Alessandro Del Piero

Alessandro Del Piero is a celebrated Italian former professional soccer player widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of his generation. Born in Conegliano, Italy, Del Piero’s career spanned more than two decades and left an enduring legacy at both club and international levels. Known for his technical skill, creativity, vision, and mastery of free kicks, he became a revered figure in the world’s most popular sport.

Del Piero spoke at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos because he was invited to participate in a high‑profile session about the global importance of football beyond just sport — especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching. At the event he joined FIFA President Gianni Infantino and former manager Arsène Wenger to discuss how football acts as a powerful unifying force, the role of resilience and learning from failure, and the broader social, cultural and economic impact of the game worldwide.

Del Piero’s professional journey began with Calcio Padova in Serie B, yet it was his transfer to Juventus FC in 1993 that defined his career. Over 19 seasons with Juventus, he became the club’s all‑time leading scorer and appearance maker, serving as captain for more than a decade and lifting multiple trophies, including six Serie A titles and the UEFA Champions League. His loyalty and brilliance at Juventus forged a bond with fans and cemented his status as a club legend.

On the international stage, Del Piero represented Italy in major tournaments, earning 91 caps and scoring 27 goals. His most triumphant moment came at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, where he played a vital role in Italy’s journey to lifting the trophy, fulfilling a lifelong aspiration and achieving football’s highest honor.

After leaving Juventus in 2012, Del Piero continued his playing career abroad with Sydney FC in Australia and Delhi Dynamos FC in India before retiring in 2014. Off the pitch, he has remained closely connected to the sport—as a broadcaster, pundit, and ambassador—while also engaging in business and philanthropic endeavors. His elegant style of play, leadership, and sportsmanship have earned him immense respect, numerous individual awards, and a lasting place in football history.