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Nickname: Divine Ponytail: Roberto Baggio earned the nickname "Il Divin Codino" (The Divine Ponytail) due to his distinctive long hair tied back in a ponytail during his playing career.
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Versatile Player: Baggio was known for his versatility on the field. He could play as a forward, attacking midfielder, or even as a second striker, showcasing his adaptability and footballing intelligence.
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Fiorentina's Record Signing: Baggio became the most expensive player in Italian football history when he was signed by Fiorentina from Fiorentina's arch-rivals Juventus for a then-record fee of £8 million in 1990.
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World Cup Heartbreak: In the 1994 FIFA World Cup final against Brazil, Baggio famously missed the decisive penalty kick in the shootout, handing Brazil the victory. Despite this, he was awarded the Silver Ball as the tournament's second-best player.
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Hat-Trick Against Juventus: Baggio delivered a memorable performance against his former club Juventus in 1994, scoring a stunning hat-trick for AC Milan in a 3-0 victory over the Bianconeri.
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Inter Milan's Savior: During his time at Inter Milan, Baggio earned a reputation as the team's savior, scoring crucial goals and providing moments of magic that endeared him to the Nerazzurri faithful.
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Brescia's Hero: Baggio enjoyed a renaissance at Brescia towards the end of his career, becoming a cult hero for the club and leading them to an impressive seventh-place finish in Serie A during the 2001-2002 season.
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Zen Master: After retiring from professional football, Baggio became a practicing Buddhist and studied to become a Zen master, embracing spirituality as a central aspect of his life.
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Presidential Award: In 2010, Baggio was awarded the "Giuseppe Prisco" prize by the Italian Republic's president for his contributions to football and his efforts in promoting social inclusion and solidarity.
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UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador: Baggio has served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) since 2002, using his platform to advocate for children's rights and raise awareness about important social issues.
