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Luigi RivaItalian footballer, striker
Date of Birth: 07.11.1944
Country:  Italy |
Content:
- Luigi Riva: The Legendary Striker
- Career at Cagliari
- International Career
- Honors and Legacy
- 74th place among the best world players (World Soccer)
- Demise
Luigi Riva: The Legendary Striker
Early Life and CareerLuigi Riva was born in Leggiuno, Lombardy, on November 7, 1944. His football journey began in 1962, when he joined Legnano. The following season, he was acquired by Cagliari, where he would spend the remainder of his career.
Career at Cagliari
Riva's debut for Cagliari came on September 13, 1964, in a 2-1 defeat to Roma. He quickly established himself as a prolific scorer, earning the title of Serie A top scorer thrice: in 1966-67, 1968-69, and 1969-70. During the latter season, he led Cagliari to their first and only league championship.
Riva's brilliance was recognized worldwide. He finished as runner-up and third place in the Ballon d'Or rankings in 1968-69 and 1969-70, respectively. Despite interest from Juventus in 1973, Riva remained loyal to Cagliari, continuing his remarkable legacy as their all-time leading scorer.
International Career
Riva represented Italy 42 times, scoring 35 goals. He was a ключевой игрок in the team's success throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
Honors and Legacy
Riva's achievements have earned him numerous accolades:Cagliari's all-time leading scorer
Retirement of the number 11 jersey at Cagliari
Honorary citizen of Cagliari
42nd place among the best European footballers of the 20th century (IFFHS)
74th place among the best world players (World Soccer)
33rd place among the 100 best footballers of the 20th century (Placar)
Demise
On January 21, 2024, Riva was admitted to San Michele Hospital in Cagliari with acute coronary syndrome. He initially responded well to treatment but later succumbed to a heart attack at the age of 79.
