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His performance was often described as courageous: the speed demon who stormed the pitch during the match between Portugal and Uruguay launched his kit in protest.

The rainbow flag he carried, which he reluctantly saw in Qatar, symbolizes diversity and tolerance and is considered a symbol of the LGBTIQ+ community. On the front of his Superman shirt, the man showed his solidarity with Ukraine, which was under attack by Russia, and on his back he demanded respect for Iranian women who protested against the regime.

The management tried to cut the striker as quickly as possible, it is known that FIFA does not want to see political messages in Qatar. But it was too late – Mario Ferri’s protest had long since been captured by photographers’ cameras and went around the world. But who is the man with the catchy nickname “Il Falco”, Italian for “the falcon”?

Not an unknown. Ferri has caused a stir in the past with similar actions. He is a professional footballer himself, albeit a semi-successful one. Hailing from Pescara on the Adriatic, the Italian has progressed through several lower division clubs in his native country and played in San Marino, India and the Seychelles.

Ferri made more headlines for his quick moves than for his football skills. The 35-year-old sees himself as an activist. In his early days as a speed demon, he limited himself to football-related messages. In 2009, during an international match between Italy and the Netherlands, he lobbied for Italian striker Antonio Cassano to be included in the squad for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

As early as 2010, however, Ferri became more political in his posts. At a Club World Cup match between Champions League winners Inter Milan and African counterpart Tout Puissant Mazembe from the Democratic Republic of Congo, he presented a Superman shirt with the inscription “Free Sakineh”. This referred to the death sentence of Iranian Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, who was to be executed by stoning. Ashtiani was released in 2014 after more than nine years on death row.

Ferri also made his appearance on the big stage of the World Cup in Brazil: during the game between the USA and Belgium, he again stepped onto the field and presented the message: “Save the children of the favelas”. He clashed with Belgian star Kevin de Bruyne.

After Italy missed out on the World Cup again in the spring, Ferri joked on Instagram, referring to his action in 2014, that he was actually the last Italian to set foot on a World Cup pitch. It will remain so until at least 2026.

In March this year, when he traveled to Ukraine shortly after the outbreak of war and helped bring refugees to safety, he proved that the 35-year-old not only likes to make a big impression and be in the spotlight .

The courage of the Italian is therefore really undeniable, even with his most recent campaign. It is not yet clear whether and how Ferri will be punished for his major attack in Qatar. (con)