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Basel fan lost in Milan: 11 years of homelessness after Champions League match

22. November 2024
Rolf Bantl (foto: //)
Swiss football fan Rolf Bantl got lost during a 2004 Champions League match in Milan and lived as a homeless man for 11 years before returning to Basel.

Football often delivers fascinating stories, but few are as extraordinary as the tale of Rolf Bantl, a Basel fan who went to support his team during a 2004 Champions League match against Inter Milan and ended up living as a homeless man in Italy for over a decade.

A Simple Trip Gone Awry

Bantl traveled to Milan with friends to cheer on his club, Basel. However, during the match, he got separated from his group when he went to use the restroom. Unable to reunite with them and without a mobile phone, Bantl found himself lost in the stadium and eventually on the streets of Milan.

"I started to enjoy the freedom. It all began when I found myself in the wrong part of the stadium. I had about €20 on me and no phone. After leaving the stadium, I decided to wander through Milan. People started giving me food, cigarettes, and one student even gave me a sleeping bag," Bantl later recounted.

Life on the Streets

Bantl adapted to life on the streets, finding a sense of freedom in his new existence. Despite initial efforts to locate him, the search was abandoned as he had no close family in Switzerland. For years, Bantl lived as a homeless man, relying on the kindness of strangers for basic necessities.

An Unexpected Return

In 2015, Bantl suffered a leg injury and sought medical help. During the process, authorities discovered he was uninsured and identified him as a Swiss citizen. This led to his return to Basel after 11 years of living as a homeless man in Milan.

The story of Rolf Bantl is a unique blend of misfortune and resilience, showcasing how a single moment can lead to an unimaginable twist in life.

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