Ciccio Caputo, the seasoned striker formerly of Empoli, has officially joined the Kings League, signing on with TRM FC, as confirmed through the club's social media channels on Christmas Day.
Caputo's new adventure marks the end of his professional career at the highest levels, where he boasts over 500 appearances and has netted 201 goals for various clubs, including Bari, Sampdoria, and Sassuolo.
The announcement was dramatic, featuring a video with TRM FC president The Real Marzaa and director Just Rohn. During their conversation, Rohn declared, "I’ve taken the striker, probably the best of the league," reflecting on Caputo's impressive track record.
Responding to the enthusiasm, Caputo stated, "I’m already training, by the end of January I’ll be one of yours," signaling his readiness to integrate and compete within the league.
The Kings League, conceived by former footballer Gerard Piqué, integrates traditional sporting elements with engaging eSports dynamics, featuring two divisions wherein various teams are led by prominent digital influencers and content creators. It allows for exciting 7-a-side matches lasting 40 minutes, aiming to captivate audiences both physically and virtually.
Beginning between late January and early February 2025, the Kings League Italy will host twelve teams, each gathering talent from across Italy to compete for the championship. Caputo’s signing as the wild card for TRM FC adds substantial credibility to the club as they prepare to go head-to-head with other franchises combining both historical strengths and fresh digital influences.
Caputo had been searching for his next challenge since leaving Empoli at the end of August, where he had his contract resolved. Throughout his hiatus, he examined multiple offers from various levels, including teams from his home region, but nothing materialized. His decision to join Kings League signals not only his desire to continue playing but also to innovate within the sport, immersing himself in this modern format.
Specifically, Caputo amassed 149 appearances with Bari—his formative club—in which he netted 49 goals and provided 13 assists, creating lasting memories with fans. Now, he finds himself part of the unique environment of Kings League, which promotes social engagement alongside the sport.
Marzaa’s leadership and the impressive roster assembled for TRM FC suggest ambitious goals for the upcoming season. With streamers and digital personalities at the helm, the league aims to break traditional boundaries and embrace new forms of entertainment.
Caputo’s experience is sure to bring both skill and wisdom to the squad as they venture through the inaugural season of Kings League Italia, offering fans not just thrilling matches but also the excitement of witnessing transformation within competitive football.
With expectations set high for performance, how Caputo adjusts to this new league format will be closely watched, both by his new fans and the broader football community. The Kings League promises to add excitement, creativity, and vitality to the traditional football scene, and Caputo’s addition could be pivotal to achieving those prospects.
With several months of preparation before the season's kick-off, fans are already buzzing with anticipation. The merging of football with contemporary cultural elements makes this league not just another football competition, but rather, an ambitious project aiming to captivate today's digital audience.
Caputo’s transition to this format could herald new opportunities for both him and the club as they aim to carve their niche within the sports entertainment industry.
The Kings League is stepping onto the global stage, and with players like Caputo participating, the stakes and the entertainment value are set to reach new heights.
