Italian Football Legend Gigi Riva died on Monday 22 January 2024

Cagliari, Italian National Team


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Italian Soccer Serie A

👉   The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed Gigi Riva has died after heart attack on Monday 22 January 2024 at the age of 79. Gigi, referred as the “Rombo di Tuono” (Roar of Thunder), is considered as one of the greatest Italian legends and forwards of all time. Gigi was born on 7 November 1944 in Leggiuno, Italy. Riva, with 35 goals, is the all-time leading goalscorer for the Italian National team with 42 appearances. In remembrance, a minute’s silence will be held before every league game from tomorrow until the end of the week.

Gigi Riva is also a Cagliari legend, he made 315 appearances and won one Scudetto with Cagliari in 1969/70, the only one in the Rossoblu history. Gigi was the first player from Cagliari to receive a call-up to the Italy squad with whom he made his debut at 20 years old. Gigi is still top scorer in Cagliari’s history, with a total of 164 goals.

In his international career with the Italian national team, Riva was part of the team that won the 1968 European Championship in Rome scoring a crucial goal in the final against Yugoslavia. In 1970, Riva was vice-world champion in Mexico.

Gigi was placed 74º in the list of the best footballers of the 20th century compiled by World Soccer magazine. Gigi took the role of Accompanying Director of the National team in the 90s, before being the Team Manager. In sum, Gigi participated in 6 World Cups including the 2006 win and 5 Euros, becoming a fundamental part of the dressing room and an important cornerstone for many players. In 2011, he became part of the ‘Italian Football Hall of Fame’.

FIGC President, Gabriele Gravina, spoke: “I am shaken and grieved, Italian football is in mourning because a true national icon has left us. Gigi Riva embodied the idea of a free man and extraordinary footballer: his pride, his class, and his sense of justice united generations and roused the passion of millions of people. ‘Roar of Thunder’, his extraordinary career as an athlete and then staff member is interwoven with the Azzurri, thanks to him we won the 1968 Euros and the 2006 World Cup. Those who had, like me, the fortune to know him, have lost a friend and an icon today”.

Gianluigi ‘Gigi’ Buffon said goodbye to Riva with a post on his social media profiles: “You were one of the best players in Italy and a giant off the pitch. You offered me guidance and were a cornerstone for me in the Azzurri. We shared difficult moments, defeats, and the most beautiful victory. Keep up the advice from up there. Goodbye, Roar of Thunder!”.