FROM SERIE A TO THE SOUTH BRONX: ROBERTO BAGGIO’S NEW YORK VISIT INSPIRES ON AND OFF THE PITCH
During a Special Visit to New York City, the Lega Serie A Ambassador Met with Local Dignitaries in Manhattan Before Inspiring Young Players in the Bronx with Street Soccer USA
Italian soccer legend Roberto Baggio made a special visit to New York City this week as a Lega Serie A Ambassador, bringing his trademark humility, inspiration, and passion for the game to the rooftops of Manhattan and the grassroots fields of the Bronx. The trip marked a meaningful return to the United States for Baggio, who famously led Italy to the 1994 World Cup final.
Baggio began his visit at a rooftop reception hosted at Lega Serie A USA’s Manhattan offices, where he was joined by the league’s commercial partners, prominent figures from the Italian business community, and VIP guests. The evening celebrated Baggio’s iconic contributions to Italian football and his enduring bond with fans around the world.
The following day, Baggio took to the pitch in the Bronx for a community event with Street Soccer USA, a nonprofit organization that uses soccer as a vehicle for social change, supporting underserved youth and promoting equity through sport. Baggio spent time meeting young players and sharing stories on the field.
“It was truly special to feel the passion for calcio here in New York,” said Baggio. “To return to the U.S. after so many years and see how much love there is for Italian football is quite moving. I want to thank Lega Serie A for bringing me here and for the important work they’re doing to grow the game and reconnect fans abroad with our footballing culture.”
“Watching these kids play with joy and freedom reminded me of why I fell in love with the game in the first place,” Baggio added. “Street Soccer USA is clearly doing incredible work, and I’m honored to be part of this experience. Initiatives like this, supported by Lega Serie A, show how soccer can truly make a difference in people’s lives.”
Baggio, a Ballon d’Or winner and one of Serie A’s most beloved figures, played for clubs including Fiorentina, Juventus, Milan, Bologna, and Inter during a remarkable career that spanned nearly two decades. Renowned for his vision, technique, and ability to lift a team to the next level, Baggio was the first-ever inductee into the Italian Football Hall of Fame in 2011.
Lawrence Cann, Founder and CEO of Street Soccer USA, said: “Having Roberto Baggio join us in the Bronx was a once-in-a-lifetime moment for the kids in our community. To see a global legend not just show up, but truly engage—that’s what Street Soccer USA is all about: connection, opportunity, and the belief that every young person deserves a shot, on and off the field.
“We’re proud to work with Serie A USA to create moments like this.”
Lega Serie A’s North American community outreach program, ‘Serie A Calcio in the Community’, partners with nonprofit organizations like Street Soccer USA, which operates in more than 20 cities across the U.S., using soccer-based programming to tackle issues of homelessness, social isolation, and lack of access to opportunity.
Michele Ciccarese, Commercial & Marketing Director at Lega Serie A said: “The extraordinary reception given to Roberto Baggio in New York, in his role as a Serie A Ambassador, stands as a clear testament to the global influence of our league and to the unique power of football to engage and unite fans across generations. As Serie A continues to strengthen its footprint in North America, occasions such as this — where our legendary figures interact directly with supporters, stakeholders, and the broader community — underscore the enduring and invaluable impact generated by the passion for the game.”
Andy Mitchell, CEO of Serie A USA, also reflected on the significance of Baggio’s visit: “Roberto Baggio is more than a football icon—he’s a symbol of integrity, creativity, hard work, and emotion in the world’s favorite sport. Serie A’s commitment to engaging our fans in North America - while also giving back to the communities that love the game - is paramount to our mission in the United States. We’re proud to work with organizations like Street Soccer USA that use calcio to make a real difference - and honored that Roberto took the time to demonstrate that he shares our values".