In the early decades of the 80s the European soccer universe was swaying with legendary star players. You name it, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge from West Germany, Ian Rush from Wales, Michael Laundrup from Denmark, or Kenny Dalglishfrom Scotland.
Like a word, the opponent’s knee will vibrate first when dealing with the players mentioned earlier. Even so, there is a figure of a great player from France who became king in the king of European football. The figure was named Michael Platini.
Why not be called the king of Europe, Platini was the first player in history to win the Ballon d’Or title three times in a row, in 1983, 1984 and 1985. This prestigious achievement for individual world football players is certainly not without cause. He is the central figure of the midfield for the French national team and the club defended, Juventus.
Together with the French national team, Platini was able to the team nicknamed the rooster won the European Cup in 1984. This title was the first time France won in history. Previously, the team that was identical with the blue uniform was only able to rank third, in 1960.
In the tournament of the best European teams held in France, Platini appeared so charming throughout the tournament. Platini who acted as captain of the team became the center of public attention in European and world football.
Players born June 21, 1955 this year successfully became the top score with a collection of nine goals. Even one goal in the final, ensuring France won the European champions after beating Spain 2-1, which took place at the Parc des Princes.
Throughout the defense of the French national team, Platini managed to carve 41 goals from 72 matches he had ever played. Besides acting with the French national team, Platini was also successful with the clubs he defended.
Platini began his football career with two local French clubs, Nancy in 1972-1979 and Saint-Etienne (1979-1982). Thanks to the skill of processing the round and spindly, round toadstool, he was finally drawn by Juventus.
Together with the Old Lady (Juventus nickname), Platini found the best form of play. He managed to bring the Turin club won prestigious titles, such as the 1985 edition of the Champions League trophy or what was then known as the European Cup. In addition, Platini also successfully presented two Scudetto titles twice. Namely, the 1983/1984 and 1985/1986 seasons.
As a football artist on the gridiron, Platini has been described as almost flawless. So, it is quite reasonable if in the end he inspired a lot of young French players at that time. You name it, one of them is Zinedine Zidane. Not only that, Paltini also galvanized Didier Descamps (current French national team coach) to become a formidable player.
He also successfully embraced Eric Cantona. This one player is regarded by Platini as the “best player in his era” on the right path. It is worth knowing, Eric Cantona is one of the bengal players that has ever existed in the world of football. The following are Platini’s achievements while still actively playing:
- Nancy – French Cup – 1978
- Saint-Etienne-Ligue 1 – 1981
- Juventus- European Cup / Champions League – 1985- Italian Serie A – 1984, 1986- Coppa Italia – 1983- Cup Winners Cup – 1984- European Super Cup – 1984- Intercontinental Cup – 1985
- France- European Cup – 1984
Individual achievements:
- Ballon d’Or (1983, 1984, 1985)
- UEFA EURO Player of the Tournament (1984)
- UEFA EURO Top Scorer (1984)
- UEFA EURO Team of the Tournament (1984)
- FIFA World Cup All-Star Team (1982, 1986)
- World Team of the 20th Century (1998)
- Onze d’Or (1983, 1984, 1985)
- French Player of the Year (1976, 1977)
- Serie A Top Scorer (1983, 1984, 1985)
- World Soccer Player of the Year (1984, 1985)
- FIFA World Cup All-Time Team (1994)
- FIFA World Cup Dream Team (2002)
