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Marco Belinelli Reflects on Championship Legacy, Retirement, and the Future of Italian Basketball
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A celebrated career, a historic championship, and a deep connection to home – these themes resonated as former NBA and Virtus Bologna star Marco Belinelli discussed his recent retirement and future aspirations in the latest episode of the “il Resto di Bologna” vodcast on November 22, 2025.Belinelli, the first and only Italian to win an NBA title, opened up about his decision to step away from the game following Virtus Bologna’s scudetto victory on june 17th.
The Decision to retire
The decision to retire wasn’t a sudden one, but rather a culmination of physical challenges and a shifting focus on family.”I have made this decision the day after winning the scudetto,” belinelli explained.”I talked about it with the family: the tricolor was the icing on the cake.” He acknowledged the increasing physical toll the game was taking, noting morning pains and a waning enthusiasm for training. Crucially,he emphasized his desire to spend more time with his family. “I want to be there for my children,to see them grow up.The travel, the practices… it was becoming too much.”
A Return to San Giovanni in Persiceto?
Belinelli’s connection to his hometown of San Giovanni in Persiceto remains strong despite 13 years spent in the United States. “I lived 13 years in United States. But the umbilical cord with San Giovanni in persiceto it remained. There are mum and dad, my brothers, my friends. When I take the Persicetana and, in the distance, I see the bell tower of Sangio I feel at home.” He briefly served as director for a day at Resto del carlino on November 17, 2025, further cementing his ties to the local community.
From Serie A to NBA Champion
Belinelli detailed his methodical approach to building his basketball career, setting incremental goals along the way. He began with the ambition of playing in Serie A, then pursued a scudetto, followed by Euroleague aspirations. Ultimately, his journey led him to the NBA, where he proved his ability to compete at the highest level and reach the playoffs. The final piece of the puzzle was an NBA championship, achieved with the San Antonio Spurs. “I chose to go to
