Juventus' Oldest Fan Celebrates 111th Birthday with Club Tribute
Nella Faleri, believed to be the oldest supporter of Italian giants Juventus, has celebrated her 111th birthday surrounded by family, local officials, and representatives from her beloved club. The milestone was marked at her home in Monteroni D’Arbia, in the province of Siena, where she received a personal letter from the Juventus Fan Club Siena Ghibellina.
The fan club's letter praised Faleri as "a luminous example of strength, elegance, and dedication" and expressed pride in having her as a member. Lisa Petri, representing the club, was present for the occasion, alongside Monteroni D’Arbia's mayor, Gabriele Berni, who called her presence in the community "an immense joy."
Born in 1915, Faleri is recognized as the oldest woman in Tuscany and the fifth oldest in Italy. Her life has spanned profound historical changes, from the era of sharecropping through multiple wars and Italy's transition from a monarchy to a republic, a change she voted for in 1946. Throughout the decades, her passion for Juventus has remained a constant.
Wearing a club scarf for her birthday, Faleri confirmed her lifelong dedication. "This team has been part of my existence. I always follow them," she said, though she admitted with a smile that she changes the channel when the team is losing, preferring to focus on joys in her advanced years. Her favorite player is former goalkeeper and captain Gianluigi Buffon, whom she described as a "symbol" and "untouchable icon" for the club.
She also fondly recalled the elegance of the late Gianni Agnelli, the honorary chairman of Juventus, stating that the Agnelli family's bond with the club is one passed down through generations. Faleri's daughter, Lucia, who is 83, was among the family members celebrating with her.
The story underscores the deep, intergenerational connections football clubs can foster within their communities. For Juventus, acknowledging a supporter of Faleri's age highlights the club's vast and enduring fanbase, while for the local community, her longevity is a point of pride and a living link to a century of history. Faleri remains a committed viewer, insisting she never misses a Juventus match, a personal tradition she established herself within her family.
