Francesco Totti: The Giallorosso Capitain

Francesco Totti, from a passionate Romanista boy to the greatest captain and idol in the history of AS Roma. How love and loyalty, combined with unparalleled shots, turned the passionate Giallorosso fan into the ultimate embodiment of one of Italy’s greatest clubs and also a national idol.

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The Little Romanista

Francesco Totti was born on 27/09/1976 in the Italian capital, the son of Fiorella Totti, a typical Italian mother, and Lorenzo Totti, a fanatic Loba supporter. This fanaticism was passed down by Francesco’s grandfather, Gianluca Totti, who throughout his life nurtured and passed on the love for Roma to his entire family. Francesco, or Fra, as he is known to close friends, is the brother of Riccardo, who also tried his hand at a football career.

Naturally, the ball was a part of Francesco’s life from a very young age. At 9 months, he was already walking, and months later, he learned to kick the round ball, which never left his feet. A curious incident from his childhood was an unexpected gift he received at the age of three.

In Italy, there is a tradition called Befana, a kind of witch who helped the Three Wise Men. After the Christmas season, she leaves sweets at the doors of well-behaved children and pieces of coal at the doors of those who misbehaved. In Totti’s case, Befana left a ball at his door, a ball that Francesco would carry with him for the rest of his life.

Besides his passion, young Totti knew exactly what to do with the ball from an early age. Another curious story from his childhood is that, at the age of four, Totti went with his family to Torvaianica beach in the metropolitan region of Rome. There was a small football tournament for older boys, and after much insistence from Totti and his father, the young boy put on the number 4 jersey and played. In his first game, he scored two goals and was invited to play more matches.

In his neighborhood, Fra was known for playing exceptionally well. The children in Porta Metronia wouldn’t let him play unless he was on a much weaker team, and even then, it usually wasn’t a fair match, given the skill imbalance Francesco displayed in the informal matches in his neighborhood. After all, at a young age, he was adept at using both feet.

Fra was always a Roma fan, as his entire family supported Giallorossa. However, in his childhood, he watched Roma games less frequently, as few were broadcast on TV. Nevertheless, the young “little wolf” went to the stadium to watch his first game in 1983, the year of the club’s most significant title. In that moment, Totti knew that this was his life, captivated by the stadium, the fans, the players, and the game; he knew he belonged there.

His love for Roma and football brought idolization for the legendary Giuseppe Giannini, known as “The Prince,” renowned for his elegance on the field and being one of the greatest names in the history of Roma.

Beginning in Football

Totti began his competitive football journey at Fortitudo at the age of 7, where he showcased his talent. However, he spent only a year at the club, moving to the traditional amateur club Trastevere at the age of 8. There, he played for two years and began to catch the attention of many in Italy. Despite being one of the youngest players, he stood out on the field, dribbling the ball like no other, demonstrating the vision of a 30-year-old professional, and, above all, skillfully using both legs.

In an effort to further his career, Francesco joined Lodigiani, a team known for its excellent youth football and visibility. He continued to play exceptionally well, drawing the attention of various clubs. An excellent offer came from Lazio, which the club promptly accepted. However, Totti and his family were hesitant, and shortly thereafter, Roma made a move, signing the little ambidextrous prodigy to play in their youth teams.

From 1989 to 1992, Totti played in Roma’s youth teams and was already considered one of the greatest prospects in Italian football, frequently making appearances in the youth teams of the Italian national squad.

With each passing day, Francesco matured, and his football skills grew exponentially. However, in 1991, the first difficulty in his career arose. At just 15 years old, Fra suffered a severe knee injury due to tackles received in a derby against Lazio, reflecting the intense rivalry between the Rome teams, even in youth matches.

Totti underwent knee arthroscopy, took good care of himself, and remained steadfast in pursuit of his dream to debut for the Giallorossi senior team.

The debut wouldn’t be long in coming, and at the age of 16, Francesco stepped onto the field as a professional, wearing the jersey he had carried with him throughout his career. On March 28, 1993, the young boy came on in the closing stages of the victory against Brescia.

Interestingly, Totti didn’t expect to be included in the match, but he was called just before it began due to an injury to one of the first-team players. Coach Boskov knew the quality of the 16-year-old and saw the perfect opportunity for his debut. When called to enter, Francesco fumbled with his pants, almost dropping them in his eagerness to debut for his beloved team.

There are stories that in the days following his debut for Loba, Totti received a phone call or a visit from Ariedo Braida, a former player who was then the director of Milan. The Milan representative made a very generous offer, including everything: school support, a substantial amount of money, accommodation, and a career plan. However, the response was quick and concise—Francesco only wanted Roma.

His fixation on Loba and his Romanista childhood spoke louder at that moment, and Totti continued to work hard to earn his place in the first team. After his debut in 1993, he was used sparingly, entering the field now and then. However, from 1994, he became a regular fixture in the first team.

He was not yet a starter, far from it, but the young Romanista showed a lot of quality and adapted quickly. His development was continuous, seasons passed, and Fra played more minutes. Just being there was a dream come true, especially playing alongside his ultimate idol, Prince Giannini.

Always attentive and communicative, Totti was beloved by the more experienced players and coaches, learning everything quickly.

Totti, Football, and Roma

In 1995 and 1996, Totti began to unleash his potential. He glued the ball to his foot, observed his teammates’ movements constantly, and delivered refined passes, occasionally scoring goals himself.

The young gladiator had full support from coach Carlo Mazzone, who believed so much in Totti that he developed a special relationship with his family. After all, he was one of the first to truly believe in Francesco’s football skills and what lay ahead for the young boy and for Roma.

His impressive performances for Roma’s first team earned him a call-up to the Italy U-21 national team that competed in the 1996 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. Totti had an outstanding tournament and emerged as a champion alongside the Squadra Azzurra.

Returning to Roma, the fans eagerly wanted to see him play. However, the coach at the time was the Argentine Carlos Bianchi, who only fielded him occasionally and didn’t provide regular playing time for the Giallorossi gem. This caused friction with the management and the fans. Eventually, the Argentine lost the power struggle and left the Roman club.

The Visionary Czech

His successor, the Czech Zdenek Zeman, came from four seasons at the club’s biggest rival, Lazio. However, the rivalry was put aside, and Zeman began to see Totti as the team’s main player.

Although Zeman did not achieve outstanding results with Roma in his two years at the club, he was largely responsible for the rise and evolution of Francesco’s football. Zeman recognized Totti’s potential to control the ball and orchestrate the game, as well as his ability to dribble and shoot with both feet. The Czech coach adapted the position of the young talent, positioning Totti closer to the goal, sometimes as a second striker, sometimes as a winger, and even as an attacking midfielder.

The key insight of Zeman was understanding that Totti was a natural finisher. Despite the classic number 10 flair, Zeman believed that the young player could be much more effective playing closer to the goal.

Under Zeman’s guidance, Totti scored 14 goals in one season and 16 in another, proving that he was the Giallorossi’s top scorer. The Czech coach was a significant turning point in Fra’s career.

During these two seasons, Totti showcased his ability to strike the ball in various ways—right foot, left foot, free kicks, volleys—displaying a complete and still-developing arsenal of magical, precise, and impressive shots.

One of Totti’s best games for Roma was in the 3-1 victory against Bari, where the gladiator seemed to do it all. In a central free-kick just outside the box, he scored a fantastic goal, striking the ball with both violence and elegance, placing it perfectly in the right corner beyond the Bari goalkeeper’s reach. In the same match, he scored a beautiful volley, a skill that would become almost customary throughout his career. Receiving a cross near the left corner of the box, he unleashed a powerful left-footed shot before the ball could touch the ground. It was a presentation to the world of a truly unique player.

Beyond Totti’s magnificent playing abilities, Zeman recognized him as a leader. The captain’s armband was passed to Totti by none other than Aldair, the fearless Brazilian defender, who was elected captain for the season through a team vote but had a different perspective.

In an interview with ESPN Brazil, Aldair revealed, “I thought about what Francesco Totti represented for the club and the city. He was a fan of the club and one of the most talented players. I thought it would be very important for him to be the team captain and passed the armband to him. My hope was that he would become what he did. I made the right choice.”

Indeed, what a brilliant choice by another visionary within the Roman team.

Despite having a team with notable names such as the rapidly ascending Totti, Aldair, Cafú, Candela, Paulo Sérgio, Antonio Carlos, among others, the team did not achieve excellent results on the field. This eventually led to Zeman being replaced by Capello starting from the 1999-2000 season.

From Promise to Captain and King

With Capello’s arrival, Totti was already a consolidated player and captain of the Wolves. The Italian coach understood this and managed to assemble a complete team with a star ready to shine constantly.

The first season under Capello, 1999-2000, was a transitional period, strategically used to meticulously map even the smallest deficiencies in the team. These shortcomings could then be addressed with the funds invested in the following season through new signings.

Before the iconic 2000-2001 season, Totti served the Italian national team in Euro 2000. In the semifinal against the formidable Dutch team, he made history, contributing to Italy’s qualification for the final against France with a marvelous and cheeky penalty kick, showcasing his unique style.

However, the return was painful as Italy couldn’t withstand the ruthless France led by Zidane in the final. But Totti knew he would bring joy to the Italian people, and glory in his career was imminent.

The gladiator returned more motivated than ever. Alongside his teammates, including the experienced scorer Batistuta, the tireless young Cassano, the voracious rising midfielder Emerson, and the promising Argentine defender Samuel, as well as the coaching staff and his faithful assistant Vito Scala, the Roma as a whole was eager to end the title drought.

The atmosphere was charged with a “enough is enough” mentality, coupled with Fabio Capello’s competitive mindset and the players’ determination. This combination led to the effectiveness on the field that the Italian coach always aimed for. The quality of the players, combined with the tactical brilliance of Capello, resulted in the Roma winning one game after another. The team seemed to play like a well-tuned orchestra; everyone knew their role.

The fans, who hadn’t seen a title since 1983, knew that the new century would start differently. There was nothing that could stop the Roman spirit, the thirst for victory and glory, which was evident in Totti at every moment. He not only held a crucial technical role but also served as the mental and emotional leader as the captain and the embodiment of the Giallorossi fan’s idolatry. He represented the ascent of the club.

With everything seemingly falling into place, the team flowed naturally. Totti performed magic on the field—dazzling dribbles, precise passes, and, of course, numerous distinctive and unique shots, all in his trademark style.

The solid defense, coupled with a lethal attack, was a resounding success. It was a goal-fest, with Totti acting as both a maestro and a natural goal-scorer. Batistuta’s experience and Montella’s intensity allowed Totti the freedom to roam in the attack, playing behind the Argentine and the Italian or on the wings. This freedom made the Roman attack unpredictable and ruthless.

Players like Cafú, Montella, Emerson, Nakata, and Tomassi were instrumental in keeping the machinery running smoothly. When the trio of stars couldn’t make things happen, these players stepped up.

The long-awaited Scudetto seemed within reach. However, even with consistent and well-played football, it wasn’t easy. The Italian Serie A was the most competitive league in Europe at that time, with astonishing squads and the world’s best players.

In the second half of the season, Roma had a spectacular run, going unbeaten in seven away games. However, as the championship neared its end, Roma faced increasingly crucial matches to stay at the top of the table. Two of these matches were the derbies against Lazio, one ending in a bitter 2-2 draw after Roma had a 2-0 lead, and the victory slipping away in the last minutes.

The most important derby was against Juventus, another formidable team. Juventus was only four points behind Roma, and a misstep could pose a significant threat to Giallorossi’s plans. The match began disastrously, with Del Piero and Zidane putting Juventus ahead 2-0. Roma struggled to impose its rhythm.

Seeing the difficulty, at the peak of his genius or madness, Capello decided to substitute Totti and Cristian Zanetti with Marcos Assunção and Nakata. Many considered it a mistake, but the Italian coach had a plan. It was Nakata’s beautiful shot that led to Roma’s first goal, and Montella seized the rebound to score, bringing Loba an important point.

After this game, Roma only needed to win the last match against Parma to secure the Scudetto. The Gods of football wanted Roma to be crowned champions in their own stadium and in the city that bears their imposing name.

It was the long-awaited day, June 17, 2001. Ninety minutes separated the Romanista from unleashing the champion’s roar after 18 years. The fans did their part, packing the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. More than 75,000 Romanistas created a unique atmosphere, singing, jumping, and waving flags. It was a sea of yellow and red, pushing their warriors to victory.

Parma was a strong team with names like Buffon, Cannavaro, Thuram, and Di Vaio, among others. But nothing could stop the Wolves on that Sunday afternoon. The Captain and Gladiator Totti knew that it was his moment to be the guy, the face of Roma. And what he did in that game is worthy of a cinematic masterpiece—the will, the passion, the love, the genius, the identification, and the camaraderie he displayed were unparalleled. It seemed like he was born for that.

Roma started the game aggressively, attempting to break through Parma’s defense and beat the young goalkeeper Buffon. Francesco was possessed, chasing every ball, running the entire field, and trying to organize every play. Early on, Roma had good chances, including a venomous free-kick from Totti that looked more like a cross, forcing Buffon to make a great save.

In the 19th minute, Tomassi played a beautiful ball to Candela, who controlled it near the left side of the area along the goal line and passed it backward. Batistuta, with all his experience and brilliance, executed a perfect dummy, letting the ball roll through to Totti. The Gladiator didn’t hesitate and, with a trivela and a shin, unleashed a shot with the force of a million Romanistas in his foot. The ball entered swiftly and perfectly into the left corner, leaving Buffon with no chance.

Totti ran euphorically, took off his shirt, and headed toward the Giallorossi fans situated in the southern curve of the Olimpico. It was a moment that crowned a new King of Rome, symbolizing the passion, football, love, and genius that made the first goal opening the path to one of the most important titles in Roma’s history.

The game continued with Roma pressing, and Totti continued at the same pace, unbalancing opponents with his masterful long balls toward Batistuta and Montella. The two tried tirelessly to score, but Buffon acted like a wall, making remarkable saves.

In the 39th minute of the first half, Cafú recovered the ball in the defensive half and sent a beautiful pass to Batistuta. The Argentine carried the ball with great speed until entering the box and took a firm and low shot. Buffon made a miraculous save, but the ball rebounded to the middle of the box, where the other goal-scorer, Montella, was ready to push the ball into the net, extending Roma’s lead and bringing Loba closer to the Scudetto.

With Montella’s goal, he and Totti finished the season with 13 goals each, both in second place in Roma’s goal-scoring list, behind only the natural-born goal scorer Batistuta or Batigol, who needed to score in the final to reach 20 goals. He kept trying and trying until, finally, the ball found the net.

After a beautiful pass from Totti, Montella headed the ball to the Argentine striker, who protected the ball, outsmarted the defender, and unleashed a rocket into the top corner. The celebration was complete—the golden trio had scored, and Roma had once again painted the city that bears its name in yellow and red.

Even before the end of the match, Di Vaio scored a consolation goal for Parma. Before the final whistle, the fans invaded the field to celebrate the title with the players. The emotion was so overwhelming that approximately 1 million people filled the streets of Rome to celebrate the long-awaited title. Totti, from that moment, was named the 8th King of Rome, succeeding Falcão, and his life would never be the same. The city of Rome was in celebration for almost four months, and Totti, at just 24 years old, became the number one celebrity in the Italian capital.

Such was the idolatry for Totti that his parents had to move from their neighborhood because the fans wouldn’t leave. Fans even took vases and rugs from the condominium where his parents lived.

A curious story from this time, depicted in the series “A Captain,” was that one day after the triumph, Fra went to a restaurant in Rome with his faithful sidekick Vito. From the top of the restaurant, he waved to the fans below. However, they invaded the restaurant to see Totti up close. Along with Vito, he had to leave through the restaurant’s terrace and later had to invade a church to escape the crazed fans.

Roma won the title with 75 points in 34 games, totaling 22 wins, 9 draws, and only 3 losses. They had the best attack in the competition, scoring 68 goals.

The Almost Two-Time Championship and the Azzurra Disappointment

The 2001-2002 season held high expectations for Roma, aiming for a second consecutive Italian championship and a strong performance in the Champions League. The team retained the victorious core from the previous season, with Francesco Totti continuing to be the star, dazzling with spectacular goals.

In the Italian league, however, Roma faced challenges, especially due to numerous draws, ultimately costing them the Scudetto as they finished one point behind Juventus.

In the Champions League, Roma was eliminated in the second group stage after a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool, the same team that had caused them trouble in 1984.

Despite the setbacks, the season had memorable moments, particularly in clashes against their arch-rival, Lazio. Roma won both derbies, including a 5-1 victory. In one of these games, Montella scored four goals, but Totti wanted to make his mark. In the dying moments of the match, after receiving the ball from Montella, Totti, facing the goal from a distance, executed a subtle chip that resulted in a magnificent goal, leaving his imprint on one of the world’s fiercest derbies. Totti sprinted towards the stands, lifting his shirt with the message “6 Unica,” dedicated to his girlfriend Ilary, marking the beginning of a beautiful relationship.

At the end of the season, Totti had one thing on his mind: the 2002 World Cup.

Selected as one of Italy’s greatest hopes, Totti had a solid World Cup, notching up impressive plays and assists, but the dream of securing the fourth title was shattered after a controversial defeat to the host nation, South Korea, in the Round of 16.

Italy started the game poorly, and within three minutes, the referee awarded a penalty to the hosts. Ahn Jung-Hwan took the shot, but the remarkable Buffon made a spectacular save. Italy then recovered, with Totti delivering a corner that Cristian Vieri headed home at the 17th minute, putting Azzurra in the lead.

Italy had several chances to extend the lead but failed to do so. In the dying moments, South Korea managed to equalize with a goal from Seol Ki-Hyeon, forcing the game into extra time.

During extra time, referee Byron Moreno’s decisions began to heavily influence the outcome, especially with Totti receiving a second yellow card for what was deemed simulation in a penalty incident—a decision widely criticized as Totti was clearly fouled.

Despite being a man down, Italy continued to press, but luck was not on their side. Another controversial decision occurred when Vieri found Tomassi with a beautiful pass, and Tomassi, having already rounded the goalkeeper, was incorrectly flagged offside.

In the end, Italy couldn’t recover from the setbacks and conceded a header from Ahn Jung-Hwan, the same player who had missed the penalty in the early stages. Given the circumstances, it was a heartbreaking defeat, especially for Francesco, the star of the national team and one of the best players in the world at that time, who felt unjustly treated and powerless to help his teammates achieve greater heights in Asian soil.

When Loyalty and Love Spoke Louder

In the 2002-2003 season, following the disappointing World Cup, Roma struggled to find its form and ended up finishing only in eighth place in Serie A. Totti was not pleased with the results, and his relationship with some members of the Roma board became strained.

At the end of this season, Francesco and Roma received an irresistible offer; the mighty Real Madrid would stop at nothing to bring the Italian star and King of Rome to the Merengues.

Totti commented on the matter: “It happened at least twice. I remember one of them, I think in 2003. I had one year left on my contract. I had some problems with the president, and Real Madrid would offer me anything to be there. They would pay me €12 million net plus half of the image rights. It was a total, like, 20, 25 million. A lot of money for Roma.”

“I, among some other things, intended to go, with about an 80% chance. Moreover, it was not the best moment with Roma. They offered me a lot, anything, including Figo’s number 10 shirt, which they were going to sell to Inter. There was Raúl, the captain, a symbol of Real Madrid, who earned the most. Any player who arrived had to earn less than him.”

“I felt like a great player and, at the same time, different. With love for a shirt. Playing with them, belonging to this group, was fantastic. Then, if you didn’t start, it wasn’t a problem. Real Madrid is not a normal club. Everyone would like to have played there with them.”

In other words, Totti was inclined to go to Madrid, but after all, under these terms, who wouldn’t be?

However, his heart spoke louder, and he didn’t want to and couldn’t leave his position as the King.

“I have always been a Roma fan. It was my dream to wear this shirt, the number 10, the captain’s armband. When I achieved that, I wanted to talk very well. This is the luck I had, and I respect many others. Not to mention that I am in the most beautiful city in the world… Sea, mountain, sun, friends, family… I wouldn’t trade it for any other.”

Since then, Totti has never thought about leaving his club and today is synonymous with loyalty and love for the shirt, setting an example for many around the world, not only for his football, which, let’s admit, was wonderful and eye-catching, but also for his conduct and respect for what formed him and what he has loved since childhood.

The Path to the 2006 World Cup

In the 2004-2005 season, Totti and Roma almost secured another Scudetto after a fantastic campaign but couldn’t surpass the mighty Milan, which had an impeccable season.

Nevertheless, the Roman Gladiator remained focused on developing his football skills and bringing more joy to both the Loba fans and the Italian nation.

In the following season, Roma finished eighth again; the team seemed inconsistent, showcasing brilliant performances at times, including reaching the final of the Coppa Italia but losing the title to Inter.

A coach with a strong yet flexible approach was needed, and that’s when Luciano Spalletti’s name emerged strongly to lead the Giallorossi in the 2005-2006 season.

Progress was noticeable from the beginning, although some stumbles in the season resulted in Roma finishing as runners-up once again. The team played exceptionally well, even setting an impressive record of 11 consecutive victories.

However, for Francesco, this was a tough season. In February 2006, he suffered a severe ankle injury in a match against Empoli.

With only four months left until the start of the World Cup, the doctors recommended surgery to insert a plate in the ankle. For an ordinary person, recovery would take at least 8 months, for an athlete at least 6, but for Totti, who took great care of himself and was still young, it could be done in 4 months.

During his recovery, Totti was frequently visited by coach Spalletti. Always coming at the same nightly hour, Spalletti brought a board and markers to illustrate to Totti what he wanted to achieve with the Roma team and his aspirations.

Luciano was a crucial factor in Francesco’s recovery, constantly encouraging him and doing everything to ensure that Roma’s ultimate idol could represent the Giallorossa colors in the 2006 World Cup.

Totti managed to recover and was ready for the much-anticipated quest for the fourth title.

One remarkable story from this time was that, while still recovering from his ankle injury, on April 12, 2006, during the Palermo game in the Coppa Italia semifinal, Totti appeared in the Curva Sud to watch the match with the Roman ultras. It was a historic moment in football; the passion as a fan spoke louder, and Fra was there, cheering passionately for the Giallorossa.

Adoration for the Azzurra

Totti, alongside Italy, headed to Germany to pursue the coveted fourth World Cup title. However, it wouldn’t be easy, as there were formidable teams eager to claim the trophy, such as Brazil with Ronaldo, Kaká, Ronaldinho, and Adriano, France with Zidane, Henry, Vieira, and Trezeguet, Portugal with Deco and the young Cristiano Ronaldo, and the host nation Germany, among others.

Fully recovered and hoping to secure a spot in the starting lineup under coach Lippi, Totti played just behind the center forward in Lippi’s characteristic 4-4-1-1 formation, with the task of being a playmaker for the Italian national team.

The Italian coach’s strategy worked well; Italy proved to be a highly consistent team that seemed to improve with every game. They topped the group stage with 7 points, earning a spot in the knockout stage against the modest Australia.

Contrary to expectations, Australia put up a tough fight against the Azzurri, especially with goalkeeper Schwarzer’s inspired performance and Materazzi’s early second-half expulsion. The match was intense, and both teams had good chances to score. In the end, it was Totti who secured the victory with a penalty. Grosso was brought down in the box after a brilliant play on the left side, and Totti calmly placed a powerful shot into the top right corner, a beautiful penalty that guaranteed a place in the quarterfinals.

In the quarterfinals, Italy faced Ukraine, winning 3-0 after an excellent team performance. The semifinal brought one of the most exciting and unpredictable games in history.

Italy advanced to the final after Grosso’s goal at the 13th minute of the second half of extra time and Del Piero’s goal at the 14th minute.

The fateful final was against France, a memorable match with fights, shots hitting the crossbar, beautiful saves, and a thrilling penalty shootout. Totti, the main penalty taker for the Azzurri, had already been substituted, so he didn’t take one of the penalties. Still, his teammates handled it well, outperforming France. Italy became four-time world champions.

Totti, even though he didn’t have outstanding statistics in the World Cup, played a crucial role in the organization and spirit of the Azzurra.

The Return to Rome in Grand Style

Totti, already established as the king for several years, returned to the Italian capital even more beloved and idolized, which many deemed impossible due to the fans’ devotion to him. However, upon arrival, he had no time to rest because Spalletti had 1001 plans for the Captain and for Roma.

Spalletti managed to assemble an exquisite team, well-balanced, and with a deadly attack. The coach’s irreverent and straightforward style was crucial for his interaction with the players.

In the 2006-2007 season, Francesco reached his peak, a blend of experience with youthfulness, class, dedication, and extremely refined technique, making the Captain not only Roma’s top scorer but also Europe’s, winning the Golden Shoe with 26 goals.

Despite the remarkable performance of the Lupi and the peak of Fra’s career, Roma couldn’t clinch the Scudetto, finishing in second place.

However, this team didn’t deserve to end the season empty-handed, and it didn’t because they won the Coppa Italia after a masterful 6-2 victory over Inter at the Stadio Olimpico. In this game, Totti was on fire. Just 30 seconds into the match, he almost scored but let the ball pass under his feet. In the next play, he made no mistake.

In the 1st minute of the game, the Gladiator received a cross, stretched his foot to control the ball, it lifted, and he immediately struck a beautiful right-footed shot with no chance for the goalkeeper.

By the 15th minute, it was already 3-0 for the Loba, who wanted more and got it, ending in a 6-2 victory. At the Meazza, Inter won only 2-1, failing to reverse the result. Another title for the Capitano and for Roma.

In the 2007-2008 season, the story repeated itself from the previous one, with a Serie A runner-up and a victory in the Coppa Italia. The Serie A was thrilling, Roma played exceptionally well in almost every match, but Inter, the champion, was impeccable, securing the title only on the last matchday.

However, the Loba retaliated and became champions of the cup over Nerazzurri, becoming, along with Juventus, the club with the most titles at the time, winning it 9 times.

The single final took place at the Stadio Olimpico, and in the stadium Roma calls home, the result couldn’t be different, 2-1 with goals from Méxes and Perrotta.

In the following season, Roma’s performance dropped, Spalletti was controversially fired, and to make matters worse, Totti suffered greatly from injuries and could hardly play. A season for Romanista fans to forget.

Recovered and now under Ranieri’s command, Totti and Roma had a good season, but they faced a significant stumbling block—Inter, who won the Scudetto on the last matchday against Roma and also claimed victory in the Italian Cup over the Giallorossi.

Carving His Name in Italian Football History

Francesco witnessed Roma’s drastic drop in performance in the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 seasons, with the team finishing in the middle of the table. However, the Captain never gave up and always tried to give his best.

The following season brought both joy and sorrow. The painful defeat to their rivals, Lazio, in the Italian Cup final was difficult to bear. Yet, it was a special season for Totti, as the scorer of spectacular goals stamped his name as the second-highest scorer in Serie A history, surpassing the Swede Gunnar Nordahl with 225 goals.

Totti, no longer a young player, evolved his style, creating shortcuts, holding onto the ball less. Despite being 36 to 37 years old, he remained the best and most refined player for Giallorossa.

When Rudi Garcia arrived at Roma, he knew he had to find a way to extract the maximum from Totti. The Frenchman seemed to have a plan in mind to ensure the Captain played most games at a high level.

Rudi, a declared fan of Totti, often made statements in that regard, stating that Totti was far ahead of other players in terms of technique, mentality, and, above all, physically, compared to players of similar age.

The first season under Rudi was successful. Roma, with experienced names like Totti, De Rossi, and Maicon mixed with the youth of Rafel Toloi, Radja Nainggolan, Pjanic, among others, became a defensively strong team. In Serie A, they conceded only 25 goals, amassing an impressive 85 points. However, Juventus had an impeccable campaign, setting a record with 102 points in 38 matches, with 33 wins, 3 draws, and only 2 defeats.

Despite Juventus’s outstanding season preventing Roma from clinching another Scudetto, the season was excellent, demonstrating that Roma had a good team, a good coach, and that their Captain still had what it takes.

In the following 2014-2015 season, Roma competed in the Champions League, aiming for higher achievements. Despite a well-structured team and good football, they couldn’t make a mark in the Champions League, exiting in the group stage. In the Europa League, they were eliminated by Fiorentina in the Round of 16.

While things didn’t go well in European competitions, Roma secured another Serie A runner-up position, trailing Juventus. Totti felt that he hadn’t achieved all his goals with Roma and always wanted more. However, time was passing, and things were getting more challenging, especially in the physically demanding landscape of Italian football.

To make matters worse, Rudi Garcia, who believed in the Captain and did everything to get him on the field, was dismissed.

Totti and Spalletti, a Love-Hate Relationship.

With the departure of the French coach in the middle of the 2015-2016 season, Roma decided to bet on an old acquaintance who had already brought glory to the Giallorossi, the irreverent and now tougher Luciano Spalletti. After five years in Russian football, the coach arrived with an interesting background.

Totti was happy but anxious about the new coach’s arrival, knowing how difficult Luciano could be and his preference for discipline. Fate had it that Luciano arrived while Totti was injured, reminiscent of 2006. However, this time, the coach didn’t support the Captain as he had done before.

After Gladiator’s recovery, Luciano insisted on not starting Totti and barely put him on the field. This strained their relationship quickly.

Totti thought that Spalletti was doing this out of pure revenge, as the Captain supposedly hadn’t stood by him when Roma’s management decided to remove Spalletti from the club in his previous stint. Moreover, in Totti’s mind, he believed he could still help Roma on the field.

An interesting fact during this time was that Spalletti began to impose restrictions on Totti, believing that the King had too much influence within the team and enjoyed too many privileges. One of the first and most significant restrictions imposed by Luciano was to ban card games at the club and during concentrations, a hobby of Totti’s.

With all this turmoil and being barely used, Totti went to the press and opened up about what he was feeling, expressing his frustration with the situation and even questioning his departure from the club that had always welcomed and protected him:

“I can’t continue at Roma if things continue like this. I want to play and feel like a player. I want more respect for everything I’ve done, and I want my future to be clear,” said the former captain in an interview with Rai television.

A curious fact about this interview is that it happened almost at the same time Spalletti was giving a press conference. In this conference, the coach, after receiving several questions about Totti, said he was thinking of starting the “King of Rome” in the match against Palermo.

When the Italian coach learned of Francesco’s interview with Rai, he was furious and immediately removed Totti from the squad against Palermo.

As time passed, the rivalry between the two only increased. Spalletti reluctantly used the goal-scoring maestro more often, which was crucial for the team. Players seemed more motivated, and Totti became a kind of charm. Whenever he entered, he either decided with goals or assists.

Against Sassuolo, he came on and equalized the game at 2-2, scoring his 300th goal for Roma – another historic day. He scored a brilliant goal against Atalanta to secure a Giallorossa victory. Totti picked up a loose ball outside the box, unleashing a powerful low shot with his right foot, unstoppable for the goalkeeper. He entered and scored twice against Torino, securing a Romanista victory, bringing several devotees to tears and ecstasy. Totti has always had this power to inspire strong emotions in people.

And the most important of the few goals in that turbulent season was against Genoa, a historical and wonderful free-kick. After the ball was rolled to him, Totti waited for the ball to be in the right position and chested/trivela kicked it. The ball gained so much force and spin that it perfectly found the left top corner of the goal. With that goal, Fra helped Roma secure 3rd place in Serie A and, once again, a spot in the Champions League.

Totti indeed could not be left aside. He is the face of Roma, the face of the fans, the ultimate idol – perhaps the greatest King of Rome in history.

The Farewell of the King

With the end of the season at a high level, Roma’s management decided to extend Totti’s contract for another year, already stipulating that his retirement would come at the end of it. Initially, Totti accepted, as he was about to turn 40, but he felt the desire to continue and not give up the significant position he held at the club.

This season was not brilliant for Totti, who suffered prematurely from the thought of his impending retirement. For the Captain, it was challenging to imagine life without being a football player, considering it had been 25 years of a career with a single club. However, with the help of his wife, mother, father, children, and friends, Fra managed to end it in peace.

Throughout this season, he scored 3 goals and provided 8 assists, helping Roma reach the Europa League Round of 16 and finish second in Serie A, trailing only the mighty Juventus.

His farewell was the most emotional of any football player. The Olympic Stadium was breathtaking, with Giallorossi fans crying, shouting, and trying to make the most of the last minutes watching the ambidextrous star, strong and amiable captain, and absolute King parading on the field.

It was 25 years of inhuman shots breaking all the laws of physics, lethal through balls, short dribbles, and unparalleled ball control, along with passion and joy in playing for the club that had always dominated his heart.

In his farewell, Totti gave a beautiful and emotional speech, making sure to show that the Roma fans would always be one of the most important things in his life. Here is an excerpt:

“Forgive me for not giving interviews and clarifying my thoughts, but it’s not easy to turn off the light. I am afraid. It’s not the same fear you feel when you’re facing the goal, about to take a penalty. This time, I’m not capable of seeing how the future will be through the holes in the net. Allow me to feel afraid. This time, I need you and the love you’ve always shown me. With your support, I will succeed in turning the page and diving into a new adventure.”

The King of Rome ended his career after 25 years, achieving impressive milestones:

• Winner of the 2006 World Cup.
• Player with the most appearances for Roma, 783 games.
• Player with the most goals for Roma, 307 goals.
• 3rd player with the most Serie A matches, 618 games.
• 2nd highest scorer in the history of Serie A with 250 goals.
• Guerin d’Oro: 1998 and 2004.
• Oscar del Calcio (Italian Footballers’ Association) awards: Best young player: 1999.
• Man of the Match in the Italy-France Euro 2000 final.
• Euro 2000 Team of the Tournament.
• Oscar del Calcio awards: Best Player: 2000, 2003.
• Oscar del Calcio awards: Best Italian player: 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2007.
• ESM (European Sports Magazines) Team of the Year: 2000–01, 2003–04, 2006–07.
• FIFA 100.
• Best Goal: 2005 (Inter 2-3 Roma, second goal), 2006 (Sampdoria 2-4 Roma, fourth goal).
• All-Star Team of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
• Top scorer of the Serie A: 2006–07 (26 goals).
• UEFA Champions League Golden Shoe: 2006–07.
• USSI Pallone d’Argento (Italian Footballers’ Union): 2007–08.
• Golden Foot: 2010.
• UEFA Euro Under-21 Team of the Tournament: 2014.
• Oldest scorer in the UEFA Champions League: 2014–15.

In other words, Totti was a fantastic footballer. If he had accepted some of the offers he received, he might have had more titles in his career. But that doesn’t matter. Once you are the King of a city and the greatest treasure a club could ever think of having, Francesco is loyalty, love, passion, football, and above all, Roma.

Outside the Lines

When he’s not on the field, Francesco likes to spend time with his family and friends, especially if there’s a sweet treat involved – that makes it perfect.

Totti runs a football school for underprivileged and refugee children. The school has been primarily managed by his brother Ricardo since its opening in 2007.

Francesco has three children: the oldest, Cristian, Chanel, and the youngest, Isabel. Cristian played in Roma’s youth academy for many years and currently plays for the under-19 team at Frosinone.

His ex-wife, Ilary, was a fundamental factor in Fra’s career success. Always by his side, the presenter helped him with ideas and comforting words.

Their relationship began explosively and dominated headlines nationwide. Francesco fell in love with Ilary after seeing her on TV – it was love at first sight. When they met, Ilary thought she was just another fan, but the Captain spared no effort. He took his date to the Stadio Olimpico on derby day, scored one of the most beautiful goals in a 5-1 victory against Lazio, and celebrated with a shirt that read “6 unica” (you are unique).

After that, there was no turning back. They got married in 2005 in a beautiful castle in Rome, and the wedding was televised by Sky, which bought the image rights for 30,000 euros. The couple donated this money to charity.

Francesco and his family are passionate about dogs. They’ve had several, but the most iconic ones are two yellow Labradors that the Captain received from the president of the Diadora brand. Trained as lifeguards on the coast of Rome, they even saved a 60-year-old woman and an 8-year-old child.

One of Francesco’s closest lifelong friends is the fitness coach Vito Scala, who accompanied him throughout his 25-year career at Roma. The two were inseparable and did everything together.

Francesco Totti is not just a magnificent player and idol; he is an enlightened man capable of always inspiring the best in people. He might seem arrogant or stern, but it’s just his tough exterior.

Eternally engraved in the history and hearts of football for his achievements, impressive goals – scoring three ugly goals in his career is a lot – and above all, for his loyalty and passion for the club and the fans, which will forever be intertwined with the one and only Captain.

Written by João Felipe Miller.