Gabriel Batistuta, a legendary name in the world of football, made headlines once again at the age of 56 by scoring a goal during the farewell match of Italian footballer Giuseppe Rossi on March 22, 2025. The emotional encounter took place at the historic Stadio Artemio Franchi, where Batistuta connected with fans and old teammates alike.
Batistuta, who donned the famous number 9 jersey for Fiorentina from 1991 to 2000, left an indelible mark on the club’s history with a staggering 207 goals, making him the all-time leading scorer for the club in Serie A. His return to the field brought back memories of Fiorentina's glory days in the mid-90s, a period which Batistuta played a pivotal role in.
During the match dedicated to Rossi, Batistuta received a pass and, with the precision of a seasoned striker, deftly maneuvered past a defender before coolly finishing past the onrushing goalkeeper. The crowd erupted into a chorus of cheers, celebrating not just Rossi’s career, but also the return of their beloved Batistuta to the scoresheet. “La foto que todos estaban esperando,” read an Instagram post from Fiorentina's account, showcasing Batistuta smiling on the pitch, hailed by adoring fans.
The moment was steeped in nostalgia and emotion, particularly for Batistuta, who after retiring faced significant health issues, including chronic foot pain that led him to undergo surgery for a prosthetic device. This personal struggle made scoring in such an emotional setting all the more poignant. Tears of joy streamed down his face, reflecting the strong bond he has with the Fiorentina supporters who continued to revere him.
His contribution to Fiorentina is historic; in nine seasons with the team, he won the Serie B, the Coppa Italia, and the Supercoppa Italiana. Additionally, Batistuta was named the top scorer of Serie A in 1995, netting 28 goals in just 37 matches, solidifying his status as an elite striker.
The event attracted not only old fans remembering the magic of Batistuta but also a host of football legends. Among the attendees were Daniele De Rossi, Josip Ilicic, Mario Gómez, Borja Valero, Antonio Cassano, Nemanja Vidic, and Francesco Toldo, all there to honor Rossi’s incredible career. Footballing greats Sir Alex Ferguson and Claudio Ranieri also graced the match, further underlining the significance of the occasion.
As Batistuta left the pitch, the Fiorentina fans chanted a classic tune from his glory days, “Solo me enamoro si veo a Batistuta marcar, correr hacia la bandera, delantero de la Fiorentina,” which translates to “I only fall in love if I see Batistuta score, run to the flag, a Fiorentina striker.” This nostalgic anthem echoed the sentiments of the fans who had been touched by Batistuta’s contributions to the beautiful game over the years.
The match concluded with a heartfelt atmosphere wrapping around the stadium as everyone united in celebration of two remarkable careers—Rossi's and Batistuta's. The emotional bond that remains between Batistuta and Fiorentina is evident; even after two decades since his retirement, he remains a beloved figure with unforgettable memories etched in the hearts of the club’s supporters.
As if to seal this emotional farewell, the stadium's lights dimmed and a video highlighting Batistuta’s goals played across the screens, evoking a flood of memories for all in attendance. The roar of applause was a clear signal that Batistuta's legacy is not just in the numbers but in the lives he touched as a player, something that will continue to resonate with Fiorentina fans for years to come.
