Torino honour Gigi Meroni: 58 years on, the granata genius lives on | OneFootball

Every year, on October 15th, Turin comes to a halt. On Corso Re Umberto, in front of the monument that marks the site of the 1967 tragedy, fans, executives, and former club legends gather to commemorate Gigi Meroni, the "beat of the ball" and unforgettable talent of Italian football.

Turin, the club remembers Gigi Meroni: 58 years after his passing, the granata genius still lives

58 years after his death, Torino FC renewed the traditional ceremony in memory of the granata star, tragically lost at just 24 years old. In the presence of executives, former players, and fans, the deep bond between the club and one of its purest symbols was reaffirmed.

The remembrance at the monument on Corso Re Umberto

The ceremony was attended by the operational director Alberto Barile, representing president Urbano Cairo, an official delegation from Torino, the Torino FC 1906 Members' Club led by Leonardo D’Alessandro, along with numerous fans.

Also present were Nello Santin and Angelo Cereser, two former teammates of Meroni, who wished to pay tribute to their departed companion.

On the club's social media channels, a simple yet meaningful message appeared: “Forever, Gigi,” accompanied by a butterfly and the number 7, his historic symbol.

The gift from Kristiane Uderstadt to the Museo del Grande Torino

On the anniversary day, Kristiane Uderstadt, Gigi Meroni's partner, wanted to renew the connection between the player's memory and his audience. She donated to the Museo del Grande Torino at Villa Claretta in Grugliasco a self-portrait made by Meroni and his personal palette, kept until now in their home.

In a touching letter addressed to the Museum's president, Domenico Beccaria, Kristiane wrote: “This self-portrait is the living reflection of our love interrupted too soon. I donate it with a heart full of emotion and pain, with the certainty that it will remain in the best place, preserved and shared with those who loved Gigi the most: the fans.”

A gesture that shows how Meroni's figure still today unites memory, art, and passion.

Gigi Meroni, a short life and an eternal memory

Born in Como in 1943, Gigi Meroni arrived at Torino in 1964, purchased from Genoa for a record sum at the time: over 300 million lire.

In a short time, he won the hearts of fans and the Filadelfia stadium, becoming an icon of freedom and creativity on and off the field. With his socks down, shirt untucked, and elegant, unpredictable dribbling, Meroni embodied a different, romantic, instinctive football.

On October 15, 1967, after a victory against Sampdoria, his life tragically ended. He was hit by multiple cars on Corso Re Umberto, right where the commemorative monument stands today. He was just 24 years old.

The myth that never fades

Almost six decades later, Gigi Meroni continues to be remembered as a symbol of genius and nonconformity, an artist of the ball who transcended football.

His spirit lives in the stories of those who saw him play, in the granata colors of the Filadelfia, and in the hearts of those who, every October 15th, pause to say: “Forever, Gigi.”

“Why do you dress like that?”

“Like what?”

“Well, surely you have a special stylist…”

“Yes, I do. It's me.”

Simple, unique. Ordinary madness. Everyone sought something exclusive, or something strange in him, who loved to paint and design his clothes. A "rebel," they called him. An "anarchist," for the less kind. Just because he loved wearing flashy hats and extravagant clothes. Or because he was in love with a woman, Cristiana “the beauty among beauties at the amusement park,” who had already been married. Gigi didn't bother anyone. For those times, he was “strange,” just because he wanted to simply be himself.

“He was light years ahead, seeing things others would only see decades later…,” commented Aldo Agroppi, friend and companion of many battles with the Toro jersey.

Unfortunately, he didn't see in time that cursed car that hit him, driven (ironically) by a young granata fan and of Meroni who, thirty years later, would also become president of Torino. 54 years ago yesterday, he left us. Myths don't die; at most, they disappear. But they are not forgotten.

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