Roberto di Maio: The 41-Year-Old Defender Defying the Odds in San Marino

Life in professional football often sees players reaching their prime in their 20s and retiring before they hit their 40s. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and one such exception is the remarkable journey of San Marino defender Roberto di Maio. At 41 years of age, he’s not only still going strong but also breaking records and inspiring his nation.

Di Maio’s incredible journey began when he made his senior international debut for San Marino in March during their Euro 2024 qualifier against Northern Ireland. At the age of 40 years and 193 days, he became the oldest player to debut in UEFA competition. While San Marino faced a 2-0 defeat in that match, it was an extraordinary moment for Di Maio and his country.

San Marino is a football minnow, positioned at the bottom of the FIFA world rankings, and they haven’t won a game in 132 matches. Despite this, Di Maio’s dedication to representing his nation remains unwavering. He considers playing international football a privilege and source of immense pride.

Having settled in San Marino in 2003, Di Maio met his wife, Cristina, in this small republic surrounded by Italy. His journey in football took him through various clubs, amassing over 560 games, including a stint in Serie B with Nocerina, and spells with Lecce and Catanzaro.

Di Maio’s commitment to San Marino was further cemented when he was officially naturalized in January 2023, after a decade of marriage and a delay due to administrative reasons. Currently, he plies his trade for SS Cosmos in San Marino’s amateur league championship.

Remarkably, only two players in the San Marino national squad are professional footballers. The rest juggle their passion for the sport with jobs as diverse as car salesmen, accountants, painters, and university students. Their motivation is fueled by passion rather than monetary rewards.

Di Maio’s love for San Marino extends beyond the field, as he also works as an academy coach for the country’s football federation, overseeing the under-17 team. It’s a unique situation where former pupils now call him by his first name, Roberto, rather than “gaffer.”

Despite knowing that they face challenging opponents and often play defensively, Di Maio and his team maintain a positive outlook. They prepare mentally for defensive battles and aim to hold their own against stronger teams. For them, achieving a “positive result” might mean a narrower loss rather than conceding many goals.

San Marino’s football history has been challenging, with their sole victory coming in 2004 against Liechtenstein. Despite the long wait for another win, Di Maio and his teammates remain hopeful and determined. They look forward to competing in the Nations League, where they might have a better chance against teams closer to their level.

However, ending their winless streak against Northern Ireland at Windsor Park remains a daunting task. Di Maio acknowledges the high expectations of opponents but believes that holding the match in deadlock could lead to a dream result.

Critics have questioned the presence of smaller nations like San Marino in international competitions, but Di Maio defends their right to dream and compete against bigger countries. He emphasizes the romantic aspect of football, where underdogs have the chance to prove themselves.

With a population smaller than that of Accrington, San Marino faces limitations in their progress. Di Maio believes that building their youth base and sending players to Italy for professional experience are essential steps to improving competitiveness.

As for his own future, Di Maio remains passionate about playing and training hard at the age of 41. He hopes to inspire others with his dedication and love for the game, passing on his enthusiasm to the youngest aspiring footballers. For now, he takes it “day by day, match by match,” relishing every moment in San Marino’s sky blue kit.