The Pantheon of Giallorossi: Ranking the Best Roma Players of All Time
Since its foundation, AS Roma has held a unique and cherished place in the landscape of Italian football. Rooted in the heart of the Eternal City, the club has cultivated a fiercely loyal and passionate fanbase, deeply intertwined with the cultural fabric of Rome itself. Through nearly a century of triumphs and tribulations, the Giallorossi have been defined not only by their on-field exploits but also by the legendary figures who have donned the iconic jersey.
These players, through their skill, dedication, and connection with the Roman spirit, have etched their names into the club’s folklore, becoming symbols of pride and inspiration for generations of supporters. This post seeks to celebrate the very greatest among them, the Best Roma players, the pantheon of Giallorossi greats who have left their mark on the history of AS Roma.
Ranking Factors for the Best Roma Players of All Time
Evaluating the greatest and best players in the history of a club as storied as AS Roma requires a nuanced approach that extends beyond mere statistics and silverware. While goals scored and trophies won are undoubtedly significant, the criteria for achieving legendary status in the eyes of the Roma faithful encompass a broader spectrum of qualities.
Longevity and Loyalty: to the club are paramount, particularly in an era where player movement is commonplace. Players who have dedicated a significant portion of their careers to Roma, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the Giallorossi cause, are held in particularly high esteem in reality as well as on our list.
Impact: A player’s impact on the team’s success is also a crucial factor. Individuals who were instrumental in Roma’s major trophy victories, leading the charge towards elusive Scudetti or memorable Coppa Italia triumphs, are forever remembered by fans.
Leadership: Being a leader both on and off the pitch further contributes to a player’s greatness. Captains and influential figures who have guided the team through challenging periods, inspiring their teammates and embodying the Roman fighting spirit, are revered by the supporters.
Fan Following: Perhaps most importantly in the context of AS Roma is the element of fan adoration and cultural significance. Players who have forged a deep connection with the Roma supporters, understanding and embracing the unique passion of the fanbase and the “Romanismo” ethos, often achieve an iconic status that transcends their on-field achievements.
Individual Awards: Finally, individual excellence and recognition, such as significant awards or the breaking of club records, serve as further validation of a player’s greatness and their place among the Giallorossi elite.
The Pioneers: Laying the Foundation of a Roman Powerhouse
Before the emergence of later icons, several pioneering figures played crucial roles in establishing AS Roma’s identity and laying the foundation for its future. While their statistical records might not match those of more recent stars, their contributions during the club’s formative years were essential. Fulvio Bernardini, a midfielder who played for Roma in two spells (1927–1934 and 1938–1939) and made 303 appearances, scoring 47 goals, is a prime example. His lasting impact is evident in the fact that the club’s training ground is named after him. This recognition underscores his significant early contribution and enduring legacy.
Guido Masetti, a goalkeeper who represented Roma from 1930 to 1943, making 364 appearances, achieved international glory while with the club, winning the FIFA World Cup with Italy in both 1934 and 1938. This early connection to international success highlights Roma’s ability to attract top talent from the beginning.
Attilio Ferraris IV, another midfielder who played for Roma in two periods (1927–1934 and 1938–1939), totaling 231 appearances and 4 goals, also won the 1934 World Cup with Italy while a Roma player. These early World Cup winners brought prestige to the fledgling club.
Rodolfo Volk, a prolific forward who played for Roma from 1928 to 1933, scoring 106 goals in 161 appearances, holds the distinction of being the first player to reach 100 goals for the club. He was also the first ever goalscorer in the Derby Della Capitale and won the Capocannoniere award in the 1930-31 season. Volk’s early goalscoring prowess established a benchmark for future Roma attackers.
These pioneers, through their dedication and achievements, were instrumental in shaping the nascent identity of AS Roma and made way for some of the best AS Roma players of all time.
The 10 Best Roma Players of All Time
10. Amadeo Amadei
The 1940s witnessed the emergence of the first true golden age for AS Roma, largely propelled by the talent of Amedeo Amadei. Amadei, who played for Roma in two spells, from 1936 to 1938 and then from 1939 to 1948, was a forward of exceptional talent. Over his Roma career, Amadei scored an impressive 111 goals, with 101 of those coming in the Italian top flight. His most significant contribution came in the 1941-42 season when he guided AS Roma to their first ever Serie A title. This historic achievement cemented Amadei’s place as a foundational legend of the club.
Known for his ability to run forward with the ball from midfield, find open spaces, and his prolific goalscoring, which included acrobatic finishes and precise volleys, Amadei, nicknamed “Fornaretto” (the little baker), was widely regarded as one of the best Italian strikers of his time. His pivotal role in delivering Roma’s maiden Scudetto remains a defining moment in the club’s history, and there’s no doubt that he is indeed one of the best Roma players of all time. Amadei’s legendary status was further recognized through his induction into the AS Roma Hall of Fame and the Italian Football Hall of Fame.
| Years Played | Position | Appearances | Goals | Serie A Titles | Coppa Italia Titles | Supercoppa Italiana Titles | Other Notable Trophies |
| 1936-48 | Forward | 243 | 111 | 1 | 0 | 0 | – |
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9. Giacomo Losi
In the decades following Roma’s first title, Giacomo Losi emerged as a symbol of resilience and unwavering dedication for the club. Losi played his entire professional career at AS Roma, from 1955 to 1969, primarily as a defender. His remarkable loyalty saw him represent no other team in Serie A. Over his 14 years with the club, Losi made a staggering 455 appearances, a record that stood for 38 years until Francesco Totti surpassed it in 2007. While his goal tally was modest, with just 2 goals, Losi’s impact was immeasurable.
He was instrumental in Roma’s victories in the Coppa Italia in 1964 and 1969, and also helped the club secure the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1960-61. For his technical abilities and unwavering loyalty, Losi was affectionately known as ‘the Heart of Rome’. His long tenure and commitment to the Giallorossi during a period where league titles eluded the club cemented his place as a true icon and his place amongst the best Roma players of all time, earning him a deserved spot in the AS Roma Hall of Fame. He even captained the team, further highlighting his importance.
| Years Played | Position | Appearances | Goals | Serie A Titles | Coppa Italia Titles | Supercoppa Italiana Titles | Other Notable Trophies |
| 1955-69 | Defender | 455 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | Inter-Cities Fairs Cup |
8. Giuseppe Giannini
The 1980s witnessed a resurgence for AS Roma, with Giuseppe Giannini playing a pivotal role in the club’s success. Giannini, a midfielder who spent 15 years at Roma from 1981 to 1996, is widely regarded as one of the best Italian midfielders of his generation. Nicknamed ‘The Prince’ for his elegant style of play, Giannini made 437 appearances for Roma, the fourth-most in club history, and scored 75 goals.
He was an integral part of the Roma side that won the Serie A title in 1983 and also lifted the Coppa Italia trophy three times. Giannini’s playmaking abilities and graceful presence in midfield made him a beloved figure at the Stadio Olimpico, earning him a place in the AS Roma Hall of Fame.
| Years Played | Position | Appearances | Goals | Serie A Titles | Coppa Italia Titles | Supercoppa Italiana Titles | Other Notable Trophies |
| 1981-96 | Midfielder | 437 | 75 | 1 | 3 | 0 | – |
7. Roberto Pruzzo
Roberto Pruzzo provided the firepower for Roma’s attack. Pruzzo played for the Giallorossi from 1978 to 1988, appearing in 315 matches and scoring an impressive 138 goals, making him the second-highest scorer in the club’s history before Edin Džeko. In Serie A alone, he netted 106 goals in 237 appearances for Roma, including three hat-tricks.
Pruzzo was a prolific goalscorer who played a crucial role in Roma’s 1983 Scudetto triumph and also helped the club win the Coppa Italia on four occasions. His consistent ability to find the back of the net earned him multiple Capocannoniere awards and solidified his reputation as one of Roma’s all-time great strikers, leading to his induction into the AS Roma Hall of Fame.
| Years Played | Position | Appearances | Goals | Serie A Titles | Coppa Italia Titles | Supercoppa Italiana Titles | Other Notable Trophies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1978-88 | Forward | 315 | 138 | 1 | 4 | 0 | – |
6. Paulo Roberto Falcão
The arrival of Paulo Roberto Falcão in 1980 marked a transformative period for AS Roma, ushering in an era of success and establishing the Brazilian midfielder as a club legend. Falcão, who played for AS Roma from 1980 to 1985, quickly became known as “Il Divino” (The Divine One) due to his elegant and masterful performances in midfield. While his statistical output of 27 goals in 152 appearances might not seem overwhelming, his influence on the team was immeasurable. He made 107 Serie A appearances, scoring 22 goals. Falcão was the conductor of the Roma orchestra on the pitch, possessing exceptional vision, passing ability, and tactical intelligence.
He was instrumental in Roma’s historic 1983 Scudetto victory and also helped the club win the Coppa Italia twice. Many consider him the best foreign player to have ever played for Roma. His arrival was met with immense anticipation, and his impact was so profound that some believe he single-handedly transformed Roma from a mediocre club into a contender. Falcão’s ability to anticipate the game and dictate the tempo made him a true maestro, earning him a deserved place in the AS Roma Hall of Fame. His psychological impact on the team was also significant, notably after a loss to Juventus, where his words helped restore confidence and propel the team towards the title. He even helped Roma reach the European Cup final in 1984.
| Years Played | Position | Appearances | Goals | Serie A Titles | Coppa Italia Titles | Supercoppa Italiana Titles | Other Notable Trophies |
| 1980-85 | Midfielder | 152 | 27 | 1 | 2 | 0 | – |
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5. Agostino Di Bartolomei
Agostino Di Bartolomei was the embodiment of AS Roma in the early 1980s, a leader on and off the pitch who captained the club to its second Scudetto. Di Bartolomei, who played for Roma from 1972 to 1984, was a versatile player, operating primarily as a central midfielder but also capable of playing as a sweeper. Known for his elegance on the ball, playmaking skills, and tactical intelligence, Di Bartolomei made 310 appearances for Roma, scoring 69 goals. In Serie A, he scored 50 goals in 237 appearances. He was the undisputed leader of the team after Nils Liedholm’s return and captained Roma to their historic 1983 Serie A title, their first in over 40 years.
He also led the team to three Coppa Italia victories. Di Bartolomei was renowned for his excellent long passing, powerful shot, and accuracy from free kicks and penalties. In the 1984 European Cup semi-final against Dundee United, he scored a crucial penalty that helped Roma reach the final. He also scored Roma’s first penalty in the heartbreaking shootout loss to Liverpool in the final. Despite his immense talent and leadership, Di Bartolomei was never capped by the Italian national team at the senior level. Tragically, he took his own life in 1994, ten years to the day after the European Cup final loss.
Despite the sad end, Di Bartolomei remains a deeply revered figure among Roma fans, a symbol of the club’s golden era, and was posthumously inducted into the AS Roma Hall of Fame and the Italian Football Hall of Fame. The chant “Oh, Agostino Ago, Ago, Ago, Agostino gol!” echoed through the terraces during his time, a testament to his popularity.
| Years Played | Position | Appearances | Goals | Serie A Titles | Coppa Italia Titles | Supercoppa Italiana Titles | Other Notable Trophies |
| 1972-84 | Midfielder/Sweeper | 310 | 69 | 1 | 3 | 0 | – |
4. Bruno Conti
Bruno Conti was a winger of exceptional talent who illuminated the Stadio Olimpico for nearly two decades and played a pivotal role in both Roma’s and Italy’s successes. Conti played for Roma from 1973 to 1975 and then again from 1976 to 1991, becoming a mainstay on the wing. He made 402 appearances for the club, scoring 47 goals. Known as “The Mayor of Rome”, Conti was celebrated for his brilliant pace, technique, flair, and exceptional dribbling and crossing abilities. He was instrumental in Roma’s 1983 Scudetto victory and helped the club win the Coppa Italia five times.
Conti also achieved international stardom as a key player in Italy’s triumphant 1982 FIFA World Cup campaign, featuring in every match, scoring a memorable goal against Peru, and being hailed as the man of the match in the final by Pelé. He also helped Roma reach the 1984 European Cup Final. Regarded as the best Italian right-winger of his generation, Conti was inducted into the AS Roma Hall of Fame. His farewell match in 1991 drew more fans than the club’s UEFA Cup final appearance, highlighting his immense popularity.
| Years Played | Position | Appearances | Goals | Serie A Titles | Coppa Italia Titles | Supercoppa Italiana Titles | Other Notable Trophies |
| 1973-91 | Winger | 402 | 47 | 1 | 5 | 0 | World Cup(Italy) |
3. Aldair Nascimento dos Santos
Aldair Nascimento dos Santos was a defensive colossus who provided Roma with stability and leadership for over a decade. Aldair joined Roma in 1990 and remained with the club for 13 years, becoming the most capped foreign player in Roma’s history with 436 appearances. A central defender of immense quality, Aldair was a quiet but assured leader who even captained the team. He formed a formidable partnership with Walter Samuel in the heart of the Roma defense. Aldair was instrumental in Roma’s 2000-01 Serie A title victory and also won the Coppa Italia in 1990-91 and the Italian Super Cup in 2001.
His contributions to both Roma and Brazilian football are immense, as he also won the 1994 FIFA World Cup with Brazil while playing for the Giallorossi , as well as two Copa América titles and the FIFA Confederations Cup. Aldair’s consistent high-level performances and leadership earned him a place in the AS Roma Hall of Fame and recognition as one of the greatest defenders of his generation for both club and country. He was also included in the FIFA XI in 2000.
| Years Played | Position | Appearances | Goals | Serie A Titles | Coppa Italia Titles | Supercoppa Italiana Titles | Other Notable Trophies |
| 1990-2003 | Defender | 436 | 20 | 1 | 1 | 1 | World Cup(Brazil) |
2. Daniele De Rossi
Following in Totti’s footsteps, Daniele De Rossi emerged as another iconic figure for AS Roma, a player who embodied the club’s fighting spirit and deep Roman roots. De Rossi spent 18 seasons with his hometown club after making his debut in 2001. A true symbol of AS Roma, De Rossi made 616 appearances, the second-most in club history, and scored 63 goals. He was a commanding presence in midfield, known for his aggressive tackling, leadership qualities, and ability to dictate the play. De Rossi played a crucial role in Roma’s victories in the Coppa Italia in 2007 and 2008 and the Italian Super Cup in 2007.
He also achieved international glory, winning the 2006 FIFA World Cup with Italy, even scoring a penalty in the final shootout. De Rossi was recognized as the Serie A Young Player of the Year in 2006 and the Italian Footballer of the Year in 2009. One of his most memorable moments came in the 2017-18 Champions League quarter-final, where he led Roma to a remarkable comeback victory against Barcelona, scoring a crucial penalty. De Rossi’s passion for Roma was evident throughout his career, and his emotional farewell match in 2019 was a testament to his deep connection with the fans. He truly embodied the spirit of “Romanismo,” and his dedication to the club made him a modern-day gladiator in the eyes of the Roma faithful.
| Years Played | Position | Appearances | Goals | Serie A Titles | Coppa Italia Titles | Supercoppa Italiana Titles | Other Notable Trophies |
| 2001-19 | Midfielder | 616 | 63 | 0 | 2 | 1 | World Cup (Italy), Serie A Young Player of the Year (2006) |
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1. Francesco Totti
One of the greatest players of the last 25 years, Francesco Totti is, without a shadow of a doubt, the greatest player in the history of AS Roma, an icon whose name is synonymous with the club. Totti spent his entire 28-year playing career with his beloved AS Roma, making a record 786 appearances for the senior team. He is also the club’s all-time leading scorer with 307 goals and holds the record for the most goals scored in Serie A for a single club. Referred to by a plethora of affectionate nicknames, including “Er Bimbo de Oro,” “Er Pupone,” “L’Ottavo Re di Roma,” “L’Imperatore,” and “Il Capitano”, Totti embodied the spirit of Rome and “Romanismo.”
He famously turned down numerous offers from top clubs, including Real Madrid, to remain loyal to his boyhood club. Totti was the driving force behind Roma’s 2000-01 Serie A title victory, scoring in the decisive match against Parma. He also led the team to two Coppa Italia triumphs and two Italian Super Cup wins. On the international stage, Totti was a key member of Italy’s 2006 FIFA World Cup-winning squad, even scoring a crucial penalty against Australia. His accolades are numerous, including a record eleven Oscar del Calcio awards, five Serie A Italian Footballer of the Year awards, and the prestigious 2007 European Golden Shoe.
Totti’s technical brilliance, exceptional vision, and goal-scoring prowess made him a nightmare for defenders. Memorable moments abound in his illustrious career, from his debut in 1993 to his emotional farewell match in 2017, his stunning goal against Real Madrid at the Bernabéu, and his iconic derby selfie. Francesco Totti is, and will forever be, the undisputed king of Rome, and one of the best players of Roma, of all time, a symbol of loyalty and genius who captured the hearts of Giallorossi fans worldwide.
| Years Played | Position | Appearances | Goals | Serie A Titles | Coppa Italia Titles | Supercoppa Italiana Titles | Other Notable Trophies |
| 1992-2017 | Attacking Mid/Forward | 786 | 307 | 1 | 2 | 2 | World Cup (Italy), European Golden Shoe (2007) |
List of 10 AS Roma Best Players of All Time
| Rank | Player Name | Position | Years Played | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Francesco Totti | Attacking Midfielder/Forward | 1992-2017 | Italy |
| 2 | Daniele De Rossi | Midfielder | 2001-19 | Italy |
| 3 | Aldair Nascimento dos Santos | Defender | 1990-2003 | Brazil |
| 4 | Bruno Conti | Winger | 1973-91 | Italy |
| 5 | Agostino Di Bartolomei | Midfielder/Sweeper | 1972-84 | Italy |
| 6 | Paulo Roberto Falcão | Midfielder | 1980-85 | Brazil |
| 7 | Roberto Pruzzo | Forward | 1978-88 | Italy |
| 8 | Giuseppe Giannini | Midfielder | 1981-96 | Italy |
| 9 | Giacomo Losi | Defender | 1955-69 | Italy |
| 10 | Amadeo Amadei | Forward | 1936-48 | Italy |
Other Notable Giallorossi Legends
While this post has focused on a selection of the very greatest AS Roma players, many other exceptional players have contributed significantly to the history of AS Roma as well. Cafu, the dynamic Brazilian right-back who played for Roma from 1997 to 2003, won the Serie A title and the Supercoppa Italiana and was a World Cup winner with Brazil.
Vincent Candela, the French defender who played for Roma from 1997 to 2005, also won the Serie A title and the Supercoppa Italiana and was a World Cup and European Championship winner with France. Gabriel Batistuta, the prolific Argentinian striker who played for Roma from 2000 to 2003, helped the club win the Serie A title and the Supercoppa Italiana. Vincenzo Montella, the Italian forward who scored over 100 goals for Roma during his two spells, also contributed to the 2001 Scudetto and Supercoppa victory.
Franco Tancredi, the goalkeeper who played for Roma for 12 years, won the 1982-83 Serie A title and multiple Coppa Italia titles. Rudi Völler, the German forward who played for Roma from 1987 to 1992, won the Coppa Italia and was a World Cup winner with Germany, finishing as Roma’s top scorer in multiple seasons. These players, among others, have all left their mark on AS Roma and deserve recognition for their contributions.
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FAQs
Who is the best player at AS Roma?
There are many players who are etched in the history of AS Roma, like Roberto Pruzzo, Francesco Totti, and Paulo Roberto Falcão.
Who is the legendary player of AS Roma?
Different players became legends in different eras due to their timeline and loyalty. Some of them are Daniele De Rossi, Agostino Di Bartolomei and Giuseppe Giannini.
Who is the top scorer of AS Roma?
Francesco Totti, with 307 overall goals.
Who is the current No. 7 of AS Roma?
Lorenzo Pellegrino currently wears the No. 7 jersey for AS Roma.