Credits: Getty Images – Alain de Martignac
Some sporting stories transcend time itself. The journey of Luis Figo, a supremely gifted champion, stands among these timeless tales. This football icon will be one of the most eagerly awaited guests at the 29th Fair Play Menarini International Award, taking place on July 2nd and 3rd in Florence and Fiesole.
His attendance goes beyond honoring a remarkable career – it celebrates a man who competed at the pinnacle of the sport while embodying its truest principles: fairness, integrity and dedication.
From his early days at Sporting Lisbon through his glorious spells at Barcelona and Real Madrid to his successes with Inter Milan, Figo captivated millions of supporters worldwide while earning universal respect from both teammates and opponents. His time with Real Madrid brought him football’s ultimate individual honor – the 2000 Ballon d’Or – while his Inter Milan chapter saw him help secure four straight Serie A titles, a Coppa Italia, and two Italian Super Cups. Representing Portugal 127 times, he became the nation’s most cherished footballing figure for more than a decade.
Yet what set Luis Figo apart was his unwavering commitment to sportsmanship, maintaining his principles even under the most intense scrutiny. This is why the Fair Play Menarini International Award honors not merely the athlete, but the person behind the achievements.
«Luis Figo joins an exceptional lineup at this year’s Fair Play Menarini, which showcases world sport’s finest ambassadors», pointed out Valeria Speroni Cardi and Filippo Paganelli, Fair Play Menarini Foundation Board members. «Here is an icon who excelled on the world’s biggest stages through exceptional skills, grace under pressure, and unwavering respect for sporting ethics. Like his fellow honorees, he embodies the principles our Prize has championed for nearly three decades.»
This 29th edition stands as a celebration of sport at its finest. Alongside Luis Figo, exceptional athletes from diverse disciplines will be honored, each sharing a common bond of sportsmanship and respect.
Alessandro Costacurta’s recent inclusion among the 2025 honorees adds another dimension to an already stellar lineup. For two decades, he anchored AC Milan’s defense and served as a pillar of the Italian National team, gracing football’s most elite competitions. His lasting legacy, however, lies in his exemplary character: a model of sporting integrity worthy of recognition alongside other distinguished champions.
Costacurta will take the stage at the Roman Theatre of Fiesole together with three esteemed Fair Play Menarini: swimming champion Ian Thorpe, ACF Fiorentina icon Giancarlo Antognoni, and Fabrizio Donato, who claimed triple jump bronze at London 2012.
The ceremony will honor sport’s ability to stir hearts: featuring Gianmarco Tamberi, whose thrilling high jump artistry captivates Italy, and Alice Bellandi, fresh from her judo world title, who exemplifies the grit and passion of Italy’s Olympic athletes.
Among the honorees is Saša Vujačić, who captured two NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers, proving that meaningful narratives emerge even at sport’s highest echelons, and Demetrio Albertini, an icon of 1990s football who navigated his career with remarkable poise and character.
The ceremony will also recognize champions of resilience and inclusivity, including Rigivan Ganeshamoorthy, Paralympic discus gold medalist, and Nadia Battocletti, the rising athletics star whose Olympic silver in the 10,000 meters has already secured her place in sporting history.
Equally memorable are Blanka Vlašić, who redefined women’s high jump, and Arianna Errigo, among Italy’s most decorated foil fencers. These athletes have shattered barriers and motivated countless aspiring champions through their relentless drive. Rounding out this distinguished group is Guido Meda, Italian motorsport’s most distinctive voice, whose passionate commentary has brought the thrill of racing to life for countless fans.
The 29th Fair Play Menarini International Award is made possible through the institutional partnership of the Institute for Sports and Cultural Credit, alongside the generous support of Sustenium, Frecciarossa, Estra, and Adiacent as event sponsors.