Gigi Riva Biography: Net Worth, Age, Career, Records, Family, Achievements!
Gigi Riva is an Italian former professional footballer who played as a striker. Widely regarded as one of the greatest Italian players of all time, he spent his entire career with Cagliari Calcio. Riva received the Ballon d’Or in 1969 as the European footballer of the year.
He is the all-time leading goalscorer for the Italian national team, with 35 goals in 42 appearances between 1965 and 1974. With his combination of power, pace, technical skills, and a formidable left foot shot, Riva was renowned for scoring spectacular goals.
Gigi Riva’s Early Life
Gigi Riva was born on November 7, 1944 in Leggiuno, Italy. From an early age, Riva displayed a keen interest in football. He played for his hometown club Leggiuno before joining the youth academy of Laveno at the age of 12 in 1956.
Points about Riva’s Early Life:
- Born on November 7, 1944 in Leggiuno, Italy
- Developed a passion for football from a young age
- Played for his hometown club Leggiuno as a child
- Joined the Laveno youth academy in 1956 at age 12
Gigi Riva’s Club Career
Riva began his professional career with local club Cagliari in 1963 at the age of 18. He spent his entire club career with Cagliari, making a total of 373 appearances and scoring 206 goals.
Highlights of Riva’s Club Career:
- Made his professional debut with Cagliari in 1963 at age 18
- Spent his entire career with Cagliari, a rare one-club man
- Made 373 total appearances for Cagliari between 1963-1976
- Scored 206 goals for Cagliari, making him their greatest ever goalscorer
- Helped lead Cagliari to their only Scudetto in 1969-70 season
- Formed a legendary partnership with Luigi “Gigi” Riva and Sergio “Rombo di Tuono” Gonella
- Retired in 1976 at age 31 after struggling with injuries
Gigi Riva’s Record at Cagliari
| Season | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 1963-64 | 2 | 0 |
| 1964-65 | 20 | 6 |
| 1965-66 | 28 | 13 |
| 1966-67 | 28 | 17 |
| 1967-68 | 28 | 21 |
| 1968-69 | 28 | 20 |
| 1969-70 | 30 | 21 |
| 1970-71 | 30 | 18 |
| 1971-72 | 27 | 13 |
| 1972-73 | 28 | 9 |
| 1973-74 | 26 | 10 |
| 1974-75 | 29 | 7 |
| 1975-76 | 29 | 4 |
| Total | 373 | 206 |
Gigi Riva’s International Career with Italy
Gigi Riva earned 42 caps for the Italian national team between 1965 and 1974, scoring 35 goals. He is Italy’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Highlights of Riva’s International Career:
- Made his international debut on June 12, 1965 against Poland
- Scored on his debut in a 2-0 win for Italy
- Represented Italy at the 1968 European Championships and 1970 FIFA World Cup
- His 35 goals in 42 games gives him the best goals-per-game ratio of any Italy player
- Helped Italy to the 1968 Euro final and 1970 World Cup final
- His goal vs West Germany in the 1970 World Cup is considered one of the greatest goals in Italian football history
- Played his final game for Italy in 1974 vs Yugoslavia
- Retired as Italy’s greatest ever goalscorer with 35 goals
Gigi Riva’s Record for Italy:
| Years | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 1965-1974 | 42 | 35 |
Gigi Riva’s Net Worth and Salary
According to multiple reports, Gigi Riva’s net worth is estimated to be around €10 million as of 2024.
Throughout his playing career, Riva earned a modest salary compared to today’s standards. However, after retirement he made wise investments and business ventures that grew his wealth. He also earns income from ambassador and consultant roles.
Some key points:
- His estimated net worth is €10 million, a sizeable fortune
- Had a modest salary as a player in the 1960s/70s compared to modern salaries
- Earned additional income through smart investments and business ventures after retiring
- Also earns money through ambassador and consultant roles
- Has accumulated his wealth over many decades since retiring in 1976
Overall, through both his playing career and post-retirement business activities, Gigi Riva has amassed a respectable personal net worth fitting of his legendary status in Italian football.
Gigi Riva’s Age and Early Life
Gigi Riva was born on November 7, 1944 in Leggiuno, Italy. As of 2024, Riva is 79 years old.
Some key facts about Riva’s age and early life:
- Born November 7, 1944 in Leggiuno, Italy
- Grew up in a working class family with his father working as a bricklayer
- Displayed great athletic talent from a young age
- Started playing youth football with local clubs around age 10
- Joined Laveno youth academy at age 12 in 1956
- Made his senior debut with Cagliari age 18 in 1963
- Enjoyed a successful 13-year career with Cagliari until retiring in 1976
- Now aged 79, Riva lives a quiet life away from the public eye
So in summary, the legendary Italian striker Gigi Riva is now advancing in years but still remembered fondly for his illustrious career in the 1960s and 70s.
Gigi Riva’s Awards and Achievements
Gigi Riva enjoyed great success during his career, winning numerous awards and honors. Some of his major achievements and accolades include:
- Serie A Top Scorer – 1967, 1969
- Serie A Footballer of the Year – 1969
- Ballon D’or – 1969
- FIFA XI – 1969, 1970
- FIFA World Cup All-Star Team – 1970
- FIFA 100 Greatest Living Footballers – 2004
- Golden Foot Legends Award – 2007
- Italian Football Hall of Fame – 2011
- Cagliari all-time leading goalscorer – 206 goals
- Italy all-time leading goalscorer – 35 goals
Riva is remembered as a legendary striker who was instrumental in Cagliari winning their first and only Scudetto in 1969-70. His Ballon D’or win in 1969 cements his place as one of the best players of his generation.
Gigi Riva’s Family and Relationships
Gigi Riva has been very private about his personal relationships and family life during and after his football career. However, some basic facts are known:
- He married Renata in the late 1960s – they have two children together
- His son Nicola Riva had a brief professional football career
- Riva keeps a low profile and has guarded his private life fiercely
- He remains out of the public spotlight in his retirement
- Riva has focused on raising his family away from fame and attention
- He has been described as shy and introverted by those who know him
Riva has kept his family and relationships very private over the years. While little is known about his wife and children, he is known to be a devoted family man away from the glare of his fame.
FAQs about Gigi Riva
Here are answers to 5 of the most frequently asked questions about Italian legend Gigi Riva:
What position did Gigi Riva play?
Riva played as a striker, usually as a central striker or second striker. He was renowned for his aerial power and ability to score with towering headers.
How many goals did Riva score for Italy?
Riva scored 35 goals in 42 games for Italy between 1965-1974. He is Italy’s highest ever goalscorer.
What was unique about Riva’s career?
Unlike most players, Riva spent his entire career with one club – Cagliari. This one-club loyalty is almost unheard of today.
Why did Riva retire so early?
Riva retired in 1976 at just 31 years old, largely due to persistent knee injures and problems that plagued his later career.
Is Riva regarded as Italy’s greatest player?
Many regard Riva as Italy’s greatest ever striker, and he’s in the conversation for Italy’s best overall player. His goalscoring record for Italy is unmatched.
