Aldair turns 60: documentary chronicles the defender Rome never forgot
In Italian theaters has arrived Aldair. Cuore Giallorosso, a documentary directed by Simone Godano and produced by Grøenlandia with Sky Italia, distributed by Nexo Studios. A tribute to the Brazilian defender who left an indelible mark in the history of AS Roma, made just on the occasion of his 60th birthday.
It is not a simple biographical film. It is a choral narrative, traversed by diverse and authoritative voices: players, journalists, artists, fans. Giving voice to the narrative is Claudio Amendola, a Roman doc, who lends his unmistakable cadence to a story of belonging and soccer lived with authentic intensity. Leading the journey between Italy and Brazil, on the other hand, is writer Sandro Bonvissuto, a Romanista fan, chosen by the director to represent all those who loved Aldair in the stands.
The witnesses chosen for the project include names that weigh heavily. Francesco Totti, absolute symbol of Romanità. Carlo Verdone, a director and Roma fan with a loyalty that goes far beyond cheering. Cafu, Damiano Tommasi, Cristian Panucci, Fabio Capello. And then Zico, the legendary Brazilian trequartista, who carries with him the weight and prestige of an unrepeatable generation of South American soccer.
The soundtrack is penned by Piotta, Francesco Santalucia and Stefano Ritteri. Piotta also composed an unreleased song for the occasion, a detail that transforms the film into more than a document: it becomes an event.
Aldair defended Roma’s goal for thirteen seasons, from 1990 to 2002. During those years he won one Scudetto, that of 2000-2001, and the memory has remained intact. Interviewed shortly before the derby then won by Roma 2-0 over Lazio thanks to Gianluca Mancini’s brace, the Brazilian defender did not hide his emotion: “A memory that makes me emotional.”
On the documentary itself, Aldair confessed an unusual side for those who have always known him as a reserved man: “Working with Simone and the rest of the crew made me feel very relaxed. They made me comfortable in front of the cameras, which is not easy for me. I think we managed to realize a beautiful project.”
Rare words, for a man who has always preferred the field to statements. Just the derby won by the Giallorossi offered an ironic and affectionate cue. Mancini, with that brace, became the second most prolific defender in the club’s history, surpassing Aldair’s record. The Brazilian’s response was disarming: “He surpassed me. Seven years at Roma and already he has surpassed me. I wish he can score another 15 goals come on, let’s make it double.”
The documentary comes at a time when Roma is going through a phase of identity reconstruction. Looking back, at certain champions, is not nostalgia for its own sake. It is remembering what it means to belong to a jersey with that pressure on your shoulders.
Tickets and venues available at www.nexostudios.it.
