Como, Stefano Borgonovo’s family warns fans: stop using the legend’s name | OneFootball

A delicate case has opened around the memory of Stefano Borgonovo, the unforgettable forward of Como, Milan, Fiorentina, Pescara, and Udinese, who passed away in 2013 after a long battle with ALS.

Como, Stefano Borgonovo's family warns fans: stop using the champion's name

Chantal Guigard Borgonovo, the wife, and the children of the former footballer have sent an official warning to the "Pesi Massimi," a historic organized fan group of Como, asking them to cease any use of the champion's name in their initiatives.

The warning to Como fans: sixty days to stop using the name

According to the newspaper La Provincia, in the formal communication, Borgonovo's heirs demand that fans stop using the footballer's name within sixty days, including its association with the annual trophy dedicated to him and any materials or communications from the group.

The family expressed in the document their "appreciation for the commendable initiative carried out over time," but clarified that following a reorganization of activities related to Stefano Borgonovo's moral and image legacy, any future use of his name will be managed directly by the heirs. In essence, the old verbal authorization granted years ago for the naming of the trophy and other events dedicated to him is revoked.

The "Pesi Massimi": "You may take his name from us, but you will never take Stefano from us"

The news has stirred great emotion and sadness among Como fans. On social media, the Pesi Massimi group publicly expressed their disappointment, explaining that they attempted direct contact with the widow for clarification, but received no response.

In their Facebook message, they wrote:

"You may take his name from us, but you will never take Stefano from us."

The group recalled how over the years they have strived to keep the memory of the Como striker alive, also contributing to the naming of the square in front of the Sinigaglia stadium and the establishment of an annual award for the most beloved player by the fans.

The bond between Borgonovo and Como

Stefano Borgonovo, born in Giussano in 1964, has remained in the hearts of Como fans not only for the goals he scored but for the strength and dignity with which he faced his illness. After publicly announcing he was affected by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the former forward founded the Stefano Borgonovo Foundation, dedicated to scientific research and supporting patients.

His name has become a symbol of courage and solidarity, values that the city of Como continues to recognize in him.

A story between memory and image rights

The case also raises a broader reflection on the right to use the names of deceased public figures, often linked to initiatives by fan groups, local entities, or foundations. The decision by the Borgonovo family seems to aim at reorganizing and centralizing the management of the former footballer's name and image, to ensure it is used only in contexts consistent with the values and aims of the Foundation.

However, the gesture has inevitably touched deep emotional chords in a fan base that, for over a decade, considers Stefano an eternal symbol of Como and clean sport.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.