Giovanni "Gianni" Rivera is an Italian former football midfielder, mostly as an offensive playmaker, who was awarded the Ballon d'Or, one of the most prestigious individual awards in football, in 1969. Dubbed Italy's "Golden Boy" by the media, he played the majority of his career with Serie A side A.C. Milan where he enjoyed a highly successful career in domestic and European football. Internationally, he represented Italy, 63 times scoring 15 goals, at four World Cups as well as being part of the first Italian side to win the European Football Championship in 1968. An elegant, technical, and efficient offensive midfield playmaker, Rivera was renowned for his dribbling skills, vision, technique, and, above all, his sublime passing, which made him an excellent assist provider. Despite being primarily a creative player, Rivera was also known for having a keen eye for goal, and was an accurate finisher from inside and outside the area. He is considered one of the greatest Italian footballers of all time. After retiring from football, Rivera has gone into politics and currently is a Member of the European Parliament for the Uniti nell'Ulivo party. 

August 18th, 1943 in Alessandria (Age 81)