Italian Football Legend Gigi Riva Cause of Death and Obituary, What Happened to Gigi Riva? How did Gigi Riva Die? Who was Gigi Riva?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Jan 23, 2024
Italian Football Legend Gigi Riva Cause of Death
Gigi Riva, the legendary Italian footballer, passed away on January 22, 2024, at the age of 79, at San Michele Hospital in Cagliari. His hospitalization was a result of acute coronary syndrome, a condition that initially had him in stable condition.
Despite being offered percutaneous coronary intervention, Riva chose to delay the procedure. However, on the evening of January 22, his health suddenly took a turn for the worse, leading to a fatal heart attack.
Gigi Riva's demise marks the end of an era for Italian football. His contribution to the sport was immense, and his legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of fans worldwide. The sudden deterioration of his health and subsequent heart attack serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life, and his passing leaves a void in the football community that will be difficult to fill.
Who was Gigi Riva?
Gigi Riva was an iconic Italian professional footballer renowned for his prowess as a centre-forward. Widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation and among the greatest strikers in football history, Riva achieved fame through his remarkable goal-scoring abilities.
Playing primarily for Cagliari throughout his entire career, he earned the nickname "Rombo di Tuono" (Roar of Thunder) from Italian journalist Gianni Brera, highlighting Riva's speed, strength, and lethal left foot.
Riva's impact extended beyond club success, as he played a pivotal role in Italy's national team achievements. Notably, he secured victory in the 1968 UEFA European Championship and reached the runner-up position in the 1970 FIFA World Cup.
With an outstanding record of 35 goals in 42 appearances between 1965 and 1974, Riva remains Italy's all-time leading goalscorer.
Following his retirement in 1976, he continued his involvement in football, serving as the president of Cagliari during the 1986–87 season and later contributing as the team manager and director of the Italy national team from 1988 to 2013. Gigi Riva's legacy is not just in his prolific playing career but also in his enduring contributions to the sport beyond the pitch.
Specifications
Details
Name
Luigi "Gigi" Riva
Gender
Male
Profession
Professional Footballer
Date of Birth
November 7, 1944
Place of Birth
Leggiuno, Lombardy, Italy
Date of Death
January 22, 2024
Place of Death
San Michele Hospital, Cagliari, Italy
Age at Death
79
Cause of Death
Heart Attack
Parents
Ugo Riva (Father, deceased), Edis Riva (Mother, deceased)
Marital Status
Not extensively available
Wife Name
Not extensively available
Children
Mauro Riva, Nicola Riva
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Gigi Riva Career
Gigi Riva's illustrious football career began in the early 1960s when he emerged as a promising talent in Lombardy. After showcasing his goal-scoring prowess with Laveno Mombello youth side, he made his professional debut with Serie C side Legnano-Ivrea in 1962, where his impressive performances caught the eye of Cagliari's president, Enrico Rocca.
At the age of 19, Riva joined Cagliari for a significant sum and embarked on a journey that would define his legacy. His debut season with Cagliari in Serie B saw him contribute eight goals, helping secure the team's promotion to Serie A, marking a historic achievement for the Sardinian club.
The period from 1964 to 1970 saw Gigi Riva's ascent to football greatness. Making his Serie A debut in 1964, he quickly established himself as a prolific striker, finishing as the league's top scorer multiple times. The pinnacle of his career came in the 1969-70 season when, under manager Manlio Scopigno, Riva led Cagliari to their first-ever Serie A title.
His pivotal goals, including a memorable brace against Juventus, secured the championship with two games to spare. During this era, Riva's skill, goal-scoring ability, and leadership made him one of the world's best strikers, earning him high rankings in the Ballon d'Or standings.
The final years of Gigi Riva's playing career were marked by continued loyalty to Cagliari despite offers from larger clubs. Unfortunately, his brilliance was marred by persistent injuries, notably during the 1970-71 season when a serious injury hampered Cagliari's European Cup campaign.
Despite facing adversity, Riva's dedication to the club remained unwavering. Injuries plagued his later years, ultimately leading to his retirement in 1978 at the age of 33. Riva's impact on Cagliari and Italian football is immortalized in his impressive goal tally of 248 goals in 439 appearances, with 35 goals in 42 international matches, solidifying his status as one of the greatest footballers in Italian history.
Gigi Riva Early Life
Gigi Riva, the legendary Italian footballer, was born into humble beginnings on November 7, 1944, in Leggiuno, a small town in the northern Italian province of Varese, Lombardy.
His family faced financial challenges, with his mother Edis working as a housewife and his father Ugo juggling various jobs, including roles as a hairdresser and tailor. Tragedy struck the Riva family when Ugo, Luigi's father, lost his life in a work-related accident on February 10, 1953, when Luigi was just nine years old.
Following his father's untimely death, Edis took on the role of a maid to support the family. Gigi, sent to a strict religious boarding school, spent three years there before embarking on a journey that would shape his future.
He found employment in a lift factory and simultaneously discovered his passion for football. However, the challenges continued as his mother Edis passed away shortly after, marking a poignant chapter in Gigi Riva's early life filled with adversity and resilience.
Gigi Riva Marital Life
Gigi Riva, the legendary Italian footballer, leaves behind a lasting legacy not only in the world of football but also within his family. Though details about his marital status and wife or partner are not extensively available, Riva is survived by two children, Mauro Riva and Nicola Riva.
The private nature of his personal life has kept many details away from the public eye, but the presence of his two children speaks to the personal fulfillment he found beyond the football pitch.
Mauro Riva and Nicola Riva now carry the legacy of their father, Gigi Riva, who left an indelible mark on Italian football history. While their father's achievements on the field are widely celebrated, the Riva family's privacy underscores the distinction between the public figure and the private individual.
The love and support of his children undoubtedly form an essential part of Gigi Riva's broader life story, contributing to the personal narrative of a football icon whose influence extends beyond the sport.
Gigi Riva Net Worth
Gigi Riva Net Worth was around $10 million. His primary source of income was derived from his illustrious football career, during which he played as a prolific striker for Cagliari and the Italian national team.
As one of the leading figures in Italian football during the 1960s and 1970s, Riva earned income through player salaries, endorsements, and various football-related engagements. His contributions to Cagliari, where he spent the entirety of his club career, likely included contractual agreements, bonuses, and appearance fees, all common revenue streams for professional footballers.
In addition to his playing career, Riva's involvement in football administration and management after retirement contributed to his financial portfolio. Serving as the president of Cagliari during the 1986–87 season, and later as a director and team manager for the Italy national football team from 1988 until 2013, would have provided additional income sources.
Although the specifics of Riva's financial arrangements and business ventures outside football remain private, it's evident that his multifaceted engagement with the sport played a central role in sustaining his income throughout his career and beyond.
Gigi Riva Obituary
Gigi Riva, a football legend, left an indelible mark on the beautiful game. His prolific goal-scoring, loyalty to Cagliari, and leadership made him an icon. Riva's contribution to Italy's Serie A title and his records as the national team's all-time leading scorer reflect his enduring legacy.
Beyond the pitch, his dedication to football administration showcased his love for the sport. As we bid farewell to a true maestro, Gigi Riva's memory will live on, remembered for his impact and passion that resonated with fans across the globe. Rest in peace, footballing maestro.
What Happened to Gigi Riva?
On January 21, 2024, Gigi Riva was admitted to San Michele Hospital in Cagliari due to acute coronary syndrome. Initially stable, he declined the option for percutaneous coronary intervention. The following day, his health suddenly worsened, leading to a fatal heart attack.
Gigi Riva passed away on January 22, 2024, at the age of 79. The football icon's death marked the end of an era, leaving a void in the world of Italian football and mourning fans worldwide.
How did Gigi Riva Die?
Gigi Riva died from a heart attack. He had been hospitalized at San Michele Hospital in Cagliari due to acute coronary syndrome, initially in stable conditions, but his health suddenly deteriorated, leading to the fatal event.
His contribution to the sport was immense, and his legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of fans worldwide. Gigi Riva's demise marks the end of an era for Italian football.
Italian Football Legend Gigi Riva Cause of Death - FAQs
Gigi Riva's cause of death was a heart attack, stemming from acute coronary syndrome. He passed away on January 22, 2024, at the age of 79.
Gigi Riva died from a heart attack. He had been hospitalized at San Michele Hospital in Cagliari due to acute coronary syndrome, initially in stable conditions, but his health suddenly deteriorated, leading to the fatal event.
In January 2024, Gigi Riva was hospitalized at San Michele Hospital in Cagliari due to acute coronary syndrome. Despite being initially stable, his health conditions worsened, ultimately resulting in his passing.
Gigi Riva was an Italian football legend, born on November 7, 1944. He played as a center-forward and is widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers in football history. Riva spent his entire club career with Cagliari and achieved significant success, including leading the team to its only Serie A title in the 1969–70 season.
Gigi Riva's legacy in football is marked by his exceptional goal-scoring ability, loyalty to Cagliari, and leadership on and off the pitch. He played a crucial role in Italy's national team, winning the 1968 UEFA European Championship. Riva's impact extends beyond his playing days, as he later contributed to football administration and management, leaving an enduring imprint on the sport.