Pope Francis' Legacy in the Calderón's Farewell
The passing of Pope Francis, a renowned football fan and supporter of San Lorenzo, reminds us of his special connection with Atlético de Madrid and his crucial role in the last match played at the beloved Vicente Calderón.
On May 28, 2017, the stadium opened its doors for the last time to host the ‘Final de Leyenda,’ a charity match that brought together legends of Atlético and world stars, bidding farewell to 50 years of Rojiblanca history.
The initiative, promoted by Pope Francis, allocated the proceeds to the Scholas Occurrentes network, supporting the integration of disadvantaged children in 190 countries.
That afternoon, the stadium vibrated with the presence of figures like Ronaldinho, who kissed the pitch as a sign of respect, and Gabi, who planted the Olive Tree of Peace alongside the Brazilian. The match ended with an exciting 4-5, with goals from Fernando Torres and other Rojiblancos players.
Prior to the match, tribute was paid to the champion youth teams, and the players of the ‘Final de Leyenda’ were cheered by the fans. Members of the BRIPAC descended with commemorative flags, while the Patrulla Águila colored the sky with the colors of Atlético. After the final whistle, the players took a lap of honor, culminating in a historic photo that immortalized the emotional farewell to the Calderón, thanks to the initiative of Pope Francis.
