Who is Gigi Riva: Cause of Death, Biography, Family &more.

Gigi Riva was an Italian professional footballer, known for his impressive scoring record and leadership skills. He played for Cagliari, leading them to promotion and Serie A titles. Riva won the 1968 UEFA European Championship and was Italy's all-time leading goalscorer.

Gigi Riva Cause of Death

Former football player Gigi, 79, died from a heart attack due to acute coronary syndrome at his Cagliari home. His burial date is unknown, but updates will be provided.

Gigi Riva Biography

Luigi “Gigi” Riva was an Italian professional footballer born on 7 November 1944 in Leggiuno, a small town in the northern Italian province of Varese, Lombardy. 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. Riva was considered by some in the sport to be Italy's greatest player ever.

Due to his height, powerful physique, elevation, and heading accuracy, Riva excelled in the air and had a penchant for scoring spectacular, acrobatic goals from bicycle kicks. Despite his tall build and strong physical attributes, he also possessed excellent technical ability, creativity, and good dribbling skills.

After retiring, Riva remained in Cagliari and founded the first school of football in Sardinia in 1976. He later became an executive with his former club and briefly served as Cagliari's president during the 1986–87 season. He later served as a director and subsequently as a team managing staff member for the Italy national football team from 1988 until 2013, and was a member of the technical staff for the Italy national team that won the 2006 FIFA World Cup under his supervision.

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 due to acute coronary syndrome, but his health conditions suddenly deteriorated and he died of a heart attack at the age of 79.

Gigi Riva Age

He passed away at the age of 79 years.

Gigi Riva Height

He is 1.7m tall

Gigi Riva Nationality

Italian

Gigi Riva Parents

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, who they had a daughter and son. They divorced in 1979. His second wife was Maurizia Cavallini in 1981, and they were married until his death 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.

Gigi Riva Net Worth

He had an estimated net worth of $10 million at the time he died.

Gigi Riva Career

Riva, a renowned Italian striker, started his career at Legnano before joining Serie A giants Cagliari in 1963. He became their all-time leading scorer with 164 goals and led Cagliari to their first Serie A title in 1970. Riva represented Italy in three World Cups and the 1968 European Championship, scoring 35 goals in 42 appearances. Despite injuries, he retired in 1976 and served as Cagliari's president and team manager.

 

Source: DKlassgh.net