Infantino, who was born in Switzerland to Italian parents, told GOAL that his childhood heroes were two Inter Milan legends
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Infantino idolized Beccalossi and AltobelliDuo played together for Inter in late 1970sSaid they "made my heart beat"WHAT HAPPENED?
All fans have their own football idols, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Speaking at an event to kick off a tour for the 2025 Club World Cup trophy, Infantino told GOAL that his childhood footballing heroes were Inter No. 10 Evaristo Beccalossi and No. 9 Alessandro "Spillo" Altobelli, saying the two legends "made my heart beat."
The duo were crucial for the Inter sides of the late 1970s, winning Serie A together in 1980, and the Coppa Italia two years later. Altobelli scored 209 goals in 466 matches for the Italian giants, and is remembered as one of the most effective strikers of his generation.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT INFANTINO SAID
The FIFA president revealed his childhood heroes when asked by GOAL US's Raheem Taylor-Parkes at a media event in New York last week, saying "His name is Evaristo Beccalossi. He was playing for Inter Milan – No. 10 in Inter Milan – together with Spillo Altobelli, two top players, two Italian good players, great players for Inter Milan who made made my heart beat – the heart of my father beat as well, before mine. And that's why we fell in love with football."
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Infantino spoke at an event promoting the 2025 Club World Cup. Infantino described the new FIFA Club World Cup trophy as the “start of a new history” as FIFA launched Club World Cup 2025 Trophy Tour. The tour will give supporters around the globe the unique opportunity to see the biggest prize in world club football in person.
The new trophy, designed by FIFA and created in collaboration with Tiffany & Co., will make its way through the cities of all 32 participating clubs in the months ahead as part of the build-up to the Club World Cup in the U.S., which kicks off in June.
AFPWHAT NEXT FOR THE CLUB WORLD CUP?
The competition is set to kick off in the United States in June, and will feature 32 teams from around world football in a tournament style that mimics the World Cup. The final will be held at MetLife Stadium on July 13.
