Gianni Rivera play for?
He played for Alessandria and AC Milan.
Was he involved in the European Parliament?
Yes, he served as a member of the European Parliament from 2005 to 2009.
Achievements
- Ballon d'Or
- Worked as association football player and politician