On February 26, 2025, Jessica Schillaci appeared emotionally on 'La Volta Buona,' recalling her father, the legendary Italian footballer Totò Schillaci, who passed away on September 18, 2024, after battling colon cancer. His death left a deep void not just for his family but for fans who have remembered him fondly for his remarkable 1990 World Cup performance.
During the program, Jessica struggled to convey the loss she has felt since her father’s passing. "All’inizio non riuscivo a parlare di lui, a concretizzare l’idea che non ci fosse più," she expressed, highlighting the initial disbelief and grief enveloping her heart. She noted the overwhelming support from the public, saying, "Ringrazio le persone che ci hanno accerchiato d'amore. Questo ci ha riempito d’affetto e ci ha fatto ritardare l’idea che papà non ci sia più." These words echo the sentiment of many who have adored Totò and now mourn his absence.
Totò Schillaci was not just any football player; he was a symbol of Italian sportsmanship and passion. He first made waves with Messina, where his talent caught the eyes of Juventus and Inter, leading to his rise as one of Italy’s national heroes during the 1990 World Cup. Yet, as Jessica shared, behind the accolades was also the story of dedicated family man and loving father.
Reflecting on her father’s role as a parent, Jessica told touching anecdotes from her childhood, including the story of her own birth. "Dovete ringraziare questa bambina che con forza ce l’ha fatta, è veramente un miracolo, il miracolo della vita," recalled Jessica of what the gynecologist said shortly after her birth, emphasizing how much her father had longed to have her and the hurdles they overcame together as family.
Jessica recounted the heartbreaking yet tender moments they shared during Totò’s final weeks. Knowing he was unwell, she rushed back to Palermo after sensing something amiss when he stopped responding to her calls like he usually did. "Papà mi manca tantissimo. Mi ha chiesto scusa per non esserci stato, mi ha detto che avrebbe voluto riavvolgere il nastro e cambiare alcune cose," she exclaimed, expressing the bittersweet nature of their conversations. Their time together allowed them to bridge gaps created by his busy career, and they shared laughs, tears, and loving memories.
Perhaps the most poignant moment came when she shared his last words to her, which will stay etched in her heart: "Amore mio, ti voglio bene, non dimenticarlo mai." Those simple yet powerful words signify the deep bond they shared, illustrating not just the love of a father but the commitment he had to remind her of his feelings, even at the end of his life.
Jessica Schillaci’s heartfelt tribute to her father reflects not only the pain of losing him but also the enduring love and countless memories they created together. She exemplifies how his legacy will live on, not just through impressive statistics as a famed footballer but through the emotional connections he forged with those closest to him. The love of Totò Schillaci will forever be remembered, as will the impact he made on both his family and the world of football.