A.S. Roma, a remarkable and well-known club in Italy, has a rich history that has produced many top-tier players.
The club’s story began in 1927 when AS Roma Football Club was founded in Rome, Italy, to compete in the prestigious Italian Serie A league.
Throughout its long existence, AS Roma has consistently been a part of Serie A, except for the 1950-51 season. Situated in the heart of Rome, the club has made the Rome Olympic Stadium its home since 1953.
This famous stadium can hold 72,000 fans and is also where their fellow team, Lazio, plays. It’s important to note that the Rome Olympic Stadium is the second-largest stadium in Italy, only smaller than San Siro.
AS Roma proudly wears the colors carmine red and gold yellow, which also represent the energy of this “Belarusian” team.
The symbol of AS Roma is an image of a caring female wolf with her offspring, inspired by the legend of Rome’s beginnings.
Looking into AS Roma’s history reveals a list of exceptional players who have made a lasting impact on the world of football.
Best AS Roma Players In History
These remarkable players illuminate the pages of AS Roma’s history.
Their excellence and unwavering dedication have not only shaped the club but also propelled it to great heights. Under the guidance of Jose Mourinho, the potential for new legends to emerge is incredibly exciting and just within reach.
While we commemorate the past, we also eagerly anticipate the future, filled with the promise of fresh heroes proudly wearing the Giallorossi colors.
- 1. Francesco Totti – 619 caps – 250 goals
- 2. Daniele De Rossi – 459 caps – 43 goals
- 3. Bruno Conti – 402 caps 47 goals
- 4. Roberto Pruzzo – 240 caps – 106 goals
- 5. Giuseppe Giannini – 318 caps – 49 goals
- 6. Amedeo Amadei – 233 caps – 116 goals
- 7. Giacomo Losi – 386 caps – 2 goals
- 8. Aldair – 330 caps – 14 goals
- 9. Di Bartolomei – 237 caps 69 goals
- 10. Franco Tancredi – 288 caps – 0 goal
1. Francesco Totti – 619 caps – 250 goals
Totti’s name goes beyond just football; it symbolizes an exceptional legacy.
As a versatile attacking player, Totti’s remarkable 28-year commitment to AS Roma proves unwavering loyalty. Holding the record with 786 appearances and 307 goals, he stands as the club’s all-time leading scorer.
Totti’s entire professional career was dedicated to Roma, during which he secured a Serie A championship, two Coppa Italia titles, and two Supercoppa Italiana titles.
Notably, he holds the club records for both the most goals scored and most appearances. Totti is also recognized as the youngest captain in Serie A’s history.
Referred to by various monikers such as “Il Bimbo de Oro” (The Golden Boy), “Il Re di Roma” (The King of Rome), “Er Pupone” (The Big Baby), and “Il Gladiatore” (The Gladiator) by the Italian sports media, Totti stands as the second-highest scorer in the history of the Italian league with an impressive 250 goals.
Also, he holds the record for the highest number of goals scored in Serie A while representing a single club.
Totti’s retirement in 2017 marked the end of a remarkable 24-year journey with the club. His departure was an intensely emotional moment not only for him but also for the devoted Roma fans.
2. Daniele De Rossi – 459 caps – 43 goals
De Rossi marked his professional debut for Roma in the 2001-02 season, followed by his Serie A debut the subsequent year.
His journey with the club included winning the Coppa Italia trophy twice, in 2007 and 2008, as well as clinching the 2007 Supercoppa Italiana.
His excellence was acknowledged with the Serie A Young Footballer of the Year award in 2006 and the prestigious Serie A Italian Footballer of the Year title in 2009.
Rossi’s unwavering commitment and exceptional abilities firmly established him as an emblem of AS Roma.
Assuming the captain’s armband at Roma in the 2017-18 season after the retirement of Francesco Totti, De Rossi played a key role in steering the team to the Champions League semi-final, a historic feat for the club in the modern Champions League era.
Following 18 memorable seasons with Roma, he bid farewell to the team at the close of the 2018-19 season.
His incredible tally of 616 appearances across all competitions secures him the honor of being the club’s second-most capped player, trailing only behind Totti.
Subsequently, De Rossi embarked on a new chapter by joining the Argentine club Boca Juniors in the summer of 2019.
His remarkable journey in professional football came to a close in January of the ensuing year, marking the end of an illustrious career.
3. Bruno Conti – 402 caps 47 goals
A skilled winger of remarkable mastery left an enduring impact that spans across generations.
With a remarkable record of 402 appearances, he skillfully displayed his exceptional speed and technique on the field. Having scored 47 goals, he played a crucial part in the attainment of 5 Coppa Italia titles and the prestigious Serie A championship in 1983.
Conti’s legacy as one of Italy’s finest right-wingers continues to shine brightly, contributing significantly to the rich heritage of AS Roma.
With the exception of two loan spells at Genoa early in his career, Bruno Conti remained devoted to Roma throughout his entire professional journey.
Hailing from Nettuno, a town near Rome, Conti’s incredible skill was so impressive that Pelé himself remarked during the 1982 World Cup that Conti was “more Brazilian than all the Brazilian players.”
Conti once expressed, “Roma is my life. You don’t question Roma, you simply hold an affection for this club.” In recognition of his contributions, he was honored with induction into the AS Roma Hall of Fame in 2012.
4. Roberto Pruzzo – 240 caps – 106 goals
Pruzzo stood out as a remarkable goal-getter, renowned especially for his remarkable heading prowess.
He ranks among the finest Italian strikers of his era and holds a revered place as one of AS Roma’s greatest players ever.
Characterized by his strong and diligent approach as a center-forward, he possessed solid technique and an inherent ability to find the back of the net.
Within the realm of Roma, he gained recognition as one of the most potent Italian strikers during the 1980s.
His success includes winning a Serie A championship during the 1982-83 season and securing four Italian Cups in the years 1980, 1981, 1983, and 1986.
Also, Pruzzo captured the Serie A top scorer title thrice, in 1981, 1982, and 1986, alongside claiming the Coppa Italia top scorer accolade in 1980.
He also etched his name onto the scoresheet during the 1984 European Cup Final, a match where Roma, competing on home turf, eventually succumbed to Liverpool in a penalty shootout.
5. Giuseppe Giannini – 318 caps – 49 goals
Prior to Totti’s era, Giannini stood as the revered figure cherished by supporters as the ultimate representation of the club’s essence.
Much like Totti, this midfielder opted to reject tempting offers from prominent teams, affirming his allegiance to his beloved hometown club.
The majority of his remarkable 16-year playing career was dedicated to A.S. Roma.
Throughout his time on the pitch, Giannini earned the moniker “Il Principe” (The Prince), a title that paid homage to his extraordinary creative finesse, graceful style, technical prowess, perceptive vision, and extensive passing range – attributes that collectively rendered him an exceedingly influential playmaker.
Beyond his artistic abilities and inventive gameplay, he showcased agility, adaptability, and an unrelenting work ethic. Noteworthy for his enduring stamina and strategic insight, he also possessed a precise shot.
In 1996, Giannini briefly departed Roma to join Austria’s Sturm Graz, yet his return to Italy occurred within just half a season due to homesickness.
His playing career concluded in 1998, with brief periods at Napoli and Lecce.
His exceptional contributions were duly recognized when he was inducted into the AS Roma Hall of Fame in 2013.
6. Amedeo Amadei – 233 caps – 116 goals
Amadei, a formidable forward celebrated as one of Italy’s greatest strikers of all time, was renowned for his remarkable goal-scoring ability, acrobatic prowess in the air, and precise volleys.
His significance to Roma was so profound that fans lovingly referred to him as the “eighth King of Rome.“
Upon his passing in 2013, Amadei was honored with induction into the A.S. Roma Hall of Fame, standing among eleven distinguished individuals.
Roma, in their statement after his demise, emphasized, “He embodied the essence of the team and was cherished by multiple generations of fans.“
During his time with Roma, Amadei netted an impressive 116 goals before transitioning to FC Internazionale Milano and eventually finished his career at SSC Napoli, amassing a total of 174 Serie A goals.
Reflecting on his departure from Roma, he explained, “Roma couldn’t afford to keep me. However, my agreements with Inter and Napoli included clauses that prevented me from playing against Roma. They couldn’t ask me to harm my own mother.”
7. Giacomo Losi – 386 caps – 2 goals
A natural-born defender dedicated his entire football journey to AS Roma from 1955 to 1969.
Over the span of 14 years, Losi graced the field in the iconic Roma jersey, accumulating a total of 386 appearances – a record that stood unbroken for 38 years until Francesco Totti surpassed it in 2007.
Notably, Losi earned the affectionate title of ‘the Heart of Roma’ owing to his adept technical skills and unwavering allegiance to the club.
During his time, he won two Coppa Italia titles in 1964 and 1969, further cementing his legacy.
Despite not being a native of Rome, Losi spent an impressive 15 seasons in the city and was affectionately nicknamed “Core de Roma” – an embodiment of his deep connection to the club and the city.
In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, Giacomo Losi was inducted into the AS Roma Hall of Fame in 2012, etching his name permanently into the club’s history.
8. Aldair – 330 caps – 14 goals
Aldair Nascimento Dos Santos is undeniably one of the premier defenders in the histories of both Brazil and Roma.
Moving from Benfica in 1990, He started his journey with the Giallorossi in 1990 and left a mark over 13 years, even rising to the role of captain.
His tenure witnessed an impressive 330 caps, retaining the record of being the most-capped foreign player in the club’s history.
The triumphs during his Rome years featured a Coppa Italia victory in 1991, marked by an appearance in the UEFA Cup Final during the same season.
Also, he secured a Serie A title and a Supercoppa Italiana in 2001.
A legacy of his impact, Roma retired jersey number 6 in his honor when he departed the team in 2003.
Although this jersey retirement was eventually lifted, Keven Strootman assumed the same jersey number upon joining the club in 2013.
9. Di Bartolomei – 237 caps 69 goals
Prior to the emergence of Giannini, De Rossi, and Totti, Agostino Di Bartolomei stood as the quintessential symbol of the Giallorossi.
Over the course of 15 years, he netted 69 goals for the club, amassing a remarkable record.
His tenure included triumphs such as securing 3 Italian Cups and playing a key role in winning their second Serie A title in 1983.
Operating as a versatile midfielder who could also excel in a sweeper position, his on-field brilliance was epitomized by his playmaking abilities.
Notably, Bartolomei stands as a prominent example of an extraordinary talent who never earned a cap for the Italian national team.
Even as a 13-year-old, Di Bartolomei captured the attention of Milan with his ball control and astute passing ability.
Despite the interest from Milan, he chose to remain loyal to his beloved Rome, rejecting offers to leave the city. It’s worth noting that his commitment to his hometown club was unwavering, even when local teams hadn’t expressed interest in him at that time.
10. Franco Tancredi – 288 caps – 0 goal
Renowned as one of the finest Italian goalkeepers of his generation, Franco Tancredi also etched his name among the greatest AS Roma players of all time.
His football journey embarked with Giulianova and later spells with Milan and Rimini, culminating in a big chapter with Roma.
Between 1979 and 1990, Tancredi left a mark on Roma’s legacy, making his presence felt through 288 appearances in Serie A.
This period of commitment bore fruit as he contributed to Roma’s Scudetto victory in 1983 and triumphed in an impressive four Coppa Italia campaigns.
Notably, during a fateful encounter against Milan at the San Siro in 1987, he faced a challenging incident when struck on the head by a firework thrown by a Milan supporter.
His professional journey reached its end in 1991 after a season with Torino, where he contributed to a Mitropa Cup victory, even though he predominantly operated as a backup to Luca Marchegiani.
Tancredi’s career spanned 294 Serie A appearances, 28 in Serie B, 58 in the Coppa Italia, and 36 in European competitions, marking his legacy as a revered goalkeeper and a major figure in the rich history of Italian football.
