Marek Hamsik's turbulent Naples days: Mafia threats to football stardom
He negotiated with the mafia and had a gun held to his head, but it did not deter him from Naples. Marek Hamsik played for SSC Napoli for 12 years and became a club legend. On Saturday, he celebrates his 37th birthday.
Naples is a city where the infamous Italian mafia, the Camorra, operates. In Italy, this region is considered one of the least safe places. Tourists are generally not in danger, provided they avoid flaunting expensive jewellery, watches, money or electronics. Otherwise, they may fall victim to petty thieves.
Wealthier residents of this city fare worse. Although football in Naples is like a religion, footballers receive no leniency.
For decades, city authorities have been fighting the criminal organisation that turned Naples into Italy's drug supermarket. There have been instances of mafia bosses being executed on the streets of the city. Thus, safety is ensured not only by the police but also by the military.
One of the main forms of entertainment for city residents is football. SSC Napoli is a top Italian club that won the Italian championship in 2023.
Mafia without mercy for the star
Years ago, Marek Hamsik was robbed twice. The Slovak, a symbol of SSC Napoli, played for the club for 12 years.
In 2008, bandits blocked his way, broke the car window, and took his watch and house keys. Five years later, as Hamsik was leaving the stadium after a match with Sampdoria, robbers blocked his way and held a gun to his head. The Slovak lost his watch and other valuable items.
Bandits also attacked Lorenzo Insigne in the presence of his wife and friends. Juan Camilo Zuniga and Valon Behrami also feared for their lives. Thieves even targeted the partners of the footballers, such as the loved ones of Ezequiel Lavezzi and Edinson Cavani. They all lost watches, jewellery or money.
Hamsik left Naples in 2019. He played 520 matches for the club, scoring 121 goals (a record holder in appearances and number of goals) and providing 111 assists. With the team from Naples, the Slovak won two Italian Cups and one Italian Super Cup.
