The story of the Winners Cup 2026
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— 58 minutes agoSmiles and hugs, emotion, moments of joy and togetherness. On 9 and 10 October 2026, Milan hosted the Winners Cup 2026, an event organised by FC Internazionale Milano in partnership with CSI Milano, FIAGOP, AIEOP and Networks of Expertise (NoEs) on Cancer, with the support of Fondazione Bianca Garavaglia and the Lombardy Region.
The seventh edition of the tournament came to a close with Real Camalli lifting the trophy, a team made up of young people from Genova. The team defeated Seleccion Bar Spagna in the final. But the greatest victory at the “Sandro Pertini” Sports Centre in Cornaredo belonged to the more than 200 young participants, current and former cancer patients from Italy and across Europe, who took to the pitch with enthusiasm and determination, eager to have fun and win. Once again, the tournament proved to be an anthem to joy and life, showing how football can bring people together and inspire reflection and hope.
As tradition dictates, the Winners Cup got underway on the eve of the tournament, Friday 9 October, with a special welcome event for all the teams. Bringing the Nerazzurri welcome was Inter Vice-President Javier Zanetti, who met the young players, doctors and accompanying staff, offering words of encouragement and a warm embrace on behalf of the entire Inter family.
And there was more: Carlos Augusto and Michela Cambiaghi, a forward for Inter Women, also sent the young participants a video message to offer their encouragement:
“I’m honoured to be here this evening to open the seventh edition of the Winners Cup - Zanetti said, addressing the young participants in the room. As a company and as a club, we care deeply about inclusion. You are all winners, and I sincerely hope you always have fun.”
Javier Zanetti - Vice President FC Internazionale Milano
“Your strength and energy are an example to us all. On behalf of the entire team, I want to wish you the very best of luck on this incredible Winners Cup adventure. Enjoy every moment!”
Carlos Augusto
“Today, you are the stars: play with your heart, support one another and be proud of yourselves. We’re all cheering you on, so come on, everyone — have a great Winners Cup!”
Michela Cambiaghi
On Saturday 10 October, Nerazzurri Legends Francesco Toldo and Danilo D’Ambrosio were there to watch the tournament, meeting the participants and sharing moments of great excitement and togetherness. Sixteen teams competed for the trophy in a seven-a-side football tournament, featuring boys and girls aged between 15 and 21 who were undergoing cancer treatment or follow-up care, and representing leading centres across Italy and Europe. But the Winners Cup is much more than a sporting event. Now in its seventh edition, it is unique on the international stage, bringing together grassroots sport, elite professional football and clinical excellence to transform the pitch into a place of humanity, togetherness, renewed confidence and advocacy for patients’ rights. It is a project that continues to grow year after year, delivering a powerful message: the greatest victory is life itself, and it is always a team effort.