Riccardo Calafiori is one of the most promising young footballers in Europe with his versatility, technical skills and confidence with the ball. The young Italian defender caused a sensation in Italy, playing in Serie A, and in the summer of 2024, he transferred to Arsenal, becoming one of the most discussed young defenders.
Early Life
Riccardo Calafiori was born on May 19, 2002, in Rome Italy. Being brought up in the world of football in the rich Roman capital, he began his footballing career by joining the youth club of AS Roma at an early age where he became an important talent. A severe knee injury in his adolescence aside, however, Calafiori has in an amazing turn of events made it to professional football.
Club Career
AS Roma: Roma Calafiori debuted with Roma in 2020. He wowed everyone with his predation and capacity to play as a centre-back and left-back. Little playing time made him transfer in search of more games.
Basel: The transfer to Switzerland with Basel again seemed to lift off his development, his ball progression and defensive maturity drastically improved.
Bologna: His move to Italy (back to Bologna under Thiago Motta) proved to be a breakthrough. Calafiori excelled in a back three system and demonstrated maturity, physical and tactical sense despite his young age which brought him a call-up to the Italy national team and interest in top clubs.
Arsenal FC : Calafiori joined Arsenal in the summer of 2024 after a PSG bid less than two months before the team had agreed on a transfer fee of 42 million. He has signed a 5-year contract with Gunners and his salary is 6.2 million per year. His joining will solve the long term problem of the defensive line in the club with his dynamism and technicality, which is key to the use of Mikel Arteta style.
Player Profile & Stats
- Position: Centre-back / Left-back
- Height: 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
- Preferred Foot: Left
- Key Attributes: Ball progression, tackling, aerial duels, positional awareness
Net Worth
