Inter Milan and Italy football legend Sandro Mazzola has died at the age of 83, the Italian club announced on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Mazzola spent his entire 17-year senior career with Inter and became one of the most celebrated players in the club's history.
Inter confirmed Mazzola's death in a statement mourning the former midfielder and captain, describing him as a Nerazzurri and world football legend. The club also expressed its condolences to his family.
Mazzola was born on November 8, 1942, and joined Inter's youth system as a boy before making his Serie A debut in 1961. He went on to make 565 appearances for the club, scoring 161 goals according to Inter's official records.
The former Italy international was a central figure in Inter's famous “Grande Inter” side under manager Helenio Herrera. During his career at the club, he won four Serie A titles, two European Cups and two Intercontinental Cups.
One of Mazzola's most memorable performances came in the 1964 European Cup final against Real Madrid. He scored twice as Inter defeated the Spanish giants 3-1 to win the club's first European Cup.
Mazzola also enjoyed success with the Italian national team. He was part of the side that won the 1968 European Championship and later helped Italy reach the 1970 World Cup final in Mexico.
His individual achievements included finishing as Serie A's top scorer in 1965 with 17 goals and winning the European Cup's scoring title in 1964 with seven goals. He also finished second in the 1971 Ballon d'Or voting behind Johan Cruyff.
Mazzola retired from playing in 1977 after 16 seasons with Inter, having worn the club's colours throughout his senior playing career. He later remained closely connected to the Nerazzurri as a club figure and ambassador.
Inter paid tribute to Mazzola before Saturday's Serie A match against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico. Players wore black armbands and both teams observed a minute's silence in memory of the former captain.
Inter president and CEO Giuseppe Marotta also paid tribute to Mazzola, recalling his 17 seasons with the club and his role in the achievements of the Grande Inter. The club has begun a series of tributes celebrating the life and career of one of its most important figures.
Mazzola's death marks the passing of one of the defining figures of Inter's history and Italian football, with his legacy spanning more than five decades since his professional debut.
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