Lazio has announced the immediate termination of its contract with Juan Bernabé, the Spanish falconer responsible for the club’s eagle mascot, Olimpia. This decision comes in the wake of a scandal involving Bernabé, who recently shared explicit images related to a medical procedure he underwent.
The controversy erupted after Bernabé, 56, posted graphic content on social media following his surgery for a penile prosthesis. The images and accompanying video quickly went viral, prompting significant backlash. In response to the “seriousness of his behaviour,” Lazio stated that it could no longer associate Bernabé with the historic symbol of the eagle that represents the club.
In an interview, Bernabé defended himself, stating, “The operation does not make me a porn star; I had a health issue. As for the president? He is not upset about the photos; he is a man too.” Despite his attempts to clarify the situation, Lazio reaffirmed its decision to sever ties with him after more than a decade of service.
Bernabé has had a long-standing career in training eagles, having previously worked with notable clubs such as Benfica and Ludogorets. He joined Lazio in 2011 and became known for his role in bringing Olimpia to life during matches at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico. His departure has left fans disappointed, as they will miss the traditional appearances of Olimpia at home games.
