10 Greatest Players in Serie A History [Ranked]

Once upon a time, in the 90s and 00s, playing in Italy was the dream of every footballer. AC Milan, featuring some of the nation's finest talents, was a powerhouse in the Champions League, while clubs like Juventus, Inter Milan, and AS Roma had reached superstar status.

Although the Premier League, Bundesliga, and La Liga have since eclipsed Serie A in popularity, the wealth of talent that has graced Italian football over the years remains remarkable.

From iconic forwards to elegant midfielders and the coolest defenders, while Italian football has often emphasized defensive prowess, it has also produced a wealth of talent in attacking positions. This leads us to a list of the top 10 players in Serie A history.

Ranking Factors

• Number of Serie A titles
• Goals + assists (for forwards)
• Longevity in the Italian top flight
• Memorable performances/seasons
• Clean sheets (defenders + goalkeepers)
• Individual awards

1. Paolo Maldini

AC Milan

Your favorite defender’s favorite defender, Paolo Maldini dedicated his entire club career to Serie A giants AC Milan. With 647 league appearances, he makes a compelling case for being the greatest defender to ever grace the pitch.

Composed, versatile, and intelligent, Maldini epitomized the archetypal Italian defender, winning numerous trophies with the Rossoneri, including seven Serie A titles and five European Cups. Born in Milan, he is a true club legend, setting the standard for what a central defender should be for generations to come.

To appreciate his impact on the red side of Milan, it's worth noting that the club retired the number three jersey in his honor when he sadly retired in 2009 at the age of 41.

2. Diego Maradona

Napoli

While Diego Maradona may not have the highest number of Serie A appearances, he more than compensates for it with his superstardom and the immense attention he brought to Italian football. Despite his diminutive stature, his ability to weave through defenders was mesmerizing, showcasing the joy and artistry of the beautiful game and providing fans with moments to remember.

During his eight-year spell at Napoli, Maradona played just 187 Serie A matches, yet he scored 81 goals and provided 48 assists, helping the club secure two league titles in the 1986/87 and 1989/90 seasons. However, much of his most memorable impact was intangible, as he left defenders in his wake, demonstrating an abundance of extraordinary talent that redefined the role of the playmaker.

3. Gianluigi Buffon

Juventus and Parma Calcio 1913

When it comes to naming the greatest goalkeeper in modern football, most fans from around the world would likely point to Gianluigi Buffon. With an impressive 657 appearances in Serie A, the Carrara-born legend embodies Italian football. Often regarded as the greatest goalkeeper of all time, the formidable presence of the ten-time Scudetto winner was truly intimidating.

Buffon began his illustrious career with Parma in 1995 and is often considered one of the finest players to never win the Champions League. However, his impressive trophy haul—both individually and collectively—cements his legacy as one of the all-time greats. Without Buffon, it’s hard to say where the art of goalkeeping would stand today.

4. Marco van Basten

AC Milan

Had it not been for his injury, Marco van Basten likely would have finished his playing career as one of the greatest players of all time. The Dutch striker was a true natural in front of goal, earning the Ballon d'Or three times during his illustrious career (1988, 1989, 1992). He also claimed three European Cup titles with AC Milan and won the UEFA Euro 1988 with the Netherlands.

It's impossible to say how much more the brilliant frontman could have achieved had he not been forced to retire at just 28. Nevertheless, fans continue to look back fondly on his legacy as one of the most prolific scorers the game has ever seen.

5. Zinedine Zidane

Juventus

Juventus has been home to some of the most influential footballers in history, but few can match the impact of Zinedine Zidane. The enigmatic Frenchman, a former World Cup winner, is widely regarded as one of the most cultured players ever to grace the game. While he reached superstar status after joining Real Madrid as a Galactico, many of his most memorable moments came during his time with Juventus.

Affectionately known as Zizou, he blended grace with tenacity, creating a captivating style of play that was a delight to watch, especially as he dominated the midfield. There was nothing more exhilarating than witnessing Zidane glide through opposing defenses, effortlessly brushing off challenges. And let's not forget his signature pirouette—an iconic move that alone earns him a place on this list.

6. Andrea Pirlo

AC Milan and Juventus

Few players, past or present, can match Andrea Pirlo's extraordinary passing ability. With the skill to switch the ball 50 yards and land it perfectly, he was a true menace to opponents. Recognized as one of the greatest deep-lying playmakers in history, Pirlo controlled the game with an effortless elegance that made everything seem easy.

Give him space, and he would effortlessly deliver a pinpoint cross-field pass. Apply pressure, and he'd respond with a clever, deft maneuver to slip the ball past you. His immense talent played a crucial role in AC Milan’s success during his tenure, helping the club reach three Champions League finals in just five years. As a result, Pirlo's legendary name is forever enshrined in the club's prestigious Hall of Fame.

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7. Francesco Totti

AS Roma

In an era where one-club players are becoming increasingly rare, Francesco Totti stands out as one of the finest to ever embrace this loyalty. Forever etched in the lore of AS Roma and Serie A, Totti dedicated his entire career to the Italian capital. He made his debut in 1993, and 24 years later, he retired as the second-highest goalscorer in the top division's history, with an impressive 250 goals to his name.

Despite attracting interest from numerous clubs throughout his career, Totti remained true to his roots, leading Roma to a Serie A title in the 2000-01 season and securing Coppa Italia victories in consecutive years from 2006 to 2008. His remarkable ability to inspire and elevate his team to greatness is a testament to his legacy. Truly, they don't make players like Totti anymore.

8. Franco Baresi

AC Milan

Before the legendary duo of Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Nesta took their places in AC Milan's defense, Franco Baresi was already setting the standard for future generations. A key figure in the club's iconic Gli Invincibili side, Baresi's influence on the pitch was immense.

Standing at just 5ft 9in, he often proved more than a match for towering center forwards, relying on his exceptional intelligence and tactical awareness rather than brute strength. Nicknamed "Kaiser Franz" for his similarities to the great Franz Beckenbauer, Baresi embodied everything that AC Milan represented. His legacy was further solidified when he became the first inductee into the club's prestigious Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to his remarkable career.

9. Alessandro Del Piero

Juventus

Eternal Juventus captain Alessandro Del Piero, affectionately known as Pinturicchio for his playing style reminiscent of Roberto Baggio, is a true icon of Turin. During his remarkable 705 appearances for the Old Lady, he found the back of the net 290 times, solidifying his status as a living embodiment of football passion.

Del Piero's impact extends beyond Juventus; he is a celebrated figure in Italian football as a whole. His impressive goal-scoring record speaks volumes about his brilliance on the pitch. The legendary partnership he forged with David Trezeguet will always be remembered as one of the finest in football history.

10. Javier Zanetti

Inter Milan

If you were to look up longevity in the dictionary, the name Javier Zanetti would surely be there. A paragon of loyalty, Zanetti dedicated his career to Inter Milan, much like Francesco Totti did for Roma. The versatile Argentine, capable of playing both full-back and central midfield, made an impressive 615 appearances in the Italian top flight throughout his tenure at San Siro.

Affectionately nicknamed El Tractor for his remarkable stamina and tireless runs down the flanks, Zanetti's disciplinary record is equally commendable. Over his 22-year career, he received just two red cards. Widely regarded as one of the best Argentines to ever grace the game, Zanetti helped secure five Serie A titles and left an indelible mark on Italian football as a true legend.