The Top 10 Lazio Midfielders Of All Time

When discussing the greatest Lazio midfielders, the debate among Biancoceleste fans truly ignites. Over the years, the capital club has been home to exceptional talents who have made their mark both in Italy and on the international stage.

Crafting a ranking is always challenging, as it may disappoint some supporters. However, by evaluating performances, achievements, and career paths with an objective approach, La Lazio Siamo Noi have compiled a list of the top 10 Lazio midfielders of all time.

Throughout the illustrious history of the Biancoceleste, just as the best strikers have been analyzed, the midfielders have been scrutinized by experts. Although scoring goals is critical, the midfield’s role in orchestrating play, delivering assists, and supporting the defense is equally pivotal in determining match outcomes and overall season success.

Today, the midfield has seen significant changes aimed at strengthening the squad for the latter part of the season. During the winter transfer window, the club signed two new midfielders: Reda Belahyane and Arijon Ibrahimovic. Belahyane was brought in to infuse fresh energy and dynamism into the team, while Ibrahimovic (on loan from Bayern Munich until the end of the season) adds extra offensive flair.

Now, let’s revisit the most illustrious chapters of the club and discover the top 10 Biancoceleste midfielders:

• Pavel Nedved
• Juan Sebastian Veron
• Marco Parolo
• Lucas Leiva
• Diego Simeone
• Matias Almeyda
• Stefano Mauri
• Cristian Ledesma
• Antonio Candreva
• Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (active)

We will soon delve into each player's individual contributions and their key roles in the club’s successes.

Pavel Nedved

Arriving in 1996 from Sparta Prague, Nedved quickly emerged as one of the top midfielders not only for Lazio but in Europe. With the Biancocelesti, he clinched numerous trophies, including:

1 Scudetto (1999/2000)

2 Italian Cups (1998 and 2000)

2 Italian Super Cups (1998 and 2000)

1 Cup Winners’ Cup (1999)

1 UEFA Super Cup (1999)

He was instrumental during Lazio’s golden era before transferring to Juventus in 2001 for 75 billion lire.

Juan Sebastian Veron

Nicknamed La Brujita, Veron spent just two seasons with Lazio (1999-2001) but left an unforgettable impact with his talent. His contributions were vital in winning the league title in 2000, as well as the Coppa Italia and Italian Super Cup in the same year. His impressive performances caught the eye of English clubs, leading Manchester United to sign him in 2001 for 80 billion old lire.

Marco Parolo

Joining the club in 2014, Parolo was a cornerstone of Lazio’s midfield over seven seasons, making more than 200 appearances and scoring 27 goals. He ended his tenure by helping the team secure the Coppa Italia in 2019 and two Italian Super Cups (2017 and 2019).

Lucas Leiva

After a decade-long stint at Liverpool, Lucas Leiva arrived at Lazio in 2017, immediately establishing himself as a midfield mainstay. With over 150 appearances, he contributed significantly to the club’s trophy haul during the same period as Marco Parolo.

Diego Pablo Simeone

Known as Cholo, Simeone represented Lazio from 1999 to 2003, bringing determination and leadership to the pitch during the late Eriksson era. His presence helped the team win the league title, the Italian Cup, and the Italian Super Cup.

Matias Jesus Almeyda

Wearing the Biancoceleste jersey from 1997 to 2000, Almeyda was renowned for his tenacity and ability to reclaim possession. He was a key member of the 2000 championship-winning team, and also helped secure two Coppa Italia titles and one Italian Super Cup, along with continental honors like the UEFA Super Cup and the Cup Winners’ Cup.

Stefano Mauri

A true symbol of Lazio for a decade, Mauri played in over 300 games for the club, notably contributing to the 2013 Coppa Italia victory over rivals Roma. Impressively, he nearly reached the 50-goal milestone across national and European competitions—a significant portion of his career total.

Cristian Ledesma

Signed by Lazio in 2006 following Lecce’s relegation to Serie B, Ledesma was highly sought after by Claudio Lotito as he was seen as a perfect fit for Delio Rossi’s team. His talent was nurtured by market expert Pantaleo Corvino, known for discovering champions at Lecce. During his time at Lazio, Ledesma helped the team win three major trophies: two Coppa Italia titles (2009 and 2013) and one Italian Super Cup (2009).

Antonio Candreva

A versatile player known both as an offensive winger and a dynamic midfielder, Candreva spent five seasons at Lazio between 2012 and 2016. He scored 45 goals in 192 matches before moving on to play for Inter, Sampdoria, and eventually Salernitana.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic

One of the most talented midfielders in recent Lazio history, Milinkovic-Savic played from 2015 to 2023, securing an Italian Cup and two Italian Super Cups during his tenure. In 2019, he was recognized as the league’s best midfielder before making a move to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia in 2023.

This overview not only celebrates the achievements of these midfield legends but also underscores their vital contributions to Lazio’s storied history.