lit a candle 4h agoMy dad found a clip of the 1984 Barcelona match on YouTube when we were planning a trip to France and we watched it twice in one night in our living room in Utah. I didn't understand half the commentary but I understood the scoreline, 1 4, and I understood why he was shaking his head smiling. Never been to Metz, never will probably, but that match made me care about a club on the other side of the world. 93 years old. Rest well, Mr Molinari.
Their story
Carlo Molinari, the Franco-Italian businessman who served as president of FC Metz for 34 years across two spells, died on Wednesday 4 November 2026 at the age of 93. <cite index="1-1">The club grenat announced, on Wednesday, the death of the man who had been at its head from 1967 to…
Carlo Molinari, the Franco-Italian businessman who served as president of FC Metz for 34 years across two spells, died on Wednesday 4 November 2026 at the age of 93. <cite index="1-1">The club grenat announced, on Wednesday, the death of the man who had been at its head from 1967 to 1978, then from 1983 to 2009.</cite>
<cite index="6-3">He led FC Metz for 34 years, from 1967 to 1978, then from 1983 to 2009, and as the Franco-Italian leader he wrote some of the finest pages in the history of the club known by its Cross of Lorraine emblem.</cite> Across those three decades, he became one of the most recognisable figures in the history of the Lorraine club.
His tenure coincided with the most celebrated period in the club's history. <cite index="6-4">From the mythic feat at the Camp Nou against FC Barcelona (1 4) in 1984, to the two Coupe de France titles won in 1984 and 1988, and the Coupe de la Ligue wins of 1986 and 1996, Carlo Molinari was the principal architect of the club's greatest conquests.</cite> <cite index="2-2">It was under his presidency that FC Metz achieved its finest feats, including the famous victory in Barcelona in 1984, two Coupes de France, two Coupes de la Ligue and a runner up finish in the French championship in 1998.</cite> <cite index="4-4">He was a leader who liked to recall his Italian origins to anyone willing to listen, and it was with him that FC Metz experienced one of the finest periods in its history.</cite>
Following the announcement of his death, tributes poured in from current and former players, coaches and staff. <cite index="2-3">Current club president Bernard Serin said that the disappearance of Carlo Molinari was an immense sadness for FC Metz and for the entire grenat family, calling him a major figure in the club's history whose name would remain inseparable from its identity and journey.</cite> <cite index="2-4">Serin added that the legacy left by Molinari went well beyond a sporting or institutional record, resting instead on a history, values and a passion that cross generations.</cite> <cite index="1-3">The club itself described him as visionary and a builder who had durably installed FC Metz in the landscape of French football and shaped part of the club's identity.</cite> <cite index="3-4">The current president, directors, players, coaches, former club members and all FC Metz staff addressed their most sincere condolences to his family and loved ones, adding, "Thank you President Molinari, for your commitment, your loyalty, your humanity and everything you brought to FC Metz."</cite>
As of this first report, no cause of death has been made public, and details of his birth date, family life and any funeral or memorial arrangements have not yet been confirmed by reputable sources. This page will be updated as verified information becomes available.
Biography adapted from News reports and the sources cited on this page; death reported by RTL Today.
In their own words
“Grenat blood runs in my veins.”
A phrase he often used about FC Metz (translated from French).
“A volunteer president, ever-present, I lived FC Metz.”
On his role as club president (translated from French).
“To remind me that I am the last of the dinosaurs of French football.”
On the plastic T-rex on his office shelf, Le Podcast des Legendes, 2025 (translated).
“For five miserable little goals...”
On losing the 1998 title to Lens on goal difference (translated).
“In the series of big blunders, that one deserves a museum.”
On Metz turning down the teenage Michel Platini, to Le Parisien, 2018 (translated).
“School was not my thing. I did not follow my studies, I was rather pursued by them.”
Interview with Le Courrier Messin (translated).
“My head is doing better than my knees.”
On turning 90, to La Semaine, February 2023 (translated).
“He is a monument in my life.”
Michel Platini's tribute, 4 November 2026 (translated).
Photos
1by People Forever
that Barcelona result still doesn't feel real, 1984 was special