On Thursday 19 February, Enzo Scifo celebrates his 60th birthday - the perfect occasion to once again reflect on his remarkable career.
Vincenzo Daniele, better known as Enzo Scifo, was born on 19 February 1966 in La Louvière as the son of Sicilian immigrants. The young Italian began his career at RAA Louviéroise, where his talent earned him the nickname Le Petit Pelé du Tivoli. RSC Anderlecht soon took notice and brought him to the Astridpark in 1980 for around 1.2 million Belgian francs. In the summer of 1983, under coach Paul Van Himst - who already knew him from the youth ranks - Scifo made the step up to the first team. His unofficial debut came in a friendly against FC Barcelona featuring Diego Maradona (1–1). His official debut followed on the opening matchday of that same season against Beerschot VAV.
Scifo immediately played 33 official matches in his debut season and received widespread praise, particularly after the winter break. Although born in Belgium, he initially held only Italian nationality. An expedited naturalisation process was launched so he could represent Belgium at Euro 1984 in France. At 18 years and 115 days, he became the youngest player ever to feature at a European Championship - a record that stood until 2012. In January 1985, his performances earned him the Belgian Golden Boot, and at the end of that season he won his first league title with Anderlecht. He added further league titles in 1986 and 1987. In between, he finished fourth with the Belgian national team at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.
After 119 league appearances and 32 goals for the Mauves, the 21-year-old Scifo secured a move in 1987 to Inter Milan in his “home” country. Spells followed at Girondins de Bordeaux, AJ Auxerre, Torino FC (Coppa Italia winner in 1993), and AS Monaco (French champions in 1997). In May 1997, ten years after his departure, Scifo returned to the Astridpark. He played three more seasons there and in 2000 won his fourth - and final - league title with Sporting. During the 2000–2001 season, the 34-year-old moved to Sporting Charleroi, where he combined the roles of player and sporting director. Persistent injuries ultimately brought his playing career to an end. In total, the 84-time international made 249 official appearances for RSC Anderlecht, scoring 56 goals. Above all, however, his elegance and vision ensure that he will forever remain one of the most influential Belgian players of the 20th century.