Francesco Totti Claims Italy’s 2006 World Cup Victory Depended on Him

Francesco Totti, the iconic Roma legend, recently joked that Italy’s triumph in the 2006 World Cup wouldn’t have happened if he hadn’t played. He highlighted his tournament-leading four assists as a key contribution to the team’s success.

Totti Reflects on Italy’s Historic Win

While Totti is revered in Rome for his loyalty to Roma, he believes the 2006 World Cup elevated him to global football greatness. Speaking to Corriere dello Sport on his 50th birthday, he revealed how winning the trophy transformed his image beyond just being a Roman hero.

A Bold Statement About the Final

Totti insisted that his inclusion in Marcello Lippi's squad was crucial for Italy’s victory. With a touch of humor, he said, "If I hadn’t played, they wouldn’t have won it." He added that the World Cup gave him recognition beyond Rome. Had he only won domestic titles like one Scudetto, two Coppa Italias, and two Supercoppas, his fame might have remained local. Despite playing at only 40% fitness, he felt his impact was significant, noting, "Not everyone wins a World Cup."

Recovering from a Serious Ankle Injury

Totti’s claim about his low fitness level wasn’t an exaggeration. In February 2006, he suffered a fractured left ankle requiring emergency surgery, making his comeback for the World Cup a race against time. Despite limited match readiness, he started six of Italy’s seven games, finishing with one goal and four assists — the highest assist tally of the tournament. Reflecting on his prime years, Totti said, "Between 2001 and 2008 I felt really good. I was ‘embarrassing’ for how strong I felt."

Leadership Through Performance

Though recognized for his skill, Totti faced criticism for not being vocal in the dressing room. Asked about this, he accepted the label but explained his approach. He said, "I’ve always been of the view that the pitch was what counted. Outside it, everyone is good at talking. They’d ask why I didn’t say something before games, but I had to play football and enjoy myself. I never felt tension before a match."

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