Beloved Italian soccer club owner and Mediacom chairman Rocco Commisso has left his fans and loved ones mourning after passing away at the age of 76.
The news was announced early Saturday morning, with both Fiorentina and Mediacom releasing statements paying tribute to their respected leader without specifying a cause for death.
Fiorentina described their beloved president as "the greatest gift he gave himself" – a testament to his passion for the club and its community. Commisso's love for Italian soccer was undeniable, having purchased Fiorentina in 2019, where he became known for speaking out against Italy's bureaucracy and inability to build new stadiums.
During his time with Mediacom, Rocco transformed the company into one of the United States' biggest cable television providers. His entrepreneurial spirit and leadership skills earned him a reputation as a shrewd businessman.
A true soccer enthusiast, Commisso also owned the New York Cosmos and played soccer at Columbia University, an Ivy League school he continued to support philanthropically. The university's soccer stadium is named in his honor, reflecting his enduring impact on the institution.
Friends and family have expressed their sadness and gratitude through social media, with the New York Cosmos recently paying tribute to Commisso on X, saying: "Rocco fought for what is best for American soccer, believing in the growth of the game, the importance of community, and the power of clubs to inspire the next generation."
At Fiorentina, Commisso celebrated reaching the Conference League final in 2023 and 2024. However, this season has been a struggle, with the team currently languishing in Serie A's relegation zone.
Rocco Commisso is remembered as a passionate leader who dedicated his life to the world of soccer – and his legacy will be deeply felt by those whose lives he touched.
The news was announced early Saturday morning, with both Fiorentina and Mediacom releasing statements paying tribute to their respected leader without specifying a cause for death.
Fiorentina described their beloved president as "the greatest gift he gave himself" – a testament to his passion for the club and its community. Commisso's love for Italian soccer was undeniable, having purchased Fiorentina in 2019, where he became known for speaking out against Italy's bureaucracy and inability to build new stadiums.
During his time with Mediacom, Rocco transformed the company into one of the United States' biggest cable television providers. His entrepreneurial spirit and leadership skills earned him a reputation as a shrewd businessman.
A true soccer enthusiast, Commisso also owned the New York Cosmos and played soccer at Columbia University, an Ivy League school he continued to support philanthropically. The university's soccer stadium is named in his honor, reflecting his enduring impact on the institution.
Friends and family have expressed their sadness and gratitude through social media, with the New York Cosmos recently paying tribute to Commisso on X, saying: "Rocco fought for what is best for American soccer, believing in the growth of the game, the importance of community, and the power of clubs to inspire the next generation."
At Fiorentina, Commisso celebrated reaching the Conference League final in 2023 and 2024. However, this season has been a struggle, with the team currently languishing in Serie A's relegation zone.
Rocco Commisso is remembered as a passionate leader who dedicated his life to the world of soccer – and his legacy will be deeply felt by those whose lives he touched.
, but also an inspiration off it 
- how did we lose such a passionate soul? 
his love for soccer was infectious, and it's clear that he left his mark on the clubs he owned (and still owns) 
. the way he spoke up against bureaucracy and advocated for new stadiums is so admirable 
, and his entrepreneurial spirit can't be overstated 
. his legacy will live on through the teams he left behind, but it's hard not to feel a pang of sadness 
I mean who wouldn't love a guy who turned Mediacom into one of the biggest cable providers in the US? that's some serious business skills 
what's crazy is the New York Cosmos just paid tribute to him on X & Fiorentina is mourning his loss 
he did so much for the sport and his philanthropic work at columbia uni 
especially with the stadium named after him 
its wild that he's gone too soon but i know he'll be remembered as a true legend of the game 
️
He was like an old friend, you know? Always speaking truth to power, even when it meant going against the system. I mean, who needs new stadiums in Italy, right? 
But seriously, his love for soccer wasn't just about himself – he genuinely cared about the fans and the community. That's what made him so beloved.
I'm so sad to hear about Rocco Commisso 
. Rest in peace, Rocco! 
I'm so sorry to hear about Rocco Commisso... I mean, I was just a kid when he started playing for Columbia University's soccer team 
, but it's crazy to think that a legend like him has left us too soon 
. He seemed like such a down-to-earth guy who genuinely cared about the people around him, whether it was his loved ones or the fans of Fiorentina and the New York Cosmos 
.
. The way he spoke out against bureaucracy and fought for what's best for American soccer is truly inspiring 
. He'll always be remembered as a passionate leader who left an indelible mark on the world of sports and beyond 
.
Rocco Commisso was an amazing guy, I just found out about him today & already feel sad hearing he's gone 
. His story is super inspiring, from playing at Columbia University to becoming a successful businessman 
He was more than just a businessman or owner, he was a true believer in the power of clubs to inspire people & grow the game 
. His love for Italy's soccer community was so pure it still makes me smile 
. He was truly one of a kind, a passionate entrepreneur who poured his heart into soccer and helped grow it in the US 
. Mediacom & Fiorentina will miss him so much... he was more than just a leader, he was a true enthusiast