Alessandro Costacurta

Alessandro Costacurta, born on April 24, 1966, is a distinguished Italian former professional footballer renowned for his defensive prowess. His illustrious career spanned over two decades, primarily with AC Milan, where he played from 1986 until 2007, with a brief loan spell at Monza. Costacurta is celebrated for his partnership with legendary defenders Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini, and Mauro Tassotti, forming one of the most formidable defenses in Serie A and European football during the late 1980s and 1990s under the guidance of esteemed managers Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello.

Operating mainly as a central defender, Costacurta was a leading figure in his position, earning international acclaim throughout his career. He secured seven Serie A titles and five Champions League/European Cup trophies, among numerous other accolades. His remarkable journey culminated in his retirement at the age of forty-one on May 19, 2007. In his final match for AC Milan, he scored a penalty goal in a 3–2 defeat against Udinese, making history as the oldest goalscorer in Serie A, a record later surpassed by Zlatan Ibrahimović in 2023.

In addition to his club success, Costacurta was a vital member of the Italy national team during the 1990s. He earned fifty-nine caps and scored two goals for his country, participating in two World Cups in 1994 and 1998, as well as the European Championship in 1996. His most notable achievement with the national team was reaching the final of the 1994 World Cup, where Italy faced Brazil and ultimately lost in a penalty shootout.