5 best foreign players ever to play for Juventus

Cristiano Ronaldo had a short but successful spell at Juventus
Cristiano Ronaldo had a short but successful spell at Juventus

Juventus are one of the most successful clubs in Italian football and are one of the biggest clubs in the world. The Old Lady have dominated Serie A in recent years while they have also enjoyed success on the European stage.

Some of the biggest names in the game have plied their trade at Juventus

Over the years, some of the best foreign players to have played the game have donned the club's black and white stripes and left a lasting impression. These legends have helped the Bianconeri establish themselves as a dominant force in both Italy and Europe.

On that note, here's a look at the five best foreign players to have played for Juventus:


#5 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) | 2018 - 2021

Cristiano Ronaldo broke several records at Juventus.
Cristiano Ronaldo broke several records at Juventus.

Cristiano Ronaldo spent just three years at Juventus. But his exploits at the club and the pedigree he arrived with is enough for him to earn a spot on this list.

Juventus broke the bank to sign Ronaldo from Real Madrid in 2018 for a fee of almost €100 million. Many criticised the Bianconeri for spending such a huge amount on a 33-year-old.

However, the Portuguese international is no ordinary player. Even though he had a slow start to life in Turin, Ronaldo went on to break numerous records during his time in Italy.

Ronaldo was the club's top scorer in each of his three seasons at Juventus. And he became the first player to score 100 goals in their first three seasons at the club. He also scored 29 goals to win the Serie A Golden Boot in his final season at Juventus.

Cristiano Ronaldo was signed largely to help the club win the UEFA Champions League. While that didn't happen, the 36-year-old won two Serie A titles and as many Italian Super Cups during his time at Juventus.

The Portuguese international has left the club this summer to return to Manchester United.


#4 Pavel Nedved (Czech Republic) | 2001 - 2009

Pavel Nedved was a key player in Juventus' midfield.
Pavel Nedved was a key player in Juventus' midfield.

One of Juventus' greatest ever players, Pavel Nedved moved to the club in 2001 after five trophy-laden years at Lazio. These included two Coppa Italia, one Cup Winners Cup and only the second-ever Scudetto in the Roman club's history.

Nedved continued to win trophies in Turin, and was an integral part of the Juventus team that won successive Serie A titles in 2002 and 2003. The mercurial midfielder also won the Ballon d'Or award in 2003, ahead of the likes of Thierry Henry and Paul Maldini. That helped him cement his position as one of the best in the world.

Nedved's versatility allowed him to play anywhere across midfield. From the wing, he could fire in a cross or cut inside and use either foot to unleash a powerful shot. In the middle, he had the vision, composure and passing range as well as the turn of pace to make quick runs into the opposition penalty area.

Despite winning two consecutive Scudetti and reaching the Champions League final in 2003, Nedved's loyalty to Juventus shone through. That was because he remained in Turin after the club’s relegation to Serie B for their involvement in the infamous 2006 Calciopoli scandal.

After helping the Bianconeri return to Serie A a year later, Nedved stayed for another three years, stabilising the club and leading them into a new era of dominance. For that reason, Nedved's legendary status among Juventini cannot be argued.

#3 Zinedine Zidane (France) | 1996 - 2001

Zinedine Zidane became a superstar in Turin
Zinedine Zidane became a superstar in Turin

Zinedine Zidane played at Juventus for just five seasons, but he is still hailed as one of the greatest players in the club's history. The Frenchman arrived at the club in 1996 from Ligue 1 outfit Bordeaux and became a superstar in Turin. He attracted attention with a series of eye-catching performances in midfield.

Zidane was known for his vision, ball control, technical ability and talent. Many hail him as one of the most technically gifted players to have ever graces the Italian top flight.

Printed on the wall inside Juventus’ museum, there is a quote Enzo Bearzot used to describe the mercuria Frenchman:

"He handled the ball with absolute grace. It is beautiful to watch his passes, to see how he does everything on the field. Because of the unpredictability of his movements, he reminds me of the flight of a butterfly."

Zidane made 212 appearances for Juventus, scoring 31 goals and providing 38 assists. He won two Serie A titles and several other honours with the club, while also picking up the Ballon d'Or award in 1998.

He later moved to Real Madrid in the summer of 2001 for a world-record fee at the time. There he further cemented his status as one of the game's all-time greats.


#2 Michel Platini (France) | 1982 - 1987

Michel Platini had an incredible five-year spell at Juventus
Michel Platini had an incredible five-year spell at Juventus

In the history of the game, not too many players have made a bigger impact in a five-year spell at any club like Michel Platini did at Juventus. He had an incredible stint at the club, winning numerous major honours, both domestically and in Europe. He also won three Ballon d'Or awards during his time at the club.

Platini’s playing style was virtually unseen from a French player before. His forte were his precise understanding and handling of the ball, which allowed him to make amazing passes or attempt audacious shots in open play and dead-ball situations. His ability was such that Bobby Charlton once remarked,

"What a playmaker. He could thread the ball through the eye of a needle as well as finish."

The 1982 FIFA World Cup would become the Frenchman’s tournament, where he made his nation stand up and realise what a fabulous player he was. He also shone at Euro' 84, scoring a record nine goals in France's triumphant campaign. Platini was the top scorer in Euro history before he was recently overtaken by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Platini won the Serie A title with Juventus in 1984 and 1986, the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1984, the 1984 European Super Cup, the European Cup in 1985, and the 1985 Intercontinental Cup. He was the top scorer in Serie A for three consecutive seasons (1982-83, 1983-84 and 1984-85).

Platini, who retired at Juventus aged 32, is fondly remembered by fans across the world as one of the best to have ever played the game.


#1 John Charles (Wales) | 1957 - 1962

John Charles has arguably been one of Juventus' greatest ever foreign player.
John Charles has arguably been one of Juventus' greatest ever foreign player.

John Charles lifted the spirit of Juventini with his flamboyant aura back in the mid-1900s. He partnered with the likes of Giampiero Boniperti and Omar Sívori at the heart of Juventus’ offence. John Charles became an integral part of a lethal attacking trio known as 'Il Santo Tridente' (the Holy Trident).

Charles joined Juventus from Leeds United in 1957 for a then-British record transfer fee of around £65,000. He stayed at the club for five years before rejoining Leeds. During those five years, he was successful in turning himself from a foreigner who wished to play in the Italian league to someone who would go on to become one of the greatest foreign imports in the country.

In those five years, not only did he score 105 goals in 179 matches, Charles also helped Juventus win three Serie A titles and two Coppa Italia. He won the Capocannoniere award in the 1957-58 campaign.

Charles was the third-best player in the 1959 Ballon d’Or race. After leaving Juventus, he played for several other clubs, including AS Roma and Cardiff City, but failed to reach the same heights he scaled at Juventus.

Charles was named the Bianconeri's best foreign player during their centenary celebrations of 1997. His legendary status was later confirmed with his induction into the Italian Football Hall of Fame. He passed away in 2004 due to cancer-related complications.

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Edited by Bhargav