Inter 114 | Our legends, our values, our future. Happy birthday, Interisti!
Club
— Mar 9th 2022The club’s 16 Hall of Famers bridge the gap between the club’s history and future
Football fans go through so many emotions and experiences when they follow their team: passion, joy, disappointment, loyalty, dreams. But there are some things that truly leave their mark on the Inter faithful.
Whether it’s historic moments for the club, the victories, the most spectacular goals, or the most unexpected… whether it’s what their heroes do on the pitch, the nights waiting for big games, the excitement in the stands… or whether it’s sitting impatiently in front of the TV, or even the radio in times gone by, these are the moments that live on in our memories.
The club is celebrating its 114th birthday today. It all started on 9 March 1908, a defining moment in the club’s history that set out the stall for the values it holds today. And it was people like us who made it happen: young people who started out with a dream that turned into reality. Their play inspired people as they wore the shirt with pride and brought glory to the team.
Since those beginnings, more than a thousand men and women have donned the Inter jersey as players, hailing from more than 50 nations. This unique club truly lives up to its name as an international side.
The club’s history has a dynamic influence on the way it operates today. Many people identify with the Nerazzurri colours and follow the club closely. They are invited to join us on this journey as no one is left behind. Differences are celebrated rather than feared.
Since its inception, the club has welcomed innovation. From the first logo designed by Giorgio Muggiani to our new visual identity, from our first line-up to a modern-day club fused with fashion, design and entertainment, Inter has a long history but remains avant-garde. It is part of the club’s DNA.
The Hall of Fame, introduced in 2018, aims to gather, spread and promote the club’s sporting heritage and to celebrate great players who have worn the Inter jersey. Every year, Nerazzurri fans from all over the world choose four legends to enter this elite group. Their links to Inter are renewed once more, recognising their amazing contributions to the club. Sixteen stars have been inducted so far, showing us all there is to celebrate on this birthday. The 2021 awards ceremony was held only a few days ago at San Siro before Inter v Salernitana.
There has been plenty to celebrate on this 114-year journey, and the club is forging ahead towards new goals, both on and off the pitch.
Happy birthday, Interisti!
WALTER ZENGA | Inter Hall of Fame 2018 Walter Zenga always says that the one game that he would like to play in again is his Inter debut as it would enable him to relive all 472 of his appearances for the club. In the photo, he returns to greet the San Siro crowd during his farewell match, once again sporting the Inter goalkeeping jersey with pride.
JAVIER ZANETTI | Inter Hall of Fame 2018 The player with the most Inter appearances in the club’s history and the most decorated one of all, the current club Vice President is shown celebrating his extraordinary goal at the Parc des Princes in Paris on the night when he clinched his first of a host of trophies with the Nerazzurri in the 1998 UEFA Cup.
LOTHAR MATTHÄUS | Inter Hall of Fame 2018 The first player to win the Ballon d’Or in an Inter jersey, Lothar Matthaus was also included in France Football’s best team of all time. An incredible leader on and off the pitch, the German steered the team towards record-breaking Scudetto success which was seasoned with an extraordinary sporting rivalry with Diego Maradona. Here you can see Lothar celebrating the goal that clinched the club’s 13th Scudetto, with none other than Maradona watching on.
RONALDO | Inter Hall of Fame 2018 The Fenomeno. Simple as that. A footballing God for Inter whose time at the club was both successful and heart-wrenching. Here he is depicted during the UEFA Cup triumph after dancing past Luca Marchegiani and celebrating in classic Ronaldo style.
FRANCESCO TOLDO | Inter Hall of Fame 2019 The shotstopper’s big hands protected the Inter goal for many years and his incredible human qualities aided the team on and off the pitch as he became a key man in the dressing room. Stunning saves and a positive outlook eventually led to Champions League success.
GIACINTO FACCHETTI | Inter Hall of Fame 2019 The goal at San Siro against Liverpool featured on one of the most incredible nights in the club’s illustrious history. Facchetti remains a source of inspiration for youngsters due to his strength, sportsmanship, Inter values and winning mentality. A formidable full-back who was ahead of his time, the Cipe was actively involved with the club until his passing in 2006.
DEJAN STANKOVIC | Inter Hall of Fame 2019 Here the midfielder can be seen celebrating a goal in a victory over Juventus soon after joining the club. Dejan Stankovic symbolised Nerazzurri passion and the ability to keep battling without backing down. Breathtaking goals, versatility, substance and charisma saw the Dragon help Inter reach the top of the world.
GIUSEPPE MEAZZA | Inter Hall of Fame 2019 One of the very best players in Inter’s history as well as in Italian football over the decades. Pepin was the first true footballing idol, the legend that everyone wanted to be like. He was unassailable and unpredictable on the pitch, leading by example at all times. No other player has bagged more goals for Inter.
JULIO CESAR | Inter Hall of Fame 2020 The Inter dreamcatcher has never been short of jaw-dropping saves or raw emotions. From the club’s 15th Scudetto success in Siena to becoming world champions, his beaming smile and tears of joy will always be remembered. The Brazilian was a sensational goalkeeper who left his mark on some of the most important matches in the club’s recent history.
GIUSEPPE BERGOMI | Inter Hall of Fame 2020 With the captain’s armband on his arm and Nerazzurri blood running through his veins, Giuseppe Bergomi started out as the youngest player to play for the club, going on to make no fewer than 756 Inter appearances. Not just a captain, but a symbol for all Interisti and a defender with remarkable attributes, he won the World Cup with Italy at the age of just 19.
ESTEBAN CAMBIASSO | Inter Hall of Fame 2020 The Argentine’s passionate celebrations tell you all you need to know about his love for the club. Pure adrenaline, an innate understanding of the game, tactical awareness and a knack of making late runs into the box were all key facets of Cuchu’s game, epitomised by the way he celebrated netting a crucial goal against Chelsea.
DIEGO MILITO | Inter Hall of Fame 2020 The prince was crowned king on that night in Madrid when Inter were crowned European champions thanks to a beautiful brace by the Argentine. He also left his mark in Rome and Siena in unforgettable fashion en route to treble success.
GIANLUCA PAGLIUCA | Inter Hall of Fame 2021 Tasked with the considerable feat of replacing Zenga, Gianluca Pagliuca immediately rose to the challenge, turning in extraordinary performances on a regular basis. One of the best goalkeepers in Italian football history, he lifted the UEFA Cup in 1998 alongside Bergomi and, astonishingly, went undefeated in ten Milan derbies in the league.
MARCO MATERAZZI | Inter Hall of Fame 2021 Does anybody embody Interismo more clearly than this man? Matrix popped up with crucial goals, including a Scudetto-clincher, wore his heart on his sleeve, celebrated with unbridled passion, such as in the Champions League final, and played with tenacity at all times.
WESLEY SNEIJDER | Inter Hall of Fame 2021 The ultimate number 10 whose magic fitted perfectly into our treble-winning side. Having settled straight into life in Milan, the Dutchman served up stunning goals and assists in abundance, with none more pivotal than the tap-in away to Dynamo Kyiv in the group stage that set the team on its way to success in all major competitions that year.
SAMUEL ETO'O | Inter Hall of Fame 2021 The Lion King oozed class and was able to bring the best out of his team-mates, too. His control, fine finish and message to the fans at Stamford Bridge will live long in the memory. Samuel Eto’o wasn’t just about goals, but he also sacrificed himself for the team and led by example. The striker got on the scoresheet in the Club World Cup final among other impressive feats.