Francesco Totti turned 50 on 27 September 2026, marking half a century since his debut for Roma on 28 March 1993 against Brescia and his final match on 28 May 2017 in Roma's clash with Genoa. The club and the football world honoured the milestone with messages from former teammates, broadcasters, journalists and fellow legends who played alongside him or documented his entire career at the Stadio Olimpico.
Totti remains Roma's most significant figure in modern history. He played 307 goals in total across his entire Roma career, with 250 in Serie A. His number 10 has been retired by the club in recognition of his status as the last flag-bearer of an era. The messages reflect the depth of his impact on everyone connected to Roma — from those who shared dressing rooms with him to supporters, commentators and rival clubs' voices who witnessed his legacy unfold over 24 years.
Franco Tancredi, who won the Scudetto with Roma in 1975, eighteen years before Totti arrived, wrote: "For all of us Roma fans, you who became a legend with your football exploits, you are and will remain the Myth that does not age. Fifty years is an important milestone that must be celebrated as it should be: my most sincere birthday wishes and every good wish to you! A strong embrace." Roberto Pruzzo, who scored 138 goals for Roma, added: "Happy birthday Francesco, time passes but class never ages." Giuseppe Giannini, Totti's former captain, said: "These fifty years are not truthful — you could still play. Best wishes!" Sky Sport commentator Angelo Mangiante noted: "Half a century and sporting immortality conquered long ago. Half a century and a story ennobled by technical gestures of immense value. Unique. Best wishes Francesco." Pierluigi Pardo of DAZN said: "A world-class player remains always world-class, even as time passes. Never lose the desire to laugh, play, and be moved."
The article featured tributes from fellow former players including Massimiliano Cappioli and Enrico Annoni, as well as journalists Guido D'Ubaldo, who documented Totti's entire career, Ivan Zazzaroni of Corriere dello Sport, and broadcaster Iacopo Volpi of Rai Sport. Francesco Venditti, the actor and voice artist, sent personal wishes, and Fabrizio Grassetti, president of the Unione Tifosi Romanisti supporters' union, expressed hopes that Totti's name would continue to warm Roma fans' hearts.
Testo Originale / Source Text
“Dal 28 marzo 1993, giorno del suo esordio a Brescia, al 28 maggio 2017, giorno di “quel” Roma – Genoa. Un’era calcisticamente geologica, quella trascorsa da Francesco Totti con gli scarpini ai piedi. Chi eravamo quando lui cominciò? Chi pensavamo di diventare? Cosa ci è accaduto nel frattempo? Il…”
Read the full article in Italian at Roma News.
