Like a number of his international and club team-mates, AC Milan's Pirlo has won almost everything there is to win in the game.
In 2000, while an Internazionale player, the playmaker captained Italy to the Under-21 European Championship and since his move across the city from Inter to AC in 2001, Pirlo has collected one Scudetto, two Champions League titles, one Coppa Italia and two European Super Cups..
Of course, the highlight of his career came two years ago when he played a key role in Italy's World Cup success.
He was voted man-of-the-match in three games throughout the tournament, including the final, when his corner set up Marco Matterazzi's opening goal.
The 28-year-old midfielder is one of the best passers in world football and is up there with the best free-kick takers around, as recognised by FIFA in 2007 when he was nominated for World Player of the Year.
Pirlo has 45 caps to his name and progression past the group stages of Euro 2008 will see him win his 50th cap for Italy.
















Italy