Juventus legend Giampiero Boniperti passes away at 92

Juventus legend and former club president Giampiero Boniperti passed away Thursday night after experiencing heart failure. He was 92 years old.

The club announced the news Friday morning in a post on their official website. Boniperti, Juventus’ all-time leading goal scorer until Alessandro Del Piero surpassed him in 2006, spent his entire career with the Bianconeri, appearing in 443 games. His 179 goals are still second behind only Del Piero in club history.

In 1971, Boniperti returned to Juventus 10 years after playing his final game to take over as the club’s president. Juve won 16 pieces of hardware during Boniperti’s tenure as president, ranging from Scudetti to European and intercontinental trophies.

He’s also the one who coined the saying “Vincere non è importante, è l’unica cosa che conta.”

Juventus’ statement on Boniperti’s death is as follows:

This is the news we never wanted to give you.

Today, 18 June 2021, we bid farewell to Giampiero Boniperti, who passed away in Turin at the age of 92.

This emotion we are all feeling right now will not prevent us from thinking fondly of him, for everything our President was and will always be in Juventus’ life.

An indelible figure, who, as of today, is handed over to memory, because he has been in the history of football for some time. Because when you express a thought, and that thought becomes part of the DNA of the club you have dedicated your life to, it means that your character has become its identity and way of being. Forever.

Boniperti will also be remembered for the role he played on the inaugural night of Juventus Stadium, sitting on the fabled bench with Del Piero retelling the story of how the club came to be.

“From up there, now, there is another star in the black and white firmament that shines: it is that of Giampiero Boniperti, one of who gave the most to Juventus,” Juventus’ post concluded. “Thanks for everything. Rest in peace, Presidentissimo.”

There is nothing more to say. Juventus has seen one of their most memorable players and overall personalities pass away. But the impact he made at the club, both on the field and as president, will never be forgotten by players and fans alike.