Giuseppe Savoldi, a prolific goalscorer and one of Italian football’s most recognizable figures of the 1970s, has died at the age of 79. The news was announced by his son, Gianluca, on social media. Savoldi earned the nickname “Mister Two Billion” due to his then-record transfer fee.
“Our great Beppe has gone into another dimension,” Gianluca Savoldi wrote. “His places, his home and his loved ones accompanied him until the last moment, leaving us custodians of the values and love that have always constituted the hallmark of his earthly journey. We are very proud of all this, despite being overwhelmed by pain.”
Born in Gorlago, near Bergamo, in 1947, Giuseppe Savoldi began his professional career with Atalanta in 1965, spending three seasons with the club. He truly blossomed at Bologna in 1968, becoming a key player for seven seasons. There, he secured two Coppa Italia titles and shared the Serie A top scorer award with Sergio Pellissier and Gianni Rivera in the 1972-73 season, netting 17 goals. Savoldi’s time at Bologna established him as one of Italy’s premier strikers.
In 1975, Savoldi made a landmark move to Napoli for a reported two billion lire (plus the transfer of Clerici and half of Rampanti’s contract), a sum that reverberated throughout Italian football and earned him his famous moniker. This transfer, at the time, was the most expensive in the history of Italian professional football, even prompting parliamentary debate. He quickly integrated into the Napoli squad, adding another Coppa Italia to his trophy cabinet and endearing himself to the passionate Neapolitan fanbase with his goals and spirited play.
Savoldi’s career continued with a return to Bologna for a year before concluding his playing days with a final season at Atalanta. Throughout his Serie A career, spanning 405 appearances, he scored an impressive 168 goals. He also earned four caps for the Italian national team, scoring one goal in a friendly match against Greece in 1975. According to Wikipedia, he holds the record for the most appearances among the top ten Serie A goalscorers.
Following his retirement from playing, Savoldi transitioned into coaching, managing teams in the Serie C1 and C2 divisions. He notably led Saronno to promotion in the mid-1990s. He was remembered as a complete forward, strong in the air, and possessing an exceptional instinct for goal.
Savoldi’s impact extended beyond statistics. He was a player who embodied the spirit of Italian football during a particularly vibrant era. His ability to identify space in crowded penalty areas, his aerial prowess honed from a background in basketball and high jump, and his sheer determination made him a formidable opponent and a fan favorite. He was a player who consistently delivered, even in a league known for its tactical rigor and defensive strength.
The Bologna FC released a statement expressing their condolences on the passing of Savoldi, recognizing his significant contribution to the club’s history. OneFootball reported on the club’s statement.
Giuseppe Savoldi’s legacy as “Mister Two Billion” and a celebrated goalscorer will endure in Italian football lore. He leaves behind a rich history of memorable moments and a lasting impact on the clubs and fans he touched throughout his career.
Savoldi passed away in Bergamo on March 26, 2026, after a period of illness. Details regarding funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
