Francesco Totti is widely regarded as one of the greatest Italian footballers of all time. Born in Rome in 1976, Totti joined the youth academy of AS Roma at the age of 13 and quickly rose through the ranks to make his professional debut in 1993 at the age of 16. He spent his entire career at Roma, becoming a one-club man and a symbol of loyalty in the modern era of football.
Totti’s playing style was defined by his technical ability, vision, and creativity on the ball. He was known for his incredible long-range shooting, free-kick expertise, and exquisite passing skills. Totti played as an attacking midfielder or a second striker, and he was equally comfortable in both positions.
During his illustrious career, Totti won numerous individual awards and accolades, including the Ballon d’Or in 2000, which he received after leading Roma to their third Serie A title. He was also named Serie A Footballer of the Year twice, in 2000 and 2003. In addition, Totti won the Golden Foot award in 2010, which is given to players who have had long and successful careers.
At the international level, Totti represented the Italian national team in three World Cups and two European Championships. He was part of the squad that won the 2006 World Cup in Germany, and he played a crucial role in Italy’s campaign, scoring the winning penalty in the quarter-finals against Australia.
Totti retired from professional football in 2017 at the age of 40, after spending 25 years at Roma. He scored 307 goals in 786 appearances for the club, becoming their all-time leading goalscorer and the second-highest appearance maker in Serie A history. Totti’s loyalty and dedication to Roma have made him a beloved figure in Italian football and a true legend of the game.
