Javier Zanetti is one of the most legendary defensive footballers in the history of the sport. He spent the entirety of his trophy-laden career in Europe at Inter Milan between 1995 and 2014, making 858 appearances for the Italian giants.
He won Serie A on five seperate occasions, but his career’s crowning moment perhaps came in 2010 as he lifted the Champions League trophy as Inter’s captain.
Having reached the pinnacle of club football, Zanetti has come up against some brilliant players in his time. Recalling the best he ever saw in the Champions League, the Argentine listed his personal top five for the BBC.
Ronaldo Nazario
Brazil
Zanetti started with his number one, Ronaldo Nazario. The pair played together at Inter, although the iconic Brazilian somehow never got his hands on the trophy. Regardless, his former teammate was still full of praise:
“Number one, the Brazilian Ronaldo. I had him as a teammate, and it was incredible. Then I faced him in club and national games, and we’re talking about one of the greatest players in history.”
Lionel Messi
Argentina
As an Argentine, it would also be conspicuous if Zanetti were to snub Lionel Messi from his list. The Barcelona legend won the competition four times and also captained his nation to glory at the 2022 World Cup. Interestingly enough, long-term adversary Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t make the list. Zanetti nailed his colours to the mast on the particular debate, saying:
“Messi, my national teammate and opponent in a lot of games. The best players in the world over the last few years.”
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Ryan Giggs
Wales
Zanetti named just one British star on his list, selecting Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs. The Welshman won the competition twice with the Red Devils. He also faced the Inter fullback on four occasions, winning and drawing twice, while never losing and getting one assist. Zanetti spoke about those battles:
“Ryan Giggs, we played against each other often at one time. We were on the same wing and it was a real back and forth. He was a wonderful player to go up against.”
Paolo Maldini
Italy
From one defensive legend to another, Zanetti heaped huge praise on Paolo Maldini as he called the Italian icon “one of the best ever defenders” of all time. At age 38, Maldini became the oldest captain to lift the Champions League trophy in 2007. In total, he won Europe’s biggest prize on five occasions with AC Milan (although twice when it was known as the European Cup). Zanetti said:
“He is a gentleman in every sense. I played against him in many Milan derbies. We’re talking about one of the best ever defenders – not just in Italy, but in the world.”
Xavi
Spain
Another multi-Champions League winner, Xavi won the competition four times with Barcelona. Known as one of the best midfielders to ever play in the competition, if not the very best, it’s nice to see the Spaniard given a mention here. His football IQ was a key part of his game, and Zanetti reflected this, saying:
“Xavi was a very intelligent midfielder. He could come up with a pass at any moment. A fantastic player.”
Stats via Transfermarkt
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