Last year’s January saw Italy lose Gianluca Vialli, one of the most iconic players in soccer history. History unfortunately resounds in 2024 around the same time with a known form of grief as the soccer world laments the loss of yet another legendary player, Luigi “Gigi” Riva. Italy’s top scorer, whose parents couldn’t see him become ‘famous’, has sadly bid adieu to the world forever at the age of 79. The news has prompted millions to quote ‘Rest in Peace‘ alongside AC Milan, the domestic side of Christian Pulisic. 

Luigi Riva had fully dedicated himself to making Italy a dominant force in the world of soccer. He was an integral part of the Italian camp that lifted the FIFA World Cup in 2006. Amid all the celebrations, well-known goalie Gianluigi Buffon, years later, expressed how the veteran knew how to read between the lines. He said, “I remember that as we were all celebrating (the 2006 World Cup), he was extremely upset that there were people on our bus who up until a month previously had left us to rot“.

His contribution as a player was no less. Having scored 35 goals in 42 appearances for Italy during 1965 and 1974, Luigi Riva aka ‘Rumble of Thunder’ was hospitalized following a heart attack on Sunday. While it was first thought that he was in a stable state, medical sources revealed that the severity of the heart attack was greater than initially anticipated. Born on November 7, 1944, in Leggiuno, Gigi spent the majority of his career at Cagliari, from 1963 to 1976. He respectfully led them to their first and only Serie A title during the 1969–70 season.

In June 2023, he told Corriere della Sera, “When playing for Cagliari, beating Juve, AC Milan, and Inter Milan was always a great satisfaction.” Despite this, aside from Luigi Riva’s former club’s rival fans, AC Milan sent a special message in tribute to the legend. “A great symbol of our football. In this moment of pain our thoughts go out to his family. Goodbye, Thunderclap,” as tweeted on Rossoneri’s X handle. Such appreciation is deserved after looking over his achievements. But why such a massive amount of respect? Well, his numbers spoke for itself.

Notably, Luigi Riva won Serie A’s top scorer three times and earned the prestigious Golden Foot for his illustrious legacy in 2005. Injuries cast a shadow over the latter phase of his playing career, forcing him to retire in 1976. He had scored 205 league goals in 374 matches for Cagliari. In the same interview with Corriere della Sera, he said, “My ­biggest regret? My parents who didn’t see me become famous.” Yet, the soccer world didn’t fall short of witnessing all his achievements, as today they posted their heartwarming messages.

Rival clubs, national teams, journalists- Soccer world unites in mourning Luigi Riva

Inter Milan sent their heartfelt ‘condolences to his loved ones at this very sad time‘. Napoli also conveyed its condolences on behalf of their club’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, the directors, the coaching staff, and the team. Gli Azzurri was ‘deeply saddened‘ by the sudden demise of Luigi Riva, who they claimed was an ‘unforgettable Italian football legend.’ 

“RIP Legend” – Tragic Death of Football’s Only 4X World Cup Winner Leaves Fans Mourning

Additionally, during the Supercoppa Italiana final, Inter and Napoli observed a moment of silence in memory of the late Gigi Riva before the start of the second half. Likewise, renowned Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano also joined the somber moment, writing “Rest in peace, Gigi,” terming him ‘more than a symbol‘ for Cagliari and Sardegna.  

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