Mabel Bocchi, icon of Italian basketball, dies. She was 72 years old and is considered by many to be the greatest Italian basketball player of all time. Federbasket sources made this known. He was European club champion with GEAS of Sesto San Giovanni, the first women’s continental title by an Italian team of any sporting discipline. With Italy he played three editions of the European Championship, obtaining third place in the Italian edition of 1974, and one of the world championship, in 1975 in Colombia.
The basketball champion had been living in the Cosentino area for years – in San Nicola Arcella – to be closer to her sister and had fallen in love with this wonderful town overlooking the Cosentino Tyrrhenian Sea.
The condolences of the municipal administration of San Nicola Arcella
Mabel Bocchi passed away this morning, aged 72. This is deeply saddening news: not only is an immense champion passing away, but a woman who was able to inspire generations with her example.
Mabel passed away in her home in San Nicola Arcella, after months of a difficult and courageous battle. Tomorrow, December 5, 2025 at 12:00, we will meet in the church of San Nicola da Tolentino to say our final goodbyes.
Those who loved sport, and basketball in particular, feel a huge void today. Mabel Bocchi was much more than an athlete: she was a pioneer, a force of nature, a woman capable of changing the destiny of women’s basketball when no one really believed in this movement. With his extraordinary talent he opened paths, ignited dreams, and made possible what seemed impossible at the time.
It will forever remain a reference, an example of strength, elegance and determination. Today we remember it like this: big, bright, unforgettable.