A Unique Connection: Lorenzo Bigo, Greenland’s Superfan from Venice
In an apartment filled with the charm of Venice, one might expect to find jerseys from Juventus or AC Milan. Instead, tucked away in the closet is a vibrant assortment of Greenlandic football shirts—blue, white, yellow, and green. The man behind this intriguing collection is Lorenzo Bigo, a 29-year-old archaeologist with a profound yet distant passion for Greenland, a land he knows only through stories and screens. His affection for Greenlandic football stretches thousands of kilometers from Italy’s sun-soaked shores to the Arctic, marking him as one of the country’s most ardent supporters.
A Call from the North
In this city of architectural wonders, Lorenzo’s interests diverge from the expected. While many are captivated by Venice’s serene canals and historical churches, his heart beats for a different passion that unfolds far to the north.
“I have long been fascinated by both football and geography,” Lorenzo explains. “The unique role of football in northern and Arctic regions particularly drew me in, and gradually, I found myself enamored with Greenlandic football.”
Although he grew up cheering for the teams of Italy, it is the spirited games from Greenland that resonate with him most profoundly.
“Greenlandic football embodies something that has faded from the European leagues: a raw, genuine passion played in a spirit of joy and community. The skill level may not always be the highest, but the love for the game exhibited by Greenlandic players is utterly distinctive,” Lorenzo shares, his enthusiasm palpable.
Every year, he eagerly anticipates the Nunatsinni Pissartanngorniunneq (NP) tournament, where he immerses himself in the matches, buoyed by the lively commentary of Greenlandic broadcasters.
“I never miss a single game; watching them live is a highlight of my year,” he adds, a smile evident in his voice.
A Rare Collection
Today, Lorenzo boasts a remarkable collection of 24 official jerseys from various Greenlandic clubs, spanning from well-established teams to those representing remote settlements few outside Greenland may recognize.
“Each jersey carries its own story and holds significant meaning for me,” he says, an earnest conviction in his tone.
Within this diverse collection are notable jerseys from major clubs like Nagdlunguak-48 and his personal favorite, B-67, alongside rarities such as a shirt from FC Bluie—a club established in the small town of Narsarsuaq in 2011 that rarely makes headlines outside its local community. This rare piece uniquely reflects the extent of Lorenzo’s passion.
“I’m now on a mission to add jerseys from Siuteroq-43 in Nanortalik and QSC in Qaanaaq to my collection,” he reveals eagerly. Yet, among the colorful array, one jersey holds a particularly cherished spot in his heart.
“My favorite is B-67’s home jersey from 2020. It was the first in my collection, and the sleeve features the Italian phrase ‘andrà tutto bene’ (everything will be fine). That shirt symbolizes a bridge between my home in Italy and my love for Greenland,” Lorenzo explains, his pride evident.
A Digital Football Family
Lorenzo’s ties to Greenland extend beyond his jersey collection. Via social media, he has forged close connections with players and coaches, particularly from B-67 in Nuuk, creating what feels like a digital football family.
“They welcomed me into their circle, making me feel like I belonged even without having set foot in Greenland,” he reflects.
This October, Lorenzo is set to meet some of the B-67 players and coaches in person for the first time, as the club’s U11 team makes a brief stop in Jesolo on their way to the prestigious Verona Cup. Amidst his archaeological work, he looks forward to shared conversations and spontaneous exchanges of football gifts—a Greenland jersey for a cap from Venezia FC.
As fate would have it, he will reunite with coach Ole Louis Rasmussen one year later in Verona, engaging in discussions about culture, football, and friendships—culminating with Greenlandic victories on Italian soil.
“It was an unforgettable experience. Watching the young Greenlandic players bask in the glory of their gold medal on Italian grass filled me with pride,” Lorenzo recalls fondly.
The Dream of Greenland
Though Lorenzo has yet to step onto a football pitch in Greenland or experience the crisp Arctic air while the ball dances across the grass, he dreams of that day when he can unite with players and fans he feels he’s known forever.
“I long to visit Nuuk and experience it all firsthand. Until then, I carry with me the incredible moments shared with my Greenlandic friends. They’ve provided me with an extraordinary sense of belonging, even from thousands of kilometers away,” he shares, his hope flickering brightly.
Until that dream materializes, this dedicated superfan will continue to champion his Greenlandic heroes from his Venice apartment, surrounded by the vibrant colors of his beloved football shirts—a testament to a unique bond that transcends distance and borders.