Attila Sallustro

The Paraguayan-born striker who became a Napoli legend without taking a salary.

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Attila Sallustro (15 December 1908 – 28 May 1983) was a professional footballer who played as a striker. He is considered an important player in S.S.C. Napoli's history, and became extremely popular with the fans during his time with the club. Born in Paraguay, he played for the Italy national team.

Quick Facts

Born: 15 December 1908
Birthplace: Asunción, Paraguay
Died: 28 May 1983
Place of death: Rome, Italy
Position: Striker

Lore & Background

Sallustro was born in Asunción, Paraguay to Italian parents (Gaetano and Evelina), but moved to Naples in Italy with his parents and siblings as a youngster in 1920. He came from a wealthy background and his father wanted him to play football in Italy. He joined a football academy at age 12, where he drew the attention of a scout who brought him to Internaples (the name of the club 'Napoli' at the time). At Napoli he was nicknamed 'Il Veltro' and 'Il Divino'.

Due to his background, Sallustro chose not to take any financial pay from the club, as his father believed it was unacceptable to earn a living in such a manner. However, he was rewarded with gifts, including a luxury motor car, a black Fiat Balilla 521. In his first season, he scored 10 goals in 13 appearances at only 18 years of age. He played for Napoli for 12 years, forming a strong attack alongside Antonio Vojak and Marcello Mihalich.

In total, he scored 108 goals for the club in 269 appearances across all competitions. He served as the club's captain between 1933 and 1937. His career was halted at one point due to World War II. He had a brother two years his junior, named Oreste Sallustro (referred to sometimes as Sallustro II).

The two played together at Napoli though Oreste appeared less frequently. After retiring from football in 1939, following a two-year spell with Salernitana, he stayed in Naples until his death in 1983, serving as the director of the city's San Paolo Stadium between 1960 and 1981, Napoli's home ground, and as the club's manager in 1961.