The Firenze Red Lions is an American football team based in Florence, Italy. The Red Lions compete in the American Football League Europe (AFLE).
History On 26 February 2026, the American Football League Europe (AFLE) officially unveiled the Firenze Red Lions as its Italian franchise ahead of the league's inaugural season. The announcement marked Florence's entry into the new European professional American football landscape, with the team revealing its name, logo, and identity through a launch campaign that emphasized the city's historical heritage and symbolic connection to the lion as a representation of strength and pride.
In the following months, the franchise began building its organizational structure, assembling a coaching staff and roster composed of both Italian and international players as it prepared for its first competitive season. Veteran coach Bill Shuey was appointed as head coach, bringing extensive experience from the NFL and establishing the foundations of the team's sporting philosophy centered on discipline, structure, and long-term development.
The Firenze Red Lions played their first official game on 30 May 2026, marking the beginning of their competitive history in the AFLE. In their debut, they scored their first touchdown in franchise history through quarterback Matthew McKay, but ultimately fell 30–8 against the Paris Lights. The Red Lions would finish their inaugural season with a winless 0-12 record.
Season-by-season Season Head coach Regular season Postseason Result Ø Attendance GP Won Lost Win % Finish GP Won Lost Win %2026Bill Shuey12012.0004th DNQ Total — 12 0 12 .000 — 0 0 0 .000 —
Stadium The team announced the Guelfi Sports Center in Florence as their home stadium for the 2026 season, establishing a dedicated base for American football in the city and confirming their long-term operational setup within the league structure.
On 11 June 2026, the Red Lions announced that it would be playing the final five games of its inaugural season at Stadio Gino Bozzi.
Honors
Players HonorPlayer NameSeasonAFLE Special Teams Player of the Year Brandon Belgrave2026
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