Mario Ferri: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

mario ferri usa vs belgium

(Getty)

Mario Ferri, also known as “il Falco,” has been “terrorizing stadium security” for the last four years, and now he’s moved up to the big leagues. The soccer superfan and master of the pitch invasion stormed the field during the World Cup match between the USA and Belgium.

Here’s what you need to know:


1. His Shirt Said ‘#SaveFavelasChildren’

mario ferri

(Getty)

With protests shining a spotlight on poverty and debt in Brazil, it seemed like only a matter of time before the protest spilled onto the pitch. During the Belgium vs USA match, legendary pitch invader took to the field with a shirt containing the hashtag “Save Favelas Children.” Favelas are the Brazilian term for urban, often impoverished neighborhoods and communities.


2. He’s Done This Many Times

In 2010, Wired magazine reported that Ferri ran onto fields on three different continents for both “activism..and his own amusement”


3. He Always Wears a Superman Shirt

mario ferri

Mario Ferri runs onto the filed during a 2012 qualifying match in Italy. (Getty)

Whether he’s running for a cause or for fun, since 2010, Ferri has been running onto fields in Superman shirts with words around the symbol. Above you can see him running in a similar outfit during a 2012 qualifying match.


4. In 2010 He Was Put Under House Arrest

In 2010, Mario Ferri was placed on house arrest in Italy after making an incriminating Facebook post about his exploits.


5. Cameras Captured Jurgen Klinsmann Shaking His Head

Following his charge of the field, the USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann was caught on camera shaking his head in disappointment. Check out the Vine above.