On June 6, Dries Mertens will receive honorary citizenship of Naples, a recognition that Mayor Gaetano Manfredi will confer during a ceremony at Maschio Angioino. The decision, the result of a request from the City Council, celebrates the Belgian striker who has left an indelible mark on the hearts of the Azzurri fans.
Nine seasons and 148 goals, an absolute record for Napoli, in 397 games played: numbers that consecrate Mertens as the most prolific player in the history of the Neapolitan club. After his farewell in the summer of 2022 and the move to Galatasaray, the “Belgian Ciro” has never cut ties with the city, maintaining his residence in Palazzo Donn'Anna and making frequent returns to the place he considers home.
A strong bond, made of affection and mutual respect, which today finds a new form with honorary citizenship, an official recognition of a protagonist who has written memorable pages of Neapolitan football and who will continue to be part of its history.
Article published on May 29, 2025 - 19:14 pm
