JAVIER ZANETTI
1995- 2014 GAMES 858 CLUB INTER
BEFORE Unlike many in this list, a 22- year old Zanetti’s 1995 arrival at Inter did not herald a trophy- laden era. The Nerazzurri had been without a Scudetto for six seasons when the Argentine utility man signed from Banfield – and the drought would extend for 10 more. UEFA Cup glory over Schalke in 1997 proved a rare taste of triumph in that period. “I was confident Inter’s moment would come,” he told FFT of his patience in 2017.
LEGACY A colossal 19 campaigns at San Siro and Inter’s all- time top appearance maker. Zanetti’s versatility was key to the success he enjoyed later: while principally a right- back nicknamed ‘ El Tractore’, the South American also had the awareness and leadership skills to step into midfield when required.
Without those talents, Zanetti might have missed out on the most acclaimed years in club history. The arrival of Brazil international Maicon in 2006 cost him his right- back berth, just as the Nerazzurri were turning a corner.
Between 2004 and 2011, Inter embarked on a winning spree almost unrivalled across Europe, bagging five straight Serie A crowns, four Coppas Italia and a famous Champions League final win in his 700th appearance for the team. Zanetti was already 31 when that run began, and 36 when playing every minute of all but two matches across Inter’s historic treble- winning season under Jose Mourinho. “Javier was a leader,” eulogised the tactician. “When you have this type of player, you can focus more on being just a coach.”
Unsurprisingly, Inter retired the No. 4 shirt upon his 2014 retirement. He now serves as the club’s vice- president.
BEST MOMENT Marking his compatriot Lionel Messi, the world’s best footballer and almost half his age, out of the tie as Inter edged out Pep Guardiola’s free- flowing Barcelona in the 2010 Champions League semi- finals.