On May 16, 2004, Italian football witnessed a historic and touching moment: the last official match of Roberto Baggio, one of the greatest Italian footballers of all time. Twenty years after that event, we remember with emotion that special day which marked the end of an extraordinary career.
The match took place at the San Siro stadium in Milan, during the match between Milan and Brescia, on the 34th day of the Serie A championship. Milan, already champions of Italy, were hosting Brescia, the team where Baggio had spent his last years of his career. Despite the difference in value between the two teams, all attention was on him, “The Divine Pigtail”.
The match ended with a 4-2 victory for Milan, but the result was almost irrelevant compared to the emotional meaning of the match. San Siro was packed, and the fans of both teams gave Baggio a long and emotional round of applause, recognizing the invaluable contribution he had made to football. In the 88th minute, Carlo Mazzone, the coach of Brescia, decided to replace him to allow him to receive the public’s homage. Baggio, visibly emotional, hugged his teammates and greeted the fans, many of whom had tears in their eyes.
Roberto Baggio represented one of the most iconic and beloved figures of Italian football. Born in Caldogno on 18 February 1967, Baggio began his professional career with Vicenza, before moving to Fiorentina, where he began to get noticed on a national level. His move to Juventus in 1990 marked the beginning of a period of great success, culminating in winning the Ballon d’Or in 1993.
His career was characterized by moments of great splendor, such as goals and incredible plays, but also by painful injuries and difficult moments, such as the famous missed penalty in the 1994 World Cup final. Despite this, Baggio has always been admired for his class, his refined technique and his ability to get back up in the face of adversity.
After Juventus, Baggio wore the shirts of Milan, Bologna, Inter and finally Brescia, where he ended his career. Every team he played for benefited from his vision of the game, his talent and his charisma.
His farewell to playing football did not mark the end of his influence on the world of sport. Baggio remained an icon of integrity, passion and dedication. His figure is still a source of inspiration for young footballers and fans all over the world today.
Twenty years after the last act of his career, the memory of Roberto Baggio is more vivid than ever. His legacy in the world of football is incalculable, and his example of sportsmanship and humanity continues to inspire generations of fans. Thank you, Roberto, for everything you have given to football and its fans.
