Ranking the 10 Seria A Best Players of All Time

Known for the cultivation of the most tactical football played in the world, Serie A has produced some amazing footballers over the years. From the likes of the great Paolo Maldini and midfield maestro Andrea Pirlo to modern day defenders like Bastoni, there have been many great players who have graced the league.

Serie A keeps on showcasing world-class talent, with the 2024-25 campaign highlighting a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging stars. From leaders to breakout players, the Italian top-flight league remains one of the most competitive leagues in Europe, which can be confirmed through Inter booking their place in the UCL final recently.

In this post today, we will take a look at the 10 Serie A best players who have helped the league garner worldwide recognition over the years.

Ranking Factors

Before we make a deep dive and find out the best players in Serie A, let us take the time to understand the ranking factors that has given us the list of top players.

Longevity: The main criterion in our ranking is the longevity of greatness in the player’s tenure in the league. If there is anything more important than high-level performance, it is the consistency with which one has maintained the performance.

Achievements: The number of titles, accolades, and honors won by the players during their time in the league is another factor considered in our ranking. Moreover, each player’s solid performances over the years have also been taken into consideration.

Impact: Football is a team sport. However, sometimes a player’s individual impact in getting wins for their team, in addition to their individual brilliance and key performances, is a strong factor too. This is why stats like assists, goals, clean sheets, and appearances are also taken into account.

10 Best Serie A Players of All Time

10. Gianluigi Buffon

Buffon is known as one of the best goalkeepers of all time. He is one of the most iconic figures in Serie A. His legendary career allowed him to play over two decades. His prime years were with the Bianconeri. The Azzurri goalkeeper’s shot-stopping ability, leadership, and consistency at the highest level made him one of the legends in Serie A.

The Juventus goalkeeper has won 10 Serie A titles, 1 Coppa Italia, 1 UEFA Cup, and various individual awards. Buffon was known for his amazing reflexes and his commanding presence as the last line of defense. His legendary performances have solidified his presence as one of the best to ever play in Serie A.

Key Stats	Figures
Appearances	657
Goals Conceded	532
Clean Sheets	299

9. Michel Platini

In the totality of French football, Michel Platini was one of the most gifted playmakers in the history of football. His time at the Bianconeris during the mid-1980s marked a period of dominance for the club. Platini’s vision, passing ability, and free-kick expertise made him one of the most influential players in Serie A during his time. In terms of honours, he had a couple of Serie A titles, a Coppa Italia, and the European Cup each. Moreover, he had 3 Ballon d’Ors.

The Frenchman’s creativity and technical brilliance elevated Juventus to a new level back in 80s. His impact in football was way beyond than Serie A. From ball control to dictating the game’s tempo, he was known to the world for his exceptional skills and vision.

Key Stats	Figures
Appearances	146
Goals	68
Assists	14

8. Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo’s versatility and ability to adapt made him one of the greatest, no matter which league he played in. Even though El Bicho joined Juventus for a few seasons, his numbers and impact on his whole locker room was out of this world. Previously having played in the Premier League and La Liga, Ronaldo brought his experience and drive to achieve greatness in the league and broke a lot of records in a short amount of time playing for Juventus.

While the Portuguese could not rally his team to see European glory, he has given Juve fans some exceptional performances, which they will remember for years to come. He won two Serie A titles and a Coppa Italia with Juventus.

Key Stats	Figures
Appearances	98
Goals	81
Assists	17

7. Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Ibrahimovic is the only footballer who has played for all the giants in Serie A. He has played for Inter, Juventus, and AC Milan. He is undoubtedly one of the most distinct and dominant players ever to grace the Italian top flight. Acknowledged for his technical skills, physicality, and larger-than-life personality, Zlatan has won titles with a host of Italian clubs, including the Nerazzurri and Rossoneri.

The Swedish forward has won a total of 3 Serie A titles with Inter and 2 with AC Milan. But that’s not all, he also won a league title with Juventus. His time in Serie A helped elevate the profile of the league internationally, and his impact on the pitch is a strong example of the same.

Key Stats	Figures
Appearances	283
Goals	156
Assists	66

Also Read: Top 10 Best Inter Milan Players of All Time (Ranked)

6. Giuseppe Meazza

Giuseppe Meazza is one of the first name that pops up in the mind when we discuss the best Serie A players of all time. The Italian forward was a great talent. He was one of the rare players who had the chance to play for both Inter Milan and AC Milan during the early years of Serie A. His technical skills, ability to score, and creativity on the pitch made him a legend in the league.

As far as the honours go, he has won 3 Serie A titles with Inter Milan. His performances on the field laid the foundation for future Serie A stars, and he remains a symbol of Italian football excellence. He is remembered by all fans of Serie A, irrespective of whether they are a supporter of the clubs he played for or not. This shows the vast influence the forward had on the pitch.

Key Stats	Figures
Appearances	367
Goals	218
Assists	2

5. Francesco Totti

The embodiment of loyalty, Francesco Totti spent all his career at AS Roma, eventually becoming one of the best Roma players of all time. He became a club legend and one of the most beloved players in Serie A history. Known for his incredible passing range, leadership, and knack for scoring, Totti was nothing short of a footballing icon, and not just in Italy, but the AS Roma captain was known worldwide.

As far as the honours go, he won a Serie A title along with 2 Coppa Italia and 2 Supercoppa Italiana. The Roma forward’s longevity and skill in the league were unmatched during his time. Even though he played in a competitive era, he maintained consistency with his performances that allowed AS Roma to win multiple silverware.

Totti was more than a player, he was a legend in Serie A. During his retirement, the whole of Stadio Olimpico bid a teary farewell to the Roma and Azzurri captain.

Key Stats	Figures
Appearances	618
Goals	250
Assists	158

4. Roberto Baggio

If we are to talk about some of the greatest CAMs the world has seen so far, Baggio’s name is high on the list. He was nothing short of a creative genius whose vision and technique set him apart from the rest. Known as the ‘man who died while standing’ after missing a penalty in a FIFA World Cup final, Baggio played for multiple Serie A clubs, including Inter, Juventus, Fiorentina, and Bologna. However, his association with Fiorentina and Juventus was his prime days as a footballer.

His ability to dribble and make decisive passes, in addition to scoring incredible goals, made him a standout player in Serie A. In terms of honours, he has won a Serie A title, 1 Coppa Italia, and 1 UEFA Cup. Acknowledged for his versatility and technical wizardry, Baggio became one of the most beloved players in Italy. His performance in the 1990 World Cup and his Ballon d’Or win are among the most iconic moments in football.

Key Stats	Figures
Appearances	452
Goals	205
Assists	118

Also Read: Ranking The 10 Best AC Milan Players of All Time

3. Alessandro Del Piero

If you do not know him, you would easily confuse Del Piero with a movie star. His performances on the pitch were nothing short of magic. One of the greatest players to wear the famous black and white Juventus jersey, Del Piero was a symbol of loyalty, brilliance, and creativity up front on the pitch, who graced the league for more than two decades. His set-piece expertise, technical ability, and a knack for scoring goals in important moments made him a beloved figure in Serie A and the world.

He had won a total of 6 Serie A titles, 1 UEFA Champions League, and a Coppa Italia. The Italian forward’s influence on the Bianconeri helped the club remain a dominant force in Italian football. His ability to score gorgeous goals and provide key assists made him one of the most complete players in Serie A. After hanging up his boots, Del Piero has been seen in an analyst’s role on multiple occasions. His understanding of the game is still clearly seen even when he is not on the pitch.

Key Stats	Figures
Appearances	478
Goals	188
Assists	107

2. Andrea Pirlo

Over the years, Serie A has seen some of the greatest midfielders in football. However, no one comes close to the level of maestro Andrea Pirlo. Playing deep in the midfield, he was the key towards his team’s success in every club he played. Yes, Andrea played for AC Milan and Juventus. He had a short spell at Inter too.

The World Cup winner is adored by all the football fans in the world, and he was one of those rare footballers who would graciously slow down the pace of the game anytime he had the ball at his feet. In addition to being a beautiful passer on the ball and controlling and guarding it in tight spaces to launch counterattacks, Pirlo was a great free-kick taker as well.

Life outside of football is all about playing video games and relaxing. The Italian maestro reportedly had spent a night before the 2006 FIFA World Cup playing video games. He went on to win that same World Cup in addition to winning Serie A twice with AC Milan and four times with Juventus. Moreover, he won the Champions League twice with Milan.

Key Stats	Figures
Appearances	493
Goals	58
Assists	101

1. Paolo Maldini

If we are talking about the iconic figures in Serie A history, Paolo Maldini is the name everyone bows down to. He is considered the greatest defender of all time. His career with AC Milan was nothing short of legendary. Known for his exceptional defending, longevity, and leadership, he played more than 1,000 matches at the highest level. Maldini was not only a Rossoneri legend but was adored by the world of football for his contributions both on and off the pitch. The Italian defender won a total of 7 Serie A titles, 5 UEFA Champions League titles, and 1 Coppa Italia.

The Italian’s career spanned more than 25 years, and his performances on the field were a masterclass in defensive elegance. Over the years he played, he had solid defensive partnerships with the likes of Franco Baresi, Costacurta, and Nesta. Moreover, he also had a great defensive partnership with Cannavaro for the national team.

There is no shred of doubt that Paolo Maldini is the greatest Serie A player of all time and a GOAT of football. His name is synonymous with the legacy of the league as he is the son of Cesar Maldini, who was a great defender of his time. Paolo has a son who currently plays in Serie A. However, unlike his father and grandfather, he plays as a forward.

Key Stats	Figures
Appearances	647
Goals	29
Assists	28

Honorable Mention

Diego Maradona

Diego Armando Maradona is regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time. His stint at Napoli was nothing short of football heritage. Maradona’s arrival in Naples elevated the club to new heights, culminating in two Serie A titles and a UEFA Cup. His individual brilliance, along with skills and vision, made him a legend in Italy.

The Argentine’s influence at Napoli was so profound that many consider him the greatest player in Serie A. Napoli’s home turf is named after him. Moreover, the city is surrounded by Maradona’s countless murals and statues.

Appearances	187
Goals	81
Assists	50

List of Top 10 Best Serie A Players in History

Rank	Player	Position	Years at League
1	Paolo Maldini	Defender	1985- 2009
2	Andrea Pirlo	Midfielder	1995- 2015
3	Alessandro Del Piero	Forward	1993- 2012
4	Roberto Baggio	Midfielder	1985- 2004
5	Francesco Totti	Forward	1993- 2017
6	Giuseppe Meazza	Forward	1929-1946
7	Zlatan Ibrahimovic	Forward	2005- 2011, 2019- 2023
8	Cristiano Ronaldo	Forward/Winger	2018- 2021
9	Michel Platini	Midfielder	1982- 1987
10	Gianluigi Buffon	Goalkeeper	1994- 2018, 2019- 2021

Also Read: The Pantheon of Giallorossi: Ranking the Best Roma Players of All Time

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