Manuel Rui Costa Returns to Florence for Fiorentina's 100th Anniversary Legends Match
After a quarter-century away, Manuel Rui Costa came back to Florence to take part in Fiorentina's centenary legends game on September 2, 2026. The Portuguese maestro joined the Fiorentina All-Stars in a lively 7-3 win against Operazione Nostalgia at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
A Gathering of Club Icons
The event was a reunion of some of the club’s most celebrated names, including Gabriel Batistuta, Roberto Baggio, and Franck Ribery. For the 20,000 fans present, Rui Costa’s return was one of the highlights of the weeklong celebrations marking the club’s 100 years.
Emotional Ties and a Wish for Future Glory
Rui Costa spoke about his motivation for returning, saying it was not only for the fans but deeply personal. He recalled spending seven wonderful years in Florence and wanted to relive those moments. Reflecting on his time as captain when he lifted the Coppa Italia in 2001, he shared his wish for Fiorentina to enjoy more success.
"Winning a trophy as captain here was the greatest pride of my career. Honestly, I don’t like that I am still the last captain to bring a trophy to this club. Florence and Fiorentina deserve to celebrate victory again."
Franck Ribery Rekindles His Passion
Franck Ribery expressed joy at wearing the purple jersey once more, playing alongside former teammate Luca Toni. Surrounded by passionate supporters, Ribery said the experience reignited his love for football.
"Look at all these fans! This is truly incredible! When we got back on the pitch and touched the ball like in the old days, my passion for the game immediately sparked again. A huge thank you to all the fans and everyone involved in the celebrations."
Celebrations Across Florence
The legends match was part of a series of events celebrating Fiorentina’s rich history, including a torchlight procession by Curva Fiesole supporters and purple illuminations on city landmarks. While the current squad faces challenges in Serie A’s early season, the festivities reminded everyone of the club's proud legacy.
As the centenary week ended, Rui Costa and other returning legends left Florence hoping the new generation will soon add fresh trophies to Fiorentina’s cabinet.
- Match: Fiorentina All-Stars 7 - 3 Operazione Nostalgia
- Date: 2 September 2026
- Venue: Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence
- Attendance: 20,000 supporters
- Upcoming Serie A Fixture: Fiorentina vs Torino on 5 September 2026 at 15:00
