Do you ever wonder who the most significant players are in the history of AS Roma? The team, founded in 1927, has had its fair share of legends.
From Francesco Totti to Gabriel Batistuta, these players have left their mark on Roma and Italian football.
As a fan of AS Roma or a football lover, it’s essential to recognize and appreciate the talents gracing this club. These players didn’t just play for Roma; they embodied everything that AS Roma stands for – passion, determination, and heart.
So without further ado, let’s look at the top 10 greatest Roma players of all time – the ones who truly earned their place among the club’s legends.
1. Francesco Totti
Francesco Totti, undoubtedly one of the greatest footballers to ever grace the pitch, has left an indelible mark on AS Roma’s history.
The Italian forward was a product of Roma’s youth academy and became the club’s all-time leading scorer with 307 goals in 786 appearances across all competitions.
His loyalty to Roma was unwavering throughout his career, as he rejected offers from other top European clubs to stay with his beloved Giallorossi.
Totti was not just a prolific goal scorer but also known for his exceptional technical ability, vision, and creativity on the ball. He had a unique style of play that made him stand out from other players of his generation.
He was so good that he was frequently compared to legendary players like Diego Maradona and Zinedine Zidane.
Totti won numerous awards during his illustrious career, but perhaps his most outstanding achievement was leading Roma to their first Serie A title in over two decades in 2001.
It’s no surprise that he’s a legend at AS Roma and a hero to football fans everywhere.
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2. Daniele De Rossi
Daniele De Rossi’s intimidating presence on the field was something to behold. His tenacity, strength, and leadership skills earned him the role of Roma captain and made him a fan favorite for years.
De Rossi spent his entire professional career at Roma, making over 600 appearances for the club. He was well-known for his dedication to the team both on and off the field, in addition to his great skill. He turned down several offers from other top European clubs to remain at Roma and even took a pay cut.
De Rossi’s loyalty and dedication to Roma have cemented his place as one of their greatest players.
3. Bruno Conti
Unfortunately, you may not have witnessed Bruno Conti’s brilliance on the pitch during the 1980s, but you may have heard stories of his incredible speed and skill.
Conti was a true legend of Roma, having played for the team his entire career. He started playing for Roma in 1973 and retired in 1991, making over 450 appearances.
Bruno Conti could dribble past opponents with lightning speed, opening up the floor for himself or his teammates to score. He also had incredible speed, making him a nightmare to defend against.
His contributions to Roma were invaluable as he helped them win their second-ever Serie A title in 1983 and the Coppa Italia twice (in 1980 and 1981).
Without a doubt, Bruno Conti is one of the greatest players ever to wear a Roma jersey.
4. Roberto Pruzzo
As you delve deeper into the history of AS Roma, it’s impossible not to come across Roberto Pruzzo, a prolific striker who left his mark on the team during the 80s.
Pruzzo was known for his incredible scoring abilities and leadership on the field. He played for Roma from 1979 to 1988 and won two Serie A titles.
During his time at Roma, Pruzzo scored an impressive total of 138 goals in 289 appearances. His goal-scoring prowess won him numerous honors, including back-to-back Serie A Golden Boot awards.
He was also instrumental in leading Roma to their first-ever European Cup final appearance in 1984. To this day, he is regarded as one of the greatest players to have ever played for AS Roma and remains an inspiration to many aspiring footballers worldwide.
5. Giacomo Losi
If you haven’t heard of Giacomo Losi, let me tell you, he was one hell of a defender for Roma in the 60s and 70s.
Losi was born in Rome in 1935 and started his career with his hometown club at 16. He soon became an integral part of Roma’s team and spent his entire career with the Giallorossi.
Here are some reasons why Giacomo Losi is considered one of the greatest defenders in Roma’s history:
- He was known for his excellent positioning, strong tackles, and ability to read the game.
- He was a leader on and off the pitch, serving as captain for many years and helping to guide younger players.
- He won several titles with Roma, including two Coppa Italia trophies and an Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.
Losi retired from football in 1973 but remained involved with Roma as a coach and scout. His legacy lives on as one of the most iconic figures in the club’s history.
If you want to learn about true legends of Italian football, pay attention to Giacomo Losi.
6. Aldair
Born in Brazil, Aldair was a dominant force in Roma’s defense during his 13-year tenure with the club. He joined the team in 1990 and quickly established himself as one of the best defenders in Serie A. Standing 6’2″tall, Aldair was an imposing figure on the field and had incredible aerial ability.
During his time with Roma, Aldair won two Coppa Italia titles and helped lead the team to their first Scudetto in over 40 years during the 2000-01 season.
He formed a formidable partnership with fellow defender Giuseppe Giannini and was known for his precise tackling and excellent game reading.
In honor of his contributions to the club, Roma retired Aldair’s number 6 jersey after he left in 2003. Looking back at his time with Roma, it’s clear that Aldair is one of the greatest players ever to wear their iconic red and yellow kit.
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Aerial Ability | Discipline |
| Precise Tackling | Speed |
| Excellent Reading of Game |
As a fan watching him play, you couldn’t help but be impressed by how effortless he made defending look. His strength and precision were undeniable on the field, making him a standout player for Roma and Brazil’s national team.
For those seeking freedom from mundane soccer matches, watching Aldair play provided a thrilling escape into another world where skillful mastery met fierce determination. It’s no surprise that fans still revered him today as one of Roma’s all-time legends.
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7. Agostino Di Bartolomei
You may be interested to know about Agostino Di Bartolomei, a former Roma midfielder who played an integral role in the team’s success during the 1980s.
Born in Rome, Di Bartolomei joined the club at a young age and quickly made his way up the ranks to become one of their most valuable players. He was known for his exceptional passing ability and tactical intelligence, which helped him lead Roma to multiple trophies.
During his time at Roma, Di Bartolomei won two Serie A titles and four Coppa Italia trophies. He also helped lead them to their first European Cup final in 1984, although they ultimately lost to Liverpool.
Despite this setback, he remained a beloved figure among fans for his dedication and loyalty to the club throughout his career.
Tragically, he took his own life in 1994 at 39, but his legacy as one of Roma’s greatest players lives on today.
8. Falcão
If you’re a fan of Brazilian football, then you know that FalcĂŁo was one of the greatest midfielders of his generation. He played for Roma from 1980 to 1985, and during that time, he became a legend in the eyes of Giallorossi fans.
He was not just technically gifted but also incredibly intelligent on the pitch.
His tactical awareness allowed him to control games from midfield and dictate play rhythm. He won two Serie A titles with Roma during his time there and was voted the best player in Italy in 1983 and 1984.
It’s no wonder he is remembered fondly by Roma supporters today as one of their all-time greats.
9. Gabriel Batistuta
Gabriel Batistuta, known as “Batigol,” was a legendary striker in Italian football history. He scored 168 goals in 269 Serie A matches. 2000 he signed with AS Roma and quickly became a fan favorite.
In his first season with the club, he scored 20 goals and helped Roma secure their third Scudetto title. Batistuta’s relentless work ethic and lethal finishing ability made him a nightmare for defenders to contain.
His powerful shots from a distance were unmatched, earning him the reputation as one of the best long-range shooters in football history.
His exceptional heading ability also made him a threat inside the box. Unsurprisingly, he is considered one of AS Roma’s greatest-ever players and rightfully deserves his place among football legends.
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10. Carlo Ancelotti
When you think of Carlo Ancelotti, you can imagine a calm and composed coach leading his team to victory on the sidelines.
He is one of the greatest football coaches in history, having won numerous titles with different teams across Europe. But before he became a successful coach, Ancelotti was an exceptional player for AS Roma.
Ancelotti played as a midfielder for Roma from 1979 to 1987, making over 170 appearances and scoring 13 goals. He was known for his passing ability and tactical intelligence on the field.
He was so good that he earned the nickname (Carlo, the engineer) from his teammates. To highlight just how influential Ancelotti was for Roma during his playing days, take a look at this table below:
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982-83 | 30 | 1 | 0 |
| 1983-84 | 28 | 3 | 4 |
| 1985-86 | 28 | 1 | – |
| Total: | 181 | 13 | 23 |
As you can see, Ancelotti contributed significantly to Roma’s success during these seasons. His passing ability and tactical knowledge helped him create many goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates.
After retiring as a player in the early ’90s, it’s no surprise that Carlo Ancelotti became one of the best football coaches ever – he had already shown signs of greatness during his time with AS Roma.
Conclusion
The history of AS Roma has been graced by an illustrious array of players who have left an indelible mark on the club’s legend. These Roma legends have not only showcased exceptional talent on the field but have also epitomized the values and spirit of the club.
