Some football debuts are memorable.
Others become part of club folklore.
Álvaro Recoba's first appearance for Inter Milan in 1997 was certainly the latter.
The Uruguayan had only just arrived in Italy when he was given the chance to make his mark. Inter were 1-0 down, the game was slipping away, and the home side needed something special.
Then Recoba stepped onto the pitch.
By the final whistle, the new signing had scored two unforgettable goals, turning a defeat into a 2-1 victory and announcing himself to Inter Milan supporters in spectacular fashion.
It was the perfect introduction to one of the most naturally gifted players to ever wear the Nerazzurri shirt.
Inter Were 1-0 Down
Inter Milan's Serie A match against Brescia on 31 August 1997 was heading in the wrong direction.
The visitors had taken the lead, leaving Inter chasing the game at San Siro.
With the match slipping away, manager Luigi Simoni turned to his new Uruguayan signing.
Recoba was introduced from the bench.
What happened next would become one of the most memorable debuts in Inter Milan history.
Watch Recoba's Incredible Debut
31/08/97 - Serie A
— My Greatest 11 (@MyGreatest11) August 31, 2026
Inter 2-1 Brescia
Recoba’s Inter Debut, with 18 Minutes left he came off the bench and inspired Inter to a Comeback Scoring 2 Stunning Goals! ✨ pic.twitter.com/omoG964gHK
In just a matter of minutes, Recoba transformed the match.
Inter had been 1-0 down. By the final whistle, they were 2-1 winners and Recoba had scored both goals.
The First Goal
Recoba's first goal immediately gave Inter hope.
Showing the devastating quality of his left foot, the Uruguayan produced a brilliant strike to bring Inter level and send San Siro into celebration.
It was the type of moment that would become synonymous with Recoba throughout his career: a player capable of producing something special from almost nothing.
But he wasn't finished.
The Goal That Won the Game
Just when it looked as though Inter had rescued a point, Recoba produced an even more unforgettable moment.
From a free-kick, the Uruguayan unleashed another incredible left-footed effort to complete the comeback.
Inter had gone from 1-0 down to 2-1 up.
Recoba had scored both goals.
For a player making his debut, it was almost the perfect script.
A Star Is Born at San Siro
Recoba had arrived at Inter with a reputation as one of South America's most exciting attacking talents.
But one substitute appearance was all he needed to give Inter supporters a glimpse of what was to come.
His left foot, vision, creativity and ability to produce something from nothing made him a unique player.
Over the years that followed, Recoba would become a cult hero at Inter.
He wasn't always the most consistent player, but when Recoba was at his best, few players in world football possessed his ability to create moments of pure magic.
The Beginning of a Long Inter Story
That dramatic debut was only the beginning.
Recoba would go on to spend years associated with Inter Milan, becoming one of the defining figures of the club's late 1990s and early 2000s era.
He played alongside some of the biggest names in world football and became known for his spectacular goals, particularly from free-kicks and long-range efforts.