Gennaro Gattuso will receive the 2026 Euro-Mediterranean International Excellence Award
Lazio coach Gennaro Gattuso has been chosen to receive the 2026 Euro-Mediterranean International Excellence Award, an award promoted by the Mediterranean Journalists Association. The awards ceremony, which will be held tomorrow 14 October at 2.30pm in the Giovanni Spadolini Room of the Ministry of Culture, is the fourth edition of this event which celebrates excellence in European and Mediterranean football. In addition to Gattuso, Totti, Vieri and Alessandro Moggi already announced, the award was awarded to another prominent name in Italian football.
The reason for Gattuso's choice was expressed with great emphasis: "Gattuso receives the award for loyalty and team spirit". The motivation underlines how the coach embodied the values of determination, loyalty and team spirit. His authenticity, ability to take on responsibility and willingness to face every challenge without shying away from confrontation are also highlighted. His journey is described as a significant testimony for young people, in which talent acquires value when it is accompanied by commitment, respect and the ability to get back up after difficulties.
The recognition was presented as a tribute to the man and the athlete, whose example recalls sport to its educational function and its ability to unite different people and cultures. The event, which will take place in the Giovanni Spadolini Hall, will be an opportunity to celebrate the qualities that make football a shared value at an international level.
With the awarding of Gattuso, the Mediterranean Journalists Association confirms its commitment to recognizing figures who represent the ethics and passion of football. The award, which adds to the awards already received by Totti, Vieri and Moggi, highlights the importance of role models for the new generations. The next step for Gattuso will be the delivery ceremony, where he will be able to share his vision on the role of football in society and the impact of his work with Lazio.