Javier Zanetti was the model of the modern one-club professional, an Argentine full-back who served Inter with distinction for the better part of two decades. Tireless, versatile and unfailingly reliable, he could operate at either full-back or in midfield and rarely dipped in form across his long career.
As captain he led Inter through a golden period that culminated in the treble, including Champions League glory, embodying the club’s values through good times and bad. Composed and durable, he set appearance records and remained an influential figure at the San Siro long after retiring.
For Argentina he won a large number of caps, a dependable servant whose professionalism made him one of the most respected figures of his generation.