"Putin Apologist?" Despite Criticism... Why Italian Football Legend Went to Russia

Totti Visits Russia as a Sportsman, Not a Politician
Large Billboards Featuring Totti Displayed Across Moscow

Francesco Totti (48), who also played for the Italian national football team, is determined to attend a sports event held in Russia despite fierce criticism at home and abroad. On the 7th (local time), Italian news channel Sky TG24 and other local media reported that Totti arrived in Moscow with his son Cristian. Asker Talizokov, CEO of the Russian online sports betting platform 'Bookmaker Ratings' (RB), which invited Totti, came to the airport to greet and welcome him.

Totti is scheduled to attend the 'RB International Awards 2025' event held at the Irina Viner Gymnastics Palace in Moscow on the 8th. CEO Talizokov emphasized, "Although the exact amount cannot be disclosed, it cost six-figure euros (hundreds of millions of won). Totti is the most expensive guest in the history of this event."

Italian football legend Francesco Totti (48) is determined to attend a sports event held in Russia despite strong criticism at home and abroad. On the 7th (local time), Italian news channel Sky TG24 and other local media reported that Totti arrived in Moscow that day with his son Cristian. Photo by AP and Yonhap News

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, it has faced economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation from the international community. When news of Totti's visit to Russia spread, opposition politicians and fans poured out criticism. Some strongly condemned him, saying, "He is cooperating with Putin regime's image laundering," and "He sold his morals for money." On the other hand, Italy's current ruling party, including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, did not express any particular stance regarding Totti's intention to go to Russia.

Before attending the event, Totti stated in a statement sent to the Italian news agency ANSA, "I am going to Russia not as a politician but as a sportsman. I am just someone who wants to spread the value of sports worldwide," adding, "For the same reason, I would gladly go to Kyiv (the capital of Ukraine)." He further added, "If official institutions request me not to go to Moscow, I will step back without hesitation."

Since mid-last month, large billboards featuring Totti's face along with the phrase "The Emperor Returned to the Third Rome" have been prominently displayed throughout Moscow. Russians regard Moscow as the 'Third Rome,' following Rome and Constantinople (Istanbul, the capital of the Byzantine Empire). Totti was a key member of the Italian football team that faced South Korea in the round of 16 at the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup. He is also famous as a 'one-club man,' having played nearly 30 years only for AS Roma. After retiring from active play in 2017, he also worked as a director for AS Roma.