.jpg)
Some burdens are too hard to handle: Totti's son calls it quits at 19
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 28.07.25. | 16:07
Francesco's son Cristiano prematurely ends his career
It comes with great privileges, no doubt about that. Financial security, fame, popularity among peers, and connections that open many doors… But every medal has its flip side. And let's be honest - being the son of a legendary father isn't always easy, especially when you choose to follow in his footsteps. Even more so when your father is Francesco Totti.
Cristian Totti, the son of the Prince of Rome, has learned this the hard way. At just 19 years old, he has decided to end his playing career.
The reason? The pressure and relentless public attention.
Every move Cristian made was scrutinized under a microscope. Had his last name been different, he likely would've remained an unknown young player, hoping for his first newspaper feature. Instead, he was in the spotlight constantly - even when there was no real reason.
Worse yet, the comparisons with his father followed every time he touched the ball. But there aren't many like Francesco Totti.
Cristian struggled to bear the weight of those expectations, and eventually came to a painful realisation: football wasn't for him.
His last club was fourth-tier side Olbia during the 2023/24 season. He initially tried to find a new team, but eventually gave up.
"Yes, I've made my decision - it's over," he told Nuova Sardegna.
Totti Jr. won't be too far away from the sport, though. He'll remain involved in football through his father's academy, which is run by his uncle Riccardo, Francesco's older brother. Cristian will focus on scouting young talent, working alongside general director Claudio Dulisse.
Cristian's short career started, predictably, at Roma. But by the U17 level, he was rarely seeing game time. After turning 18, he managed only 15 minutes on the pitch over an entire season. He then moved to Frosinone, played only slightly more, and later tried his luck in Spain with Rayo Vallecano. That stint made headlines not for football, but for a public argument with his mother, Ilary, on the streets of Madrid.
He eventually returned to Italy, joining Avezzano and then Olbia, where he played under former national team goalkeeper Marco Amelia. But after all that, Cristian concluded that this path just wasn't for him.
