Known as the “Divine Ponytail” for his distinctive hairstyle and the “Little Buddha” for his Buddhist beliefs, Baggio preferred a private and humble life after leaving football.
Italian soccer star Roberto Baggio was injured during a robbery at his country villa near Vicenza on Thursday evening.
At least five armed robbers broke into Baggio’s family home in Altavilla Vicentina while he was watching Italy’s Euro 2024 match with Spain, national media reported.
After confronting the attackers, one of them hit him with the butt of a gun. After locking him and his family in a separate room, the thieves managed to steal money and jewelry. He needed stitches, but no one else was hurt.
Baggio is one of the biggest icons of Italian football, who rose to international fame during the 1994 World Cup.
Despite winning 3-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw against Brazil in the final, the Azzurri were the sensation of the tournament.
A prolific finisher, Baggio remains Italy’s fourth-highest goalscorer alongside fellow superstar Alessandro Del Piero.
Textbook attacking midfielders, he was hailed as one of the world’s greatest strikers and was included in Pele’s FIFA 100 list of the greatest players of all time.
Known as the “Divine Ponytail” for his iconic hairstyle and the “Little Buddha” for his Buddhist beliefs, Baggio has preferred a private and largely modest lifestyle since his retirement from football.
In a rare social media post, he was seen driving a vintage Fiat Panda at his Altavilla Vicentina estate.
The Nobel Peace Prize laureates awarded him the Man of Peace award in 2010.
Spain beat Italy 1-0 on Thursday night.