Capello Celebrates 80th Birthday and Names the Best Player Ever Coached: 'Cassano Makes Me Angry'
June 19, 2026 · Global
Fabio Capello celebrated his 80th birthday and reflected on his career, naming the best players he ever coached, including Antonio Cassano, who he said made him angry.
Fabio Capello celebrated his 80th birthday on Thursday and revealed the best players he has coached in a career spanning more than 50 years. In a special interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Capello discussed the lessons learned from the coaches who inspired him throughout his career.
"I tried to take something from all their methods. I copied a lot from (Helenio) Herrera, a great motivator, who was very advanced compared to the others. I won my first trophy with him, the Coppa Italia in 1969, beating Cagliari who had Riva, the greatest striker at that time."
"(Nils) Liedholm, on the other hand, makes you believe that you want to do something, even though it's actually just him that you want to do."
"([Nereo] Rocco understands football very well. He's very direct, doesn't beat around the bush."
Capello also recalled the fondest memories from his playing career. "Early days," he said. "First trophies: first Coppa Italia, first Scudetto with Juve, adding a star to the jersey with Rivera's Milan, the strongest team I've ever played for."
"As a coach, the best feeling was the 1994 Champions League win that we achieved despite facing many obstacles, so that was even more beautiful."
Capello called Daniele De Rossi the best 'student' he ever coached. "If I had to name one, I would say De Rossi. I gave him his debut at Roma, I invested a lot in him, so with affection, I would say Daniele."
And Capello said the best player he ever coached was '[Ronaldo], o Fenomeno. He is a true champion. It's a shame he wasn't willing to make more sacrifices. In Madrid, they forced me to sell. "
"Another extraordinary talent is Cassano, but he makes me too angry: A wasted talent.