The family of former Italian striker Igor Protti has announced his passing at the age of 58. In line with his wishes, his final words were shared: “This wonderful journey, like every match, has reached the final whistle.”
Protti passed away last night, at the age of 58.
His family confirmed the sad news in a statement on his official Instagram page, which read: “With immense sorrow, the family announces that Igor passed away during the night.”
Adhering to Protti’s wishes, his family also released a farewell message from the former player: “This wonderful journey, like every match, has reached the final whistle. It is difficult to find words that can explain it, the only thing I can do is thank my great and wonderful family, whom I have loved dearly.
“I also want to thank all the people who cared for me and stood by my side, and all the supporters of the teams I played for, for the affection and love they always showed me, which I wholeheartedly returned. Hoping this is a see you again rather than a farewell.”
Igor Protti revealed in July 2025 that he had been diagnosed with cancer, which had spread to his vertebrae by September. He was able to walk his daughter down the aisle at her wedding just before the end of last month.
Protti, who played as a striker for clubs including Livorno, Messina, Bari, Napoli, and Lazio, was one of only two players, alongside Dario Hubner, to have been the top scorer (Capocannoniere) in each of Italy’s top three leagues: Serie A, Serie B, and Serie C.
Remarkably, he remains the only player to have finished as Serie A’s leading scorer while playing for a team that was relegated in the same season (Bari).
During his career, Protti netted 48 goals in 144 appearances in Serie A.