Net Media Head of Sport, Christian Micallef, pays tribute to former Malta player Louis Pace, who passed away earlier this week
When the news broke on Monday that former Malta international Louis Pace had passed away, not every football enthusiast might have known him personally. Not because Pace wasn’t among the finest players of his era, but because he always preferred to keep a low profile.
Despite avoiding the limelight, Pace was deeply respected by his teammates. As captain of Valletta in the 1970s, he was one of the squad’s natural leaders during a decade largely dominated by Floriana and Sliema Wanderers, though Valletta still managed to share in some of the major honours.
Pace won the Maltese League in the 1973–74 season and, early in his career, lifted the Cassar Cup twice with Valletta. Ironically, his son Beppe became known to many before Louis himself did. Like his father, Beppe also played for Valletta and went on to win major honours with the club.
Louis Pace was the embodiment of humility; a man who earned respect through his genuine character and quiet strength. He was well known among his former teammates and through his children, particularly Beppe and Katya. Katya, one of Malta’s top swimmers in the early 1990s, made history as the first Maltese swimmer to win a medal at the Small Nations Games.
Many remember Louis not only for his footballing achievements but also for his warmth and intellect. Conversations with him, often over lunch or dinner at his popular restaurant in San Ġiljan, revealed a man of deep knowledge and thoughtful insight. Though timid and media-shy, once he felt comfortable, he would share fascinating stories and personal anecdotes from his playing days.
Ironically, while Louis was always friendly and open in private, he consistently declined invitations for interviews. Despite numerous attempts to persuade him, he preferred to stay away from cameras and publicity. It remains a lasting regret that one of Malta’s finest central defenders of the 1970s never gave a full in-depth interview reflecting on his career.
Pace made his debut for Valletta at just 17 and remained loyal to the club throughout his career. His leadership and dedication continue to serve as an example for younger generations of players.
In a rare interview given in September 2020 to Valletta FC’s official online portal, Louis reflected on his career highlights. Coming from a family in the catering business, he fondly recalled Valletta’s match against Inter at the Empire Stadium in September 1972 as his most memorable game. As captain, he led the Citizens in front of a packed Gżira Stadium, where Valletta narrowly lost 1–0 to the Italian giants.
Yet, for Louis, the pinnacle of his career was winning the league championship in 1973–74, especially after two difficult seasons battling relegation. He also remembered one of his lowest moments — a 3–0 defeat to Floriana that marked the beginning of the end of his playing days.
“I can clearly remember going back to the club, driven by ‘il-Go Way’ in his Volkswagen van, when supporters next to the Embassy Complex literally lifted the van with all of us still inside! That was the moment when I realized that for my dad’s sake, I had to stop playing,” he recalled in that interview.
Louis Pace retired from football at the age of 27, with his final match played against HJK Helsinki in Finland. His legacy, however, endures — not only as one of Valletta’s great captains but as a humble, respected figure who left an indelible mark on Maltese football.
“We had lost 4-1, and I remember that to go and play that match I had to pay 75 Maltese lira out of my own pocket as the club was in a dire financial position!”
Louis made five appearances with the national team and his debut was a baptism of fire, as he had played in Wembley Stadium, in May 1971 against England. Malta had lost that match 5-0.
The memories of Louis are never-ending but although he had a short career as a football player, he still had a successful lifetime in Maltese football.
Undoubtedly, if Louis didn’t retire at an early age, I’m sure he would have achieved much more in his career, but his football journey, was similar to other Maltese outstanding football players, who were gifted but sadly he gave up from his playing career too soon.
Louis will be laid to rest on Friday, with a funeral mass, which will be held at the church of Saint Paul’s Shipwreck in Valletta at 9am.
