Guerin Sportivo: The World's Oldest Sports Magazine
In the landscape of global sports journalism, few publications carry as much prestige and history as Guerin Sportivo. Founded in 1912 in Turin, Italy, it holds the distinction of being the oldest sports magazine in the world. Over its 114-year history, it has evolved from a niche newspaper into a monthly magazine that serves as a definitive record of athletic achievement, particularly within the realm of football.
The publication is currently published by Conti Editore, a company owned by the groups behind the prominent daily sports newspapers Corriere dello Sport – Stadio and Tuttosport, both of which are owned by Roberto Amodei.
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Key Facts
- Founded: 1912 in Turin, Italy.
- Status: The oldest sports magazine globally.
- Format: Monthly magazine (formerly a newspaper).
- Publisher: Conti Editore.
- Focus: Primarily football (soccer), with a historical inclusion of other sports.
- Language: Italian.
History and Evolution
Origins and the "Verdolino" Era
The magazine's identity is deeply rooted in literature and art. Its title and logo—which features a medieval knight throwing a javelin—are inspired by the 1410 chivalric romance Il Guerrin Meschino ("The Wretched Guerrin") by Andrea di Barberino.
In its early years, the publication was printed on green paper, earning it the popular nickname verdolino. It was also known for its satirical panels. The artist Carlin created animal symbols for various Italian teams—such as a zebra for Juventus, a female wolf for Roma, and a devil for Milan—which served as the inspiration for many of the team symbols used in Italy today.
Transition to Modern Format
During the mid-1970s, Guerin Sportivo transitioned from a newspaper format to a magazine. This shift allowed for a greater emphasis on photography and visual storytelling. While the publication initially covered a variety of sports, its focus shifted increasingly toward football; by the 1990s, nearly all of its content was dedicated to the sport.
The magazine has been a home to some of Italy's most distinguished journalists, including Gianni Brera, Indro Montanelli, Giorgio Tosatti, Darwin Pastorin, Carlo Nesti, Mario Sconcerti, Stefano Disegni, and Rino Tommasi.
Prestigious Awards and Rankings
Guerin Sportivo is renowned for establishing several high-profile awards that recognized excellence in football between the 1970s and the early 21st century.
The Guerin d'Oro and Bravo Award
From 1976 to 2015, the Guerin d'Oro was awarded to the best player in Serie A. Similarly, the Bravo Award (1975–2015) recognized the most outstanding young European footballer.
World Player of the Year (1979–1986)
Between 1979 and 1986, the magazine conducted a global vote involving reporters, writers, and readers to name the best player in the world. A notable event occurred in 1987 when a specific vote was held between Diego Maradona and Ruud Gullit, with Maradona winning by a narrow margin.
Below is a summary of the magazine's core identity and circulation data.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| ISSN | 1122-1712 |
| Frequency | Monthly |
| Country of Origin | Italy |
| Circulation (2007) | 45,067 copies |
| Official Website | guerinsportivo.it |
Historical Rankings and All-Star Teams
The 50 Greats of the Century
At the close of 1999, the magazine published a definitive list titled I grandi del secolo, authored by Adalberto Bortolotti. This list ranked the 50 greatest players of the 20th century, with Pelé taking the top spot, followed by Diego Maradona and Alfredo Di Stefano.
Manager and Team of the Year
In 1983, 1984, and 1986, the magazine also recognized the best managers and teams. Notable winners included manager Carlos Bilardo (1986) and the Argentina national team (1986). Club honors were awarded to teams such as Aberdeen (1983), Liverpool (1984), and Dynamo Kyiv (1986).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the name Guerin Sportivo?
The name and logo are inspired by the character in the 1410 chivalric romance Il Guerrin Meschino, written by Andrea di Barberino.
Why was the magazine nicknamed "verdolino"?
It earned this nickname because it was originally printed on green paper.
Who are some of the most famous journalists associated with the magazine?
The magazine has employed legendary writers such as Gianni Brera, Indro Montanelli, and Giorgio Tosatti.
What was the Guerin d'Oro?
The Guerin d'Oro was an annual award presented from 1976 to 2015 to the best football player in Italy's Serie A.
Which player topped the "50 Greats of the Century" list?
Pelé was ranked as the number one player of the 20th century in the list compiled by Adalberto Bortolotti in 1999.