Born in Avellaneda, Argentina on 1st February 1969, Gabriel Batistuta, or Batigol, as he is known to countrymen and devoted supporters around the world, is one of the most feared strikers of all-time. His scoring touch and offensive ability came late in life, as the teenage Batistuta was enamored with basketball before he came of age on the soccer pitch at age seventeen. In 1994, Batigol set the record for most consective goals, with 12 for Fiorentina. The same year, he was awarded the title of top scorer in the Italian A league. In addition to his offensive skill, Batistuta has been heralded as an effective field marshall, as he has led by example with his voice and his foot. He has been the best offensive threat for dangerous Argentina in the past decade and in 2001, he helped push AS Roma to an Italian league championship.