Lamberto Boranga, a former goalkeeper who played in Serie A and Serie B during the 1970s and 1980s, hopes to make a comeback and play for his first club, USD Trevana 2020, in October when he turns 83. He believes that with his impeccable lifestyle, this challenge is entirely feasible at his age.
The name Lamberto Boranga may be unfamiliar to you. However, this 82-year-old Italian played across Serie A, Serie B, and Serie C from 1966 to 1985. He made 157 appearances in Serie B and 112 in Serie A, representing clubs such as Parma and Reggiana. Now, as he is about to turn 83, he has set a grand challenge for himself.
Forty years have passed since his last official match, but Boranga resumed training a few weeks ago. His training partner is Adriano Bonaiuti, who once served as Samir Handanović’s personal coach. In an interview, he announced: “I will play a match in October.” The game will take place at USD Trevana 2020, an amateur club in Trevi, and “then we’ll see what happens next. I have no intention of going into the dressing room to give orders to anyone.”
Having transitioned from a professional footballer to a cardiologist, the elderly Boranga chose to take on this challenge, stating: “It’s to highlight the difference between biological age and chronological age. Until I was 70, I was still as vigorous as a lion. Even now, there are times when I still feel like I’m 50.”
As time has passed, this former “flying goalkeeper” no longer has the same prowess he once did, but everything seems to be going smoothly. He is also the author of the book Parare la vecchiaia (translated as “Countering Aging”) and is currently promoting the book while continuing his athletic adventure. He admitted: “I feel good, but I don’t know if I can play the entire match. I don’t want people to think I’m a clown.” Additionally, he is a world and European champion in the masters’ long jump and high jump events, and will participate in the European Masters Athletics Championships held in Madeira, Portugal, from October 8 to 19.
So, what is his secret to remaining so energetic and vital even after turning 80?
Lamberto Boranga said: “Eat less, but eat well; no alcohol, no smoking, and almost no meat. Only drink soy milk, and keep up physical activity—including sex. A hearty and balanced breakfast, a chocolate energy bar, and a light dinner.”
