Francesco Totti turned 50 today, and FIFA president Gianni Infantino was among those offering congratulations on social media. Infantino posted several photographs of the Roma legend alongside a lengthy message celebrating his career and legacy.
Infantino's tribute emphasized Totti's unwavering devotion to Roma and his place in Italian football history. The FIFA president described him as someone whose impact extends far beyond the pitch, highlighting his role as a symbol of the club and as a member of Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning squad.
Infantino wrote: "Rome, the Azzurri, and then nothing else, and that is everything. Your all, an unconditional love, at times sweet, sometimes rebellious, always pure, unassailable. Indissoluble, enormous. For Rome you are more than a king – a king who comes from the people – for the Azzurri one of the magnificent Champions of the 2006 FIFA World Cup: two stories, one heart, the concept of always applied to sport, because you will be talked about beyond the end of horizons, of time. You did the chip, you were a wonderful chef of football. Like you, in history, very few flags in the world. Happy birthday, dear Francesco Totti."
Story Coverage4 sources on this story
Francesco Totti marked his 50th birthday on 27 September to widespread celebration across Italian football. FIFA president Gianni Infantino was among those offering tributes, posting photographs and a lengthy message on social media that emphasized Totti's unwavering devotion to Roma and his status as a symbol of both the club and Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning squad. Infantino wrote of Totti's "unconditional love" for Rome and described him as "more than a king – a king who comes from the people," concluding that he would be remembered "beyond the end of horizons, of time."
On his milestone birthday, Totti granted an extended interview to Corriere dello Sport director Ivan Zazzaroni in which he reflected on his 25 seasons wearing the same giallorossi shirt. He expressed deep gratitude to Roma, saying the club "gave me the chance to realise my dream," and addressed questions about a potential return to an executive role, stating that such involvement would require genuine responsibility: "Marriages are always made between two people." Corriere dello Sport adds that when asked what he would sacrifice to play again, Totti answered simply: "Everything." He also clarified his position on the number 10 shirt now worn by Paulo Dybala, arguing the number should not be given lightly but reserved for players committed to a long stay at the club.
Vincent Candela, speaking to Il Tempo, paid tribute to three decades of friendship with Totti and expressed hope for his return to Roma, particularly for the club's centenary. Candela recalled their bond forming after his own arrival at the club and described Totti as a leader of few words who demanded the ball in difficult moments. He noted that despite time apart after both had retired, "respect always remained," and the pair reconnected on the padel court.
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Testo Originale / Source Text
“Francesco Totti compie 50 anni e sui social sono arrivati negli ultimi minuti anche gli auguri di Gianni Infantino, attuale presidente della FIFA. Il dirigente ha pubblicato diverse foto della leggenda giallorossa e una lunga didascalia che recita: "Roma, gli Azzurri, e poi basta, ed è tantissimo.…”
Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.
