Francesco Acerbi comeback powers Inter to Champions League final
Inter Milan defender Francesco Acerbi’s Champions League heroics cap a remarkable journey from cancer and depression to football glory.
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| Francesco Acerbi of FC Internazionale speaks to the media during the UEFA Champions League Final Media Day at the club’s BPER Training Centre in Appiano Gentile, on May 26, 2025, in Como, Italy. Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images |
By Randy Ahmad and Widya Putri
Francesco Acerbi’s comeback has propelled Inter Milan to the brink of European glory, turning the 37-year-old defender’s life story into one of the most stirring narratives of this year’s Champions League campaign. After surviving testicular cancer, depression, and struggles with alcoholism, Acerbi is now a symbol of resilience—leading the charge as Inter prepare to face Paris Saint-Germain in the final in Munich.
The defining moment in Acerbi’s comeback arrived in dramatic fashion. Deep into stoppage time in the second leg of Inter’s semi-final clash with Barcelona, the veteran centre-back scored his first-ever Champions League goal, levelling the match and setting up Inter’s historic win. It wasn’t just the timing or the rarity of the goal that made it special—it was how much it encapsulated the grit, spirit, and sheer willpower that have defined both Acerbi and Inter Milan’s campaign.
A goal born of grit and character
That night, the Giuseppe Meazza roared with disbelief as Acerbi appeared where no one expected him—in Barcelona’s penalty area. With his weaker right foot, and wearing a boot with a hole in it, he smashed home Denzel Dumfries’ low cross, sending Inter fans into raptures. His tattooed frame, revealed as he tore off his shirt in celebration, told the story of a man who has lived through battles few footballers can comprehend.
"It was a really special moment. I could feel that something changed when the ball hit the net," Inter midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu said. "It was the moment that we realised that we could win the match."
Indeed, that goal shifted the tie. It became the emotional turning point of a contest where Inter, already considered underdogs against a youthful and explosive Barcelona side led by Lamine Yamal, drew on their experience and unity to secure the win.
A key figure in Inzaghi’s system
Despite his age, Francesco Acerbi has remained a cornerstone of Simone Inzaghi’s system. He anchors Inter’s three-man defence, offering calm, positional awareness, and an indomitable presence on the pitch. And barring any last-minute changes, he will start once again in the Champions League final against PSG.
His leadership on the field is matched by the maturity and humility off it—qualities forged in the fires of personal loss and illness. His story is not just about a footballer’s late-career renaissance, but about a man who faced death, addiction, and despair, and returned stronger each time.
‘Cancer saved me’
Acerbi’s struggles began during a brief and uninspiring stint at AC Milan over a decade ago. It was a time when personal tragedy—specifically, the death of his father—pushed him into a deep depression. Lost in grief, he turned to alcohol.
"After my dad died, I crashed and hit rock bottom. I was at Milan and nothing stimulated me. I didn’t even know how to play anymore," Acerbi said in a 2019 interview.
"I started drinking. I drank everything. Cancer saved me. I had something to fight against again, something to overcome."
He battled through two bouts of testicular cancer, and in that battle, found clarity. “I saw things clearly and I know that from one day to the next, everything could change,” he said. “I’d even say that the disease improved me... I stopped dreaming, I prefer now to set myself achievable goals.”
A second chance in Azzurri colours
One of those goals was to earn a place in the Italy national team. While he made a couple of friendly appearances earlier in his career, it wasn’t until September 2019 that he made his official debut, aged 31, against Finland. Two months later, he scored his only international goal in a qualifier against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This season, Acerbi earned another call-up to the national side for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Moldova—his first selection since March last year. It was a testament to his remarkable consistency and form throughout Inter’s campaign.
Racism controversy and injury setback
But Acerbi’s road back to international football has not been without turbulence. Earlier this season, he was accused of racially abusing Juan Jesus during a heated Inter-Napoli clash. Though the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) found insufficient evidence to impose a ban, the controversy led to Napoli’s withdrawal from the FIGC’s anti-racism initiatives. Juan Jesus, for his part, expressed bitter disappointment at the lack of punishment.
Ultimately, Acerbi was not sanctioned but the backlash was severe, and for a time it seemed as though his season—along with his chances of playing in the upcoming Euros—might be derailed. As fate would have it, a hamstring injury did indeed sideline him from Euro 2024.
Still, Acerbi’s return to form this spring has been nothing short of inspirational. He recovered fitness just in time to help Inter navigate the most challenging phases of their Champions League campaign, and now stands on the precipice of achieving what few would have predicted.
Inter’s elder statesman ready for one last dance
Inter’s run to the final has been defined by a mixture of experience, tactical discipline, and emotional strength. Veterans like Acerbi have been central to this identity—especially in contrast to their opponents’ youthful exuberance. Against Paris Saint-Germain, Inter will need every ounce of that savvy and resolve.
For Acerbi, this match is more than a football final. It is the culmination of a journey marked by despair, redemption, and now, the possibility of triumph at the very summit of European football. Should Inter lift the Champions League trophy, the image of Acerbi celebrating—aged 37, tattooed, smiling, and defiant—will endure as one of the most powerful moments of the season.
And for those who know his story, it will be more than just a sporting image. It will be a symbol of what’s possible when a person refuses to give up—even when life tries to break them.
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