Yesterday at the UN Headquarters the multimedia exhibit “Paolo Rossi, a golden boy” was inaugurated, co-organized by the Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations and the Paolo Rossi Foundation, with Marco Tardelli and Federica Cappelletti, President of the FIGC Women’s Professional Premier League and wife of 1982 World Cup champion, who died prematurely.
The exhibit, open until June 7, is part of the celebrations for the 70th anniversary of Italy’s admission to the United Nations in 2025, and is meant to mark the second World Football Day, the international day established by the UN General Assembly (which falls annually on May 25).
“Today we tell a story that is not only Italian but universal. Pablito is the epitome of sportsmanship, resilience, humility and social commitment to the weakest. His legacy is the spirit of solidarity that continues to live through the Foundation that bears his name, dedicated to support projects for children in fragile conditions and in developing countries. With this exhibit that tells the story of his life and his triumphs, we celebrate the transformative power of sport and football and their contribution to the sustainable development of many communities around the world,” commented Ambassador Massari. The event also cast light on the recent launch by Minister Tajani of the program “Italy runs towards the future”, aimed at offering scholarships in the sports sector to young people from 10 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
Robert Skinner, UN head of the “Football for the Goals” initiative and of relations with FIFA, and Ambassador Taher El-Sonni, co-president of the “Group of Friends of Football” at the United Nations (which also includes Italy among its members) participated in the inauguration, too.
The exhibit, sponsored by FIFA, retraces the main moments of “Pablito’s” football career, displaying trophies such as the Golden Ball and the Golden Boot of the World Cup, and involves visitors through virtual reality screens that allow to relive the three goals scored by Italy against Brazil in 1982.
