Francesco Totti Claims Italy's 2006 World Cup Victory Relied on Him
Francesco Totti Credits Himself for Italy’s 2006 World Cup Win
Roma legend Francesco Totti recently joked that without his key role and tournament-leading four assists, Italy might not have secured the 2006 World Cup title.
Reflecting on Italy’s Historic Triumph
Though Totti is forever celebrated in Rome for his loyalty to Roma, he believes it was the 2006 World Cup that truly boosted his global reputation. In an interview with Corriere dello Sport marking his 50th birthday, Totti spoke about the tournament in Germany, saying winning the trophy turned him from a local hero into an international football icon.
A Bold Statement About the Final
Totti is convinced that his spot in Marcello Lippi’s squad was crucial for their victory. He even made a lighthearted comment on the campaign:
"If I hadn’t played, they wouldn’t have won it. That World Cup gave me the strength to be important outside Rome too. If I had only won one Scudetto, two Coppa Italias, and two Supercoppas, I would have stayed ‘inside the ring road.’ Instead, I won it, and even though I was at 40 percent, I made a big contribution. Not everyone wins a World Cup."
Playing Through a Serious Ankle Injury
Totti’s claim of playing at just 40 percent fitness isn’t an exaggeration. He fractured his left ankle in February 2006, underwent emergency surgery, and fought hard to be ready for the summer tournament.
Despite his lack of full sharpness, he started six of Italy’s seven matches, scoring once and providing four assists — the highest in the competition. This performance reflected his feeling of being at his peak physically and technically.
"Between 2001 and 2008, I felt really good. I was ’embarrassing’ for how strong I felt," Totti said.
Leading Quietly on the Field
Even though Totti shone on the pitch, some criticized him for not being a vocal leader in the dressing room. When questioned about this, the World Cup winner didn’t deny it.
"I’ve always believed that what counts is what happens on the pitch," he explained. "Outside of it, everyone talks. They would ask me why I don’t say something to the team before the game, but I have to play football and enjoy myself. I never felt tension before a match."
Upcoming Fixtures
- UEFA Nations League: Turkiye (TUR) vs Italy (ITA), 28 Sept 2026, 21:45
- Serie A: Como (COM) vs Roma (ROM), 11 Oct 2026, 13:30
