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Roberto Baggio Reemerges in Dubai With Del Piero, Receives Honor 32 Years After Ballon d'Or

He used the Dubai stage to explain a deliberate return to public life shaped by his children.

Overview

  • At the World Sports Summit in Dubai, Baggio sat for an on‑stage interview with Alessandro Del Piero and was honored three decades after his 1993 Ballon d'Or.
  • He described a June 20, 2024 home invasion by six intruders as a shock that changed his outlook and spurred him to share more of his story with his children.
  • Baggio credited 38 years of Buddhist practice with sustaining him through hardship and said he has never imposed his faith on his children.
  • Valentina Baggio said she was away during the robbery, has managed his communications for nine months, and now travels with him to reintroduce his public image on social media.
  • He argued Italian football gives too little space to domestic players and urged fewer foreign signings and more opportunities for young Italians.