Roberto Mancini hits 61 today; what a journey it’s been. Born on 27 November 1964, the Italian’s life has pretty much revolved around football from day one. Mancini, who was recently linked with a move to join Nottingham Forest as reported by Softfootball, is currently coaching Al-Sadd in Qatar.
As a player, Mancini was something else. At Sampdoria, he played more than 550 matches and helped them win their first ever Serie A title, four Coppa Italia trophies, and even the European Cup Winners’ Cup. He played as a deep-lying forward, dropping back, linking up and always moving.
He was part of the Italian national team in both the Euro 1988 and 1990 World Cup squads.
He moved to Lazio in 1997. winning more trophies and also creating more history in Serie A by winning another league title, two more Coppa Italias, a UEFA Super Cup, and the Cup Winners’ Cup with Lazio.
He shares the record for most Coppa Italia titles with Buffon, six in total. Mancini’s leadership showed early too, giving halftime team talks.
After retirement from playing football, Mancini didn’t waste time chasing a coaching career. He first joined Fiorentina at 36, helping them win the Coppa Italia. He later joined Lazio next and won more silverware. He then moved to Inter Milan, leading the team to win three straight Serie A titles.
After his much success in Italy, he joined Premier League side Manchester City, helping the team end a 44-year league drought and also lifting the FA Cup. Manchester City, who recently suffered a 2-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen, took time to wish him a happy birthday via their official X account.
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He joined Italy’s national team and led them to win the Euro 2020 championship, also leading the team to a 37-match unbeaten run. From 2002 to 2014, Mancini reached at least the semi-final of a major cup every season. Sixty-one years old today, and the man’s still shaping teams, winning trophies, and leaving a mark wherever he goes.
Happy birthday, Roberto Mancini. The game wouldn’t be half as rich without you.
