On May 4, 2025, a sea of maroon flooded the streets of Turin as approximately 25,000 fans gathered to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the tragic Superga plane crash that claimed the lives of the legendary Grande Torino team. The event, which took place in the heart of the city, was a heartfelt tribute to the club's storied past and its enduring legacy.
The day began with a procession that started in front of Bar Norman, the birthplace of Torino FC in 1906. Fans marched through the city center, displaying their unwavering support and devotion to the club. The route led them along Via Po, culminating in Piazza Vittorio Veneto before heading towards Superga, where the memorial site is located.
On that fateful day in 1949, the plane carrying the Grande Torino team crashed into the wall behind the Basilica of Superga after returning from a friendly match against Benfica in Lisbon. All 31 passengers aboard, which included players, coaching staff, journalists, and crew members, perished in the disaster. This catastrophic event not only ended the lives of some of Italy's finest footballers but also transformed the team into a symbol of resilience and a source of pride for millions.
As part of the commemorative activities, the iconic Mole Antonelliana was illuminated in maroon, serving as a striking visual reminder of the club's rich heritage. The day's events were marked by solemn ceremonies and heartfelt tributes, including a prayer led by Don Riccardo Robella, the Toro chaplain, at the Cimitero Monumentale. At noon, fans gathered at the cemetery to honor the fallen players, where Robella offered blessings and shared memories of the team's illustrious history.
Among those present was Urbano Cairo, president of Torino FC, who took time to reflect on the significance of the day. With his son Federico by his side, Cairo visited Superga early in the morning to pay his respects. For Cairo, this annual pilgrimage symbolizes his deep love and respect for the club and its storied past. "The Grande Torino represents a treasure of values that we must cherish," he stated, emphasizing the importance of remembering the team's legacy.
The atmosphere in Turin was charged with emotion, as fans from across Italy and even from countries like Argentina and Portugal came to pay their respects. The participation of such a diverse crowd underscored the global impact of the Grande Torino and the tragedy that befell it. The day was not only a remembrance but also a celebration of the spirit and unity that football brings.
As part of the memorial, the current captain of Torino, Duvan Zapata, read the names of the 31 victims during a solemn mass held in the Basilica of Superga in the afternoon. This ritual, performed every year, reinforces the bond between past and present, reminding everyone that the legacy of the Grande Torino lives on.
However, the day was not without its controversies. Concurrently, thousands of Torino fans gathered in Piazza Solferino to protest against President Cairo, expressing their dissatisfaction with the current management of the club. Organized fan groups led the demonstration, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the supporters and the club’s leadership. This protest, held on such a significant day, illustrated the complexities of football fandom, where love for the team can coexist with frustration over its direction.
Despite the protests, the essence of the day remained focused on remembrance and honor. FIFA took the opportunity to announce the establishment of World Football Day as a tribute to the Grande Torino, recognizing the team's monumental contribution to the sport and its lasting legacy.
As the sun set on Turin, the celebrations continued with a theatrical performance titled 'Il Grande Torino: una cartolina da un paese diverso,' written by Gianfelice Facchetti and journalist Marco Bonetto. The show, held at the Superga Theater in Nichelino, aimed to capture the spirit of the team and the profound impact it had on the hearts of its supporters.
The events of May 4, 2025, served as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Grande Torino, illustrating how a football club can transcend the sport itself. The day was a powerful reminder of the importance of memory, community, and the values that football represents. As fans left the city, they carried with them not just the memories of the past but also a renewed commitment to honor the legacy of the Invincibles for generations to come.
