ACF Fiorentina announced the death of their president, Rocco Commisso, early Saturday morning following his lengthy struggle with an undisclosed illness. The 76-year-old American-Italian billionaire leaves behind a significant legacy in both the business and sports worlds.
In an official statement, the club expressed profound grief, describing Commisso as a foundational figure whose leadership transformed the organization and deeply impacted the city of Florence.
Commisso acquired the Italian side seven years ago and quickly became a beloved figure among the “Viola” faithful. His tenure saw the club return to competitive prominence, highlighted by appearances in two UEFA Conference League finals and a Coppa Italia final. Beyond his professional achievements, the club remembered him as a pillar of his family, having recently celebrated 50 years of marriage to his wife, Catherine. The club’s statement depicted him as a man of dual nature—combining a gentle spirit with the fierce determination required to lead a major European football institution.
The billionaire entrepreneur first made his mark in the United States as the founder of Mediacom before bringing his passion for football back to his native Italy. Under his guidance, the club also inaugurated the state-of-the-art Viola Park training complex, ensuring a lasting infrastructure for future generations of players. As the football community pays tribute to his life, Fiorentina officials emphasize that his vision will continue to guide the club’s trajectory in the years to come.
The club stated: “After a prolonged period of medical treatment, our beloved President has left us, and today we all mourn his passing. For his family, he was an example and a guiding light, a loyal and faithful man who, alongside his wife Catherine, reached the milestone of 50 years of marriage, and who was a strict yet loving father to his children, just as his character was: gentle and determined.”
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