10 of the most popular (or most successful) foreign players in AS Roma’s history

34 appearances / 15 goals

While not the most successful or longest tenured Roma player, Nordahl is easily one of the most recognisable names on the list, holding the Serie A record for goals per appearances at .77 (a majority of those while playing for Milan).

Nicknamed “Il Pompierone” (The Fireman), Nordahl was a classic, big striker who could finish from anywhere, winning the “Capocannoniere” title four times as Serie A’s top scorer.

While he joined Roma towards the twilight of his career, he became a player-coach in his third and final season at the club, while also returning post-retirement to coach Roma’s youth team.

Today, Nordahl is remembered as a titan of Serie A’s magical past and a true legend of Calcio.

107 appearances / 22 goals

One of 11 members in Roma’s Hall of Fame, Paulo Roberto Falcao established himself as one of the world’s most exciting midfielders while playing for Roma.

His overall elegance, leadership and technique were viewed as one of the main reasons for Roma’s second Scudetto victory in the 1982-1983 season, after which Falcao earned the nickname “the 8th King of Rome”.

The memorable 1983-1984 European Cup final loss against Liverpool signalled the end of the midfielder’s Roma tenure, but the fans will never forget the two Coppa Italia and Scudetto wins.

A stalwart for a magnificent Brazilian national team, Falcao also played alongside other legends such as Socrates, Zico, and Eder.

76 appearances / 17 goals

Long considered one of the greatest Polish players of all time, “Zibi” is a footballing legend who, while spending only a few years at Roma, is undoubtedly one of the legends of Calcio.

While playing for Roma’s hated rivals Juventus, Zibi achieved great success and popularity, second only to Michel Platini. Although joining Roma towards the twilight of his career (similarly to Nordahl), Zibi still managed to put in decent performances for Roma and contributed 17 goals with blistering pace and acceleration.

Zibi is now president of the Polish FA and regularly chimes in with thoughts about Roma and Juventus, along with new Roma keeper, Wojciech Szczesny.

142 appearances / 45 goals

Rudi Voller is still a household name for many Roma and Germany national team fans alike. The 1990 World Cup champion “Il tedesco volante”, or “the flying German” arrived in Rome in 1987 after an impressive couple years with Werder Bremen. Voller immediately won over the Roman faithful with his impressive pace, high work rate and skillful finishing with both feet.

While he only won a Coppa Italia with the team in 1991, Voller was a crucial element to a rather disappointing Roma side, proving an excellent partnership with the likes of Giuseppe Giannini and Bruno Conti.

Voller is also known for his unsuccessful return stint as manager of Roma after the sudden departure of Cesare Prandelli at the start of the 2004 season. Unfortunately, Voller’s career as manager did not go exactly as planned, and he resigned after only a month in charge. Voller is now Bayer Leverkusen’s sporting director and maintains an excellent relationship with Roma and the current management.

330 appearances / 14 goals

Aldair is one of those players that should require little to no introduction to fans of football. The magnificent centre back was a mainstay in the Roma defense for more than a decade, earning not only the love of the fans, but also a Coppa Italia win in 1991 and the famous Scudetto in 2001.

The former Roma captain also was a mainstay for a Brazil national team that dominated world football in the 1990’s, culminating in a 1994 World Cup final win over Italy.

For Roma, the arrival of Aldair from Benfica in the summer of 1990 proved to be one of their most successful purchases ever, ensuring the backline was anchored by the man nicknamed “Pluto” by the Roman faithful in a reference to the Roman God of the Underworld. Aldair’s ball playing ability and confidence was second only to his sense of positioning and leadership, proving invaluable to a Roman side.

Roma’s faithful might have experienced something similar in the one year Mehdi Benatia recently spent at the club, but Aldair’s modesty and loyalty to the club has remained in the hearts of the tifosi.

210 appearances / 14 goals

Roma’s purchase of a relatively unknown 22 year old French left back from Guingamp in January of 1997 was met with collective groans from Roman faithful desperate for a return to Serie A’s forefront.

Candela certainly wasn’t a quick fit into Roma’s plans as Coach Zdenek Zeman hastily transfer-listed the young defender almost one season after his purchase, but the best was yet to come.

Following Zeman’s dismissal and Fabio Capello’s appointment, the Frenchman became an integral part of the squad, known for being technically skilled and whipping in beautiful crosses to the likes of Vincenzo Montella, Gabriel Batistuta and Francesco Totti.

The first ever Frenchman to play for Roma was known to be a invaluable leader in the squad, even convincing many teammates in the 2000-2001 season to purchase Harley Davidson motorcycles for the purpose of bringing the squad together (and ensuring the Scudetto win?).

With the recent arrival of another 22 year old French left-back in Lucas Digne, Roma faithful can only hope that this success will be repeated.

163 appearances / 5 goals

While Real Madrid supporters will argue that Roberto Carlos is the best Brazilian wing-back ever, Roma (and some Milan) faithful will be quick to argue that Cafu is the best wing-back to ever play the game.

Boasting a resume that includes being the most internationally capped Brazilian player, winning the World cup twice, winning the Champions League with Milan in 2007 and winning a Scudetto with both Roma and Milan, this shows just how successful and important a player Cafu was.

Known for being a quick, dynamic and technically gifted warrior on the right flank, Cafu’s nickname as “Il Pendolino” (“The Express Train”) was well deserved.

After arriving from Palmeiras in 1997, Cafu was a rock for Roma’s defense, forming an excellent partnership with compatriot Aldair. With Aldair’s tactical understanding of the game, Cafu was allowed a free license to attack on the right side of the pitch, creating beautiful partnerships and moments with Roma’s attack.

Although Cafu left Roma for rival Milan in 2003, his contributions and respect of the shirt has earned him a permanent spot in the heart of the tifosi.

63 appearances / 30 goals

“Batigol”, as he was affectionatley called by Fiorentina and Roma fans alike, arrived in Rome from Fiorentina in the summer of 2000 and has always been considered as the main reason for Roma’s Scudetto success in the following season.

While his time in Rome was short and towards the twilight of his career, the Argentine’s 20 goals during his debut season for the Giallorossi proved to be invaluable and earned him a place in A.S Roma folklore.

A born goal-scorer with clinical finishing and a well-rounded game, Batistuta was also a humble and gentle giant who had a knack for winning over fans wherever he played.

While injuries and age undoubtedly affected his following years at Roma, he still proved to be an excellent leader and genuine person, both on and off the pitch.

At an international level, Batigol is still Argentina’s all-time leading goal scorer, leading Diego Maradona to even comment that he was the best striker he has ever seen to play the game

221 appearances / 25 goals

If there is a definition of versatility when it comes to football players, Taddei must surely be included in the definition. For almost a decade, Taddei warmed the hearts of the tifosi with his passion for the club and ability to adapt to whatever need the club may need. Taddei has played every position on the pitch at some point (except for center back), while also being famous for his technical skill and leadership on the pitch.

Arriving from Siena in 2005, Taddei remained with the club through numerous difficult spells, featuring numerous managerial changes and disappointing finishes in the league.

While not the most magical or famous player on this list, Taddei deserves a spot due to his popularity and respect earned over such a long period of time.

99 appearances / 7 goals

Similarly to Taddei, John Arne Riise is a fan favourite of Roma faithful due to the respect and honour he contributed to the shirt.

While his stay was relatively short, Riise scored numerous important goals against Milan and Juventus, while providing countless assists and crosses for Roman strikers.

A left-back with blistering pace and a rocket left-foot, Riise’s arrival from Liverpool in 2008 proved to be an excellent buy, even if it was for such a short time.

His international career also includes recognition as Norway’s most-capped player, a critical member of the squad for over 13 years.