FC Metz announced this Wednesday the death of Carlo Molinari, its former emblematic president, who led the Lorraine club for more than three decades. Under his presidency, the Grenats won several national trophies, experienced memorable European nights, and finished as runners-up in France in 1998. In a lengthy tribute, the club honored the man who profoundly marked its history.
More than 30 years at the helm of FC Metz
Carlo Molinari will remain one of the most important figures in the history of Metz football. Arriving at the presidency of FC Metz in 1967, he supported the club’s development for several decades until his departure from the executive presidency in 2009.
Under his leadership, Metz won two French Cups, in 1984 and 1988. The club also secured two League Cups, in 1986 and 1996, the first under the competition’s former format.
One of FC Metz’s greatest European achievements remains its victory against FC Barcelona on October 3, 1984, at Camp Nou. After losing 4-2 at home in the first leg, the Messins pulled off a feat by winning 4-1 in Catalonia, notably with a hat-trick from Tony Kurbos, to qualify for the Cup Winners’ Cup.
The 1997-1998 season also marked the club’s history. Led notably by Robert Pirès, Sylvain Kastendeuch, and Rigobert Song, FC Metz finished second in the French championship, tied on points with RC Lens, crowned champions thanks to a better goal difference.
FC Metz pays a moving tribute to Carlo Molinari
In its statement published this Wednesday, FC Metz expressed its sadness and recalled the great achievements of its former leader. President Bernard Serin, players, coaches, and all club employees joined in this tribute.
Here is the full reaction from FC Metz:
“It is with immense sadness that we learned this Wednesday of the passing of Carlo Molinari. For more than three decades as president of FC Metz, Carlo Molinari was the architect of one of the most remarkable periods in Grenat history. Two French Cups (1984 and 1988), two League Cups (1986 and 1996), a European saga that entered legend against FC Barcelona, and a runner-up spot in France in 1998: his tenure was marked by success and unforgettable emotions. Visionary and builder, he firmly established FC Metz in the landscape of French football and shaped part of the club’s identity. President Bernard Serin, the leaders, players, coaches, former members of the club, and all FC Metz employees extend their sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones. Thank you President Molinari, for your commitment, loyalty, humanity, and all that you brought to FC Metz. Your story will forever be linked to that of the Grenats.”
A former motocross champion turned football executive
Born on February 28, 1933, in Villerupt, Meurthe-et-Moselle, Carlo Molinari died at the age of 93. Before becoming one of the best-known executives in French football, he distinguished himself in motocross, notably winning three French championship titles in the 1950s.
He took the presidency of FC Metz in 1967, at only 34 years old. After a first term until 1978, he resumed his functions in 1983 before passing the presidency to Bernard Serin in 2009. He then remained attached to the club as vice-president and honorary president.
His name is also associated with the training of several generations of footballers. Robert Pirès, notably, made his professional debut at Metz before becoming world champion with the French national team in 1998. More recently, on October 6, the former international organized his testimonial match at the Saint-Symphorien stadium, reuniting with the Metz public who saw him start.
With the passing of Carlo Molinari, FC Metz loses an executive who dedicated 34 seasons to its presidency and accompanied some of the most beautiful chapters of its history.
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