#Italy #Florence #Fair Play Award #Diego Milito #Emilio Butragueño

Fair Play Menarini International Award: Honoring Sporting Legends

The Fair Play Menarini International Award is set to celebrate its 30th edition on July 2, 2026, in the beautiful city of Florence, Italy. This prestigious event recognizes athletes who embody sportsmanship and excellence on and off the field. This year's awards will honor exemplary figures in various sports, including the legendary Diego Milito and the iconic Emilio Butragueño.

Notable Winners

Diego Milito, affectionately known as 'El Príncipe', is widely celebrated for his remarkable football career. His journey traverses continents, with significant contributions in Argentina, Spain, and Italy. Milito's standout moment came when he played a pivotal role in Inter Milan's historic 'Treble' in 2010, ultimately earning acclaim for his stellar performance in the UEFA Champions League final against Bayern Munich, where he scored two crucial goals.

Equally noteworthy is Emilio Butragueño, dubbed 'El Buitre', who left an indelible mark on Spanish football during the 1980s. As a key player for Real Madrid, Butragueño epitomized excellence and determination in one of the club's most triumphant eras. His style of play and innovative techniques made him a fan favorite and a formidable opponent in European football.

With the inclusion of Milito and Butragueño in the list of this year's awardees, the Fair Play Menarini International Award reaffirms its commitment to celebrating those who not only excel in their respective sports but also uphold the fundamental values of fairness and integrity.

A Celebration of Sportsmanship

The Fair Play Menarini Foundation, established to promote the virtuous principles of sports, has consistently spotlighted athletes who have made significant contributions to their sport while exemplifying sportsmanship. The event will take place at the esteemed Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, promising an evening filled with inspiration and recognition of true sporting spirit.

The winners for the 2026 edition extend beyond Milito and Butragueño, featuring outstanding athletes from various disciplines:

• - Achille Polonara (Basketball)
• - Antonella Palmisano (Race Walking)
• - Armand Duplantis (Pole Vaulting)
• - Bebe Vio (Paralympic Athletics)
• - Chiara Mazzel (Paralympic Ski)
• - Daniele Garozzo (Fencing)
• - Davide Ghiotto, Michele Malfatti, Andrea Giovannini (Ice Skating)
• - Fabio Caressa (Journalism)
• - Gianfranco Zola (Football)
• - Gregorio Paltrinieri (Swimming)
• - Simone Anzani (Volleyball)

The Essence of Fair Play

Luca Lastrucci, Valeria Speroni Cardi, and Filippo Paganelli, all members of the Fair Play Menarini Foundation Board, emphasized the significance of this year’s honorees. “We celebrate two stars of international football who have profoundly impacted the sport, not just through their achievements but through the spirit in which they competed,” they shared. By honoring Milito and Butragueño, the foundation continues to highlight the essential values that unite athletes and inspire future generations.

As the countdown to the event begins, excitement builds around these icons and their legacy in sports. Join us in Florence to witness a celebration that honors not only individual achievements but also the collective spirit of fair play that defines true champions.