Who founded Juventus? A look back at th history of The Old Lady

Across its long history, Juventus has stood as a symbol of both Turin and Italian football. The club has been home to generations of elite players, shaping a distinct identity that reflects more than just results on the pitch. From the silverware they have collected to the emotions they have inspired, Juventus has built a culture that few clubs can match.

To understand how it all began, it is worth revisiting the club’s early days. In this article, Nowgoalmobi.net will answer the question: “Who founded Juventus?” and trace the origins of one of Serie A’s most iconic institutions.

Who founded Juventus?

Juventus came into existence on November 1, 1897, when a group of students from the Massimo d’Azeglio Lyceum in Turin decided to form a club of their own. Among them were brothers Eugenio and Enrico Canfari, with Eugenio, the elder, taking on the role of the club’s first president.

At the time, the founders were remarkably young, the oldest just 17, which explains the name they settled on. “Juventus,” derived from Latin, translates to “Youth” and reflected both their age and their ambition.

The early meetings often took place around a bench on Corso Re Umberto, one of Turin’s main streets. That spot has since taken on symbolic status among supporters, seen as the birthplace of the club’s identity.

In those early days, the group considered different sporting paths. Cycling was an option, but in the end football proved the more practical choice, largely because it was easier to organise and required far less investment. That decision would go on to shape one of the most successful clubs in the history of the game.

Famous players of Juventus

5. Cristiano Ronaldo (2018 - 2021)

In July 2018, Cristiano Ronaldo made headlines by leaving Real Madrid to join Juventus in a deal worth €100 million, widely described in Italy as the transfer of the century. He arrived in Turin at the age of 33, yet his impact was immediate and decisive.

Over the course of three seasons, Ronaldo underlined his elite level by becoming the fastest player in the club’s history to reach 100 goals, achieving the milestone in just 131 appearances. Moreover, he played a key role in sustaining Juventus’ dominance on the domestic stage, as the club secured back-to-back Serie A titles in 2018-19 and 2019-20.

Individually, his influence was equally clear. Ronaldo was named Serie A Footballer of the Year in both 2019 and 2020, reinforcing his status as one of the defining figures of his era.

4. Zinedine Zidane (1996 - 2001)

Before becoming the figurehead of the Galacticos at Real Madrid or guiding them to a historic European three-peat from the touchline, Zinedine Zidane first rose to prominence in Turin with Juventus. Signed during the mid-1990s, he developed into the creative hub of a side shaped by Marcello Lippi.

While Juventus were known for their physical strength and structure, Zidane added balance with his vision and control. Across 212 appearances, he scored 31 goals, although his true influence lay in how he dictated play and drew defenders, opening space for teammates.

During this period, he established himself among the elite, culminating in winning the Ballon d’Or in 1998. He also helped Juventus secure back-to-back Serie A titles in 1996-97 and 1997-98, while reaching consecutive UEFA Champions League finals, even if both ended in disappointment.

3. Gianluigi Buffon (2001 - 2018 & 2019 - 2021)

Gianluigi Buffon has long been more than just a goalkeeper for Juventus; he is a defining figure in the club’s modern history. In 2001, Juventus invested €52 million to bring him in from Parma, a world-record fee for a goalkeeper that stood for 17 years. From that point, Buffon developed into the leading player in his position.

His loyalty was most evident in 2006, when the club was relegated to Serie B following the Calciopoli scandal. Despite having just won the World Cup, he chose to remain.

After a brief spell with Paris Saint-Germain, Buffon returned to Turin in 2019. Although no longer first choice, he played an important role alongside Wojciech Szczęsny and went on to set the record for most Serie A appearances, reaching 657 matches, while collecting a remarkable 10 league titles.

2. Michel Platini (1982 - 1987)

Looking back to the 1980s, the five-year spell of Michel Platini at Juventus stands out as one of the most dominant individual periods Italian football has witnessed. Arriving from AS Saint-Étienne, he initially struggled with injuries and the weight of expectation from the Italian media. However, once he settled into the system shaped by Giovanni Trapattoni, his influence became decisive.

Platini finished his time in Turin with 224 appearances and 104 goals, remarkable figures for an attacking midfielder. He played a central role in securing two Serie A titles and the European Cup in 1984-85. On an individual level, he dominated the era, winning three consecutive Ballon d’Or awards from 1983 to 1985. More importantly, he reshaped the role of the number 10, combining creativity with a consistent goal threat rarely seen before.

1. Alessandro Del Piero (1993 - 2012)

It is difficult to speak about Alessandro Del Piero in purely footballing terms, because his story is inseparable from Juventus itself. Over 19 years in Turin, he became the club’s “bandiera”, a constant presence through success, crisis and eventual revival.

His record reflects that influence. Del Piero remains Juventus’ all-time leading scorer with 290 goals and also holds the appearance record with 705 matches. During that time, he helped deliver six Serie A titles and the UEFA Champions League in 1995-96, often stepping up in decisive moments.

His legacy, however, was defined as much by loyalty as by silverware. In 2006, following the Calciopoli scandal, Juventus were relegated to Serie B. While several key players departed, Del Piero chose to stay, guiding the club back to the top and reinforcing his status as its enduring symbol.

Famous players of Juventus

5. Cristiano Ronaldo (2018 - 2021)

4. Zinedine Zidane (1996 - 2001)

3. Gianluigi Buffon (2001 - 2018 & 2019 - 2021)

2. Michel Platini (1982 - 1987)

1. Alessandro Del Piero (1993 - 2012)

Nowgoalmobi has revealed who founded Juventus, along with some famous players of “The Old Lady”.

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