Sports Nicknames - Il Divino Codino

Roberto Baggio is a name familiar to football fans all over Europe, with the Italian attacker becoming renowned for his skillful play and lethal finishing. However, he's also known for the ponytail hairstyle that he wore throughout his career. On account of this haircut, he got the nickname Il Divino Codino or "The Divine Ponytail".



Roberto Baggio was not a player who stayed at a club for a long time, moving between 7 different Italian clubs throughout his career. But wherever he went, goals followed. Fiorentina was the first club that he gained real success with, even after an ACL injury keeping him out of the first season he was with the club. He helped the club to a UEFA Cup Final, before losing to Juventus.

He would transfer to the Turin club in 1990, where he would find his greatest success, playing as a second striker or attacking midfielder. He won Serie A, a Coppa Italia and a UEFA Cup, as well as winning a Ballon d'Or in 1993. In 1995, he transferred to AC Milan, helping the club to another Serie A title. The final years of his career were spent between Bologna, Inter Milan and Brescia.

Baggio also made his name with the Italian national team, helping them to 3rd place in the 1990 World Cup. Baggio also has the misfortune of having his name attached to the infamous penalty miss in the 1994 World Cup final against Brazil, losing the shootout. He took part in the 1998 World Cup, but nothing of note came from it.

Roberto Baggio is considered by many to be one of the best Italian players ever, having scored 318 goals in all competitions, making him the 5th highest scoring Italian ever. However, that looming penalty miss and consistent knee injuries have always left people wondering if he could have done even more.

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