Totti turns 50, reflects on Roma gratitude and the weight of legacy

Vincent Candela, Francesco Totti's teammate for eight seasons and close friend, has shared his memories of the Roma legend on his 50th birthday today. Speaking to Il Tempo, the former French left-back recalled Totti as both a player and a person, describing how he approached the most intense matches. "At first he speaks little, but when you get to know him you discover a fun person," Candela said. "Totti always makes a certain impression, but he's approachable, a man of the people. I never saw him refuse an autograph." Candela noted that Totti's popularity never changed his connection with supporters. On receiving the captain's armband from Aldair, Totti was initially uncomfortable with the role. "He was a man of few words, though he observed everything. He was more of a leader on the pitch, where he always asked for the ball especially in moments of difficulty." Candela also reflected on Totti's particular attachment to the Derby della Capitale, which the Roma native felt deeply but tried to conceal. Before derby matches, Totti and Candela would play football tennis to ease the tension—a habit that infuriated manager Fabio Capello. "He used to get furious," Candela recalled. For Totti's milestone birthday, Candela offered his wishes: "So much peace of mind. He always seems happy, but recently he has lived through some particular and certainly difficult moments."

Roma legends and media figures paid tribute to Francesco Totti in radio comments collected by Romanews.eu. Roberto Pruzzo told Radio Radio: "Totti is the living history of Roma. It seems like only yesterday that he had the desire to kick and tackle. I wish him the best." Fabrizio Aspri reflected on Totti's character beyond his technical abilities, describing a humble and kind man whose presence defined everyday life at the club. "I remember feeling unwell after his goal against Genoa," Aspri said. "The Totti I knew was an everyday Totti. He seemed like a schoolmate we could never have had. If Totti missed a game, the airport was empty. Simplicity was the most beautiful thing he had. I remember in an interview with Cassano, I asked what his dream was. Cassano said he wanted to become a champion and win the Ballon d'Or—something Totti would never win. Francesco woke up and laughing, with his usual irony, said: 'With that head you've got, you won't go anywhere.'" Andrea Pugliese, who grew up alongside Totti, described his departure as a watershed moment. "I grew up with Francesco. The most beautiful day was his farewell. I had never seen so many people cry for a footballer. For many, a cycle ended," Pugliese said on Radio Radio. The tributes underscored Totti's singular place in Roma's identity and the emotional impact his 25-year career at the club left on those who witnessed it.

Francesco Totti turned 50 on 27 September 2026, marking 50 years since his birth on the same date in 1976. In a lengthy interview with Corriere dello Sport director Ivan Zazzaroni, the Roma legend reflected on his career, his departure from the club and his thoughts on the current squad. On the failure to return to Roma in an executive role, Totti said: "It is not a sore point, no. I have always said that marriages are made by two people. I left a director's position with three years on my contract — I emphasise this because it seems I stole money. Being in the club and doing nothing mentally made me feel useless. One too many." Regarding Paulo Dybala's appointment as the wearer of his retired number 10, Totti expressed reservations about the timing. "I think you don't give a ten when a player has played five or six good matches. You have to set up an important player who stays at Roma for a long time, not just passing through. But ultimately it is the club that must decide — what matters is that they wear it as they should." On reconciliation with Luciano Spalletti, Totti said: "I did it for a laugh. I was pleased to meet him — sometimes you have to set aside what happened. I also made certain mistakes. As you grow you understand the errors." He added: "To Roma I have only to say thank you — it gave me the chance to realise my dream. To wear just one shirt, the number 10 and be captain. To the city of Rome I owe everything — I have always felt protected and I still do. We did something different, something exceptional."