Gigi Riva Family: Parents, Siblings, Wife & Children

Gigi Riva was an Italian professional footballer who played as a center-forward. He was considered one of the best players of his generation and one of the greatest strikers of all time. Riva enjoyed a remarkable scoring record for Cagliari, thanks to his composure in front of goal, powerful left foot, and aerial ability. His speed, strength, and eye for goal led Italian journalist Gianni Brera to nickname him “Rombo di Tuono” (Roar of Thunder).

Riva was initially deployed as a winger on the left flank early in his career but later played in a more offensive and central role as a main striker. He was a well-rounded, brave, prolific, and opportunistic forward with an astonishing finishing skill. Due to his dominance and skill, he is considered by some in the sport to be Italy's greatest player ever.

At the international level, Riva won the 1968 UEFA European Championship and was runner-up at the 1970 FIFA World Cup with the Italy national team. With 35 goals in 42 appearances between 1965 and 1974, he is Italy's all-time leading goalscorer. After retiring, Riva remained in Cagliari and founded the first school of football in Sardinia in 1976, which bears his name.

On 5 January 2005, Cagliari retired Riva's number 11 jersey to honor him and his achievements with the club. On 21 January 2024, Riva was hospitalized at the San Michele Hospital in Cagliari due to acute coronary syndrome. His health condition suddenly deteriorated, and he eventually died of a heart attack at the age of 79.

Gigi Riva Parents

Gigi Riva was born into a poor family in Leggiuno, northern Italy, near the Swiss border. His mother, Edis, was a housewife, and his father, Ugo, worked as a hairdresser, tailor, and factory worker. Ugo died in a work-related accident at age nine. Luigi attended a religious boarding school, worked in a lift factory, and began playing football.

Gigi Riva Siblings

He has a sister, Fausta Riva.

Gigi Riva Wife

Gigi had two marriages. His first was with Maria Teresa Guccini in 1962, and they had a daughter and son. They divorced in 1979. His second wife was Maurizia Cavallini in 1981, and they were married until he died in 2011. Riva was reserved, but his spouses encouraged him and supported him through his career.

Gigi Riva Children

Riva's first marriage to Maria Teresa Guccini produced two children: a daughter named Maura and a son named Alessandro.

Source: DKlassgh.net