The Iconic No. 9 at House of Nine Welcome, Gabriel Omar Batistuta

It’s not every day that a true icon graces the atmosphere of Daisy’s Restaurant. And when that icon wears the number 9 — the very number that defines our identity at House of Nine — the encounter becomes unforgettable.

Gabriel Omar Batistuta, affectionately known as Batigol and El Ángel Gabriel, is far more than a footballer. He is a symbol — of loyalty, power, and poetic precision. Universally regarded as one of the greatest strikers in the history of the game, Batistuta carved his legend not only with goals, but with unshakable character and grace.

In Florence, he is still revered as a hero. From 1991 to 2000, Batistuta wore the Fiorentina jersey with pride, scoring 207 goals in 333 appearances, many of which have become part of football folklore. His thunderous volley against Manchester United in the Champions League. The unforgettable long-range strike versus Arsenal at Wembley. And who could forget his breathtaking hat-trick against Milan — moments that electrified the city and bonded him to Florence forever.

Even when Fiorentina was relegated to Serie B in 1993, Batistuta stayed — a rare and profound act of loyalty in modern sport. His return to Serie A was marked with fury and fire, becoming Capocannoniere in the 1994–95 season with 26 goals, including a run of scoring in 11 consecutive matches — a Serie A record at the time.

At House of Nine, where every detail reflects a sense of timeless identity and curated elegance, hosting the man who made the No. 9 iconic feels almost poetic. Batistuta’s presence resonated deeply, and we are honored that he signed his original Argentina World Cup jersey, now part of our private collection — a symbol of greatness, history, and connection.

Thank you, Gabriel, for bringing your legend into our world. Once a No. 9, always a No. 9.