Javier Adelmar Zanetti born 10 August 1973 is an Argentine footballer who plays for Serie A club Internazionale. Javier Zanetti has played for Inter since 1995, taking the captain's armband in 1999. Known for his versatility, he is adept on both the left and right wing, having played on both flanks as a fullback as well as a winger. He slots into several midfield positions with ease, particularly as a defensive or central midfielder. Internationally, he holds the record of the most capped player in the history of the Argentine national team and has played in the 1996 Olympic tournament and in two World Cups, in 1998 and 2002.
Known as "Pupi" in Argentina, Zanetti was born in Buenos Aires, picking up the nickname "Il Trattore" (The Tractor) soon after his move to Italy where his strength, resilience, stamina, and his ability to run past opposing defenders when joining the attack from his right back position earned him notoriety. More recently, he plays in the right midfield. He ended a 4-year goal drought when he scored on 5 November 2006. In the national team, he is deployed as a right back but is able to switch between defense and attack easily.
Zanetti has won five Serie A titles with Inter, having earned the nickname "Il Capitano" (The Captain) among the fans and media since taking captaincy at Inter. He holds the record for the highest all-time appearances by a non-Italian born player for an Italian club and his 714 official matches for the club put him second (behind Giuseppe Bergomi 758) in Inter's all-time appearances list.
Zanetti, who plans to retire with Inter and continue to work with the club thereafter, is also noted for his charity work, running a foundation to benefit disadvantaged children in Argentina. He has been named an ambassador for the SOS Children's Villages project in Argentina by FIFA, and in 2005, he received the Ambrogino d'Oro award from the Milan townhall for his social initiative.
The 2010 UEFA Champions League Final on 22 May 2010 was Zanetti's 700th game with Inter, and the team's victory on the night ensured that Zanetti marked the occasion by completing a historic treble. He also scored on 20 October 2010 against Tottenham to make him the oldest player to score in the UEFA Champions League at the age of 37 years and 71 days. This record was surpassed by rivals A.C. Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi two weeks later.
Early lifeJavier Adelmar Zanetti was born in Buenos Aires and grew up in the harbour area in the Dock Sud district. He combined schooling and working commitments, helping his bricklayer father in masonry alongside delivering milk, and working in his cousin's grocery store without neglecting his passion for football. He began playing football on a field in the city suburbs, maintaining the pitch in his spare time.
Personal information
Full name: Javier Adelmar Zanetti
Date of birth : 10 August 1973 (1973-08-10)
Place of birth: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Playing position: Full back / Defensive midfielder
Club information
Current club: Internazionale
Number: 4
Senior career*
1992–1993 Talleres RE 33 (1)
1993–1995 Banfield 66 (4)
1995– Internazionale 524 (12)
National team‡
1994– Argentina 139 (5)