Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Francesco Totti, AS Roma, Serie A, Italy
Josh Lawless
The son of Italy and Roma legend Francesco Totti has retired from football at the age of 19 before his career even started.
Totti is considered to be one of the greatest Italian footballers of all time and spent his entire career with his beloved Roma, where he scored 307 goals in 786 appearances and captained the club.
His incredible career in the game lasted 25 years and son Cristian, Totti's eldest child from from his previous relationship with ex wife Ilary Blasi, was looking to follow in his footsteps.
Born in Rome, he spent time in the Giallorossi youth set-up before later representing the academies of Frosinone, Spanish side Rayo Vallecano and later playing in Serie D with Avezzano and Olbia.
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However, Cristian suffered from huge pressure and media spotlight and had to contend with bodyshaming social media comments about his physical condition along with the constant comparisons to his famous father.
His last coach was Marco Amelia, the former AC Milan and Italy goalkeeper, with Totti Jr playing just 156 times over six games and terminating his deal in December 2024.
He decided against continuing his career and confirmed his retirement to La Nuova, who ran the article: "Totti Jr.: 'Enough is enough, I'm quitting football.' His last name, his haters, and the gossip."
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Amelia believes being Totti's son had a negative impact on the player, stating that the central midfielder had plenty of promise.
He told the outlet: "I wanted him because he was a player with great ability. A midfielder capable of setting up play, reading between the defensive lines, creating, but also good at recovering when not in possession.
"I think he would have had a great career ahead of him as a player in Serie C and Serie B. Being Totti's son had an impact on his evaluations."
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Totti Jr still loves the game and has a football and love heart emoji on his WhatsApp status and will still remain involved.
The youngster will work for the Totti Soccer School which his dad set up. His uncle Riccardo, Totti's older brother, is involved and Cristian will work with general manager Claudio D’Ulisse and scouting for promising talent.