1. Italy icon Gigi Riva passes away at 79
2. Italian football legend Gigi Riva dies at 79.

Italian Football Legend Luigi “Gigi” Riva Passes Away at 79

Luigi Riva

Italian Football Mourns the Loss of an Icon

Italian football is in mourning as it bids farewell to one of its most beloved players, Luigi “Gigi” Riva. The iconic striker, known as the “Roar of Thunder,” passed away at the age of 79. Riva holds the record for the most goals scored in the history of Italian football and is renowned for leading Cagliari to their only league title in 1970.

A National Monument Remembered

Cagliari Football Club paid tribute to their hero with a heartfelt post on X, formerly Twitter. Accompanied by a picture of Riva during the peak of his career, the club bid farewell to their legendary player with the words “Forever GIGI RIVA.” Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina expressed his sorrow, stating, “Italian football has lost a true national monument.”

A Moment of Silence for a Football Legend

Riva’s passing is of such significance that a minute’s silence was observed before the start of the Italian Super Cup final in Riyadh. The screens at Al-Awwal Park in the Saudi Arabian capital displayed the words “Ciao Gigi” alongside a picture of the late footballer. Serie A also released a statement, emphasizing Riva’s unforgettable contributions to both “his” Cagliari and the national team.

A Nation in Reflection

From Monday until the end of the coming weekend, matches across Italy will commence with a pre-match “minute’s reflection” in honor of Riva. The FIGC announced this tribute to pay respect to the legendary player. Riva had been hospitalized in Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, where he resided after retiring from professional football. Reports suggest that he suffered a heart attack over the weekend, although the exact cause of his death is unknown.

A Glorious Career Cut Short

Riva’s exceptional talent was evident in his international career, during which he scored an impressive 35 goals in just 42 appearances for Italy. He played a crucial role in Italy’s victory at the 1968 European Championship and helped lead the team to the World Cup final two years later. Although Italy was defeated by Pele’s Brazil in that final, Riva’s goal in the 4-3 victory against West Germany in the semifinals remains etched in football history.

Unfortunately, Riva’s career was marred by two significant injuries, including a broken leg in 1970 that not only ended his personal journey for a second consecutive league title but also dashed Cagliari’s hopes. Former Italy goalkeeper Dino Zoff, who had been a close friend of Riva since 1967, expressed his grief, saying, “It’s an immense loss for me. We were friends for a very long time, even serving together during military service.”

A Club Legend

Throughout his club career, Riva remained loyal to Cagliari, a team that experienced more relegation than glory. Despite being courted by powerhouse Juventus, Riva chose to stay with Cagliari, signing with them in 1963 and retiring in 1976. During his time with the club, he topped the Serie A charts three times and scored over 200 goals, leaving an indelible mark on the team’s history. His legacy will forever be remembered by the island club and its passionate supporters.

The passing of Luigi “Gigi” Riva has left a void in the hearts of football fans across Italy and beyond. His extraordinary talent, unwavering loyalty, and remarkable achievements ensure that he will forever be remembered as a true legend of the game.