5 best foreign players ever to play for 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 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
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.