Alessandro Nesta

About Alessandro Nesta

Alessandro Nesta turned professional at Lazio in 1994, launching what would become a 20-year journey through 3 countries for the Italian centre-back. Retirement arrived after a final stint at Chennaiyin FC, wrapping up in 2014.

Follow the badges in sequence and you get: Lazio (1994–2002), then AC Milan (2002–2012), then Montreal Impact (2012–2013), then Chennaiyin FC (2014–2014). That sequence is exactly what appears in the career grid when this player comes up in the game.

AC Milan claims the biggest chapter: around 10 years, more than at any other club. 2012 marked the leap overseas — a transfer to Montreal Impact of Canada. From start to finish the map lights up across Italy, Canada, India.

Written in the record books: 484 recorded appearances, 10 goals, 18 assists.

Beyond the numbers, there is color to this story. He was discovered by an AS Roma scout in his youth, but his father, a fervent Lazio fan, rejected the rival club's offer. Throughout his career, he earned the nickname 'The Wall' or 'The Perfect Storm' due to his incredible defensive solidity and elegance. Despite being a World Cup-winning defender, injuries plagued him and forced him to miss crucial matches in several international tournaments.

Could you have named Alessandro Nesta from the badges alone — Lazio at the start, Chennaiyin FC at the end? Read the timeline below and ask yourself which stop would have given the answer away first.