Supremely talented, charismatic and colourful, Francesco Totti embodies everything that is best about Italian football. The World Cup winner is adored by supporters of his club Roma and his performances in the blue shirt of Italy have made him one of the most recognisable and popular footballers in the world. He is Roma's highest ever goalscorer and in 2004 was named by the legendary Pele as one of the 125 greatest footballers on the planet.
Totti was a regular in the Roma side by the tender age of 18 and four years later was handed the club captaincy. By that time Totti had become the symbol of Roma and boss Fabio Capello built his side around the hugely gifted midfielder. Totti has inspired his club to a Serie A title, the Italian Cup and two Italian Super Cups. He has been named Italian Footballer of the Year five times, most recently in 2007 when he was also awarded the Golden Boot as Europe's leading scorer.
Possessing fantastic technique, balance and vision, Totti has always scored goals from midfield. He became Roma's all time leading goalscorer in 2004 and netting for the 200th time for his club against Torino in January 2008. The skilfully chipped goal has become Totti's trademark, leaving some of the world's greatest keepers grasping at air. He has also entertained fans around the world with a host of inventive goal celebrations, including imitating giving birth to the football as a dedication to his then pregnant wife!
On the international stage Totti was an automatic choice for the Azzurri, appearing in European championships and the World Cup winning side in 2006. He battled back from fracturing his leg to play a crucial role in 2006, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Australia and later being selected for the All-Star Team. Totti retired from international football in July 2007 after 58 appearances and nine goals. He remains a legend for both club and country and one of the most exciting players to lift the World Cup.