Early Life: Riccardo Calafiori was born on May 19, 2002, in Rome, Italy. From a young age, he displayed an affinity for football, often playing with his younger sister, Rebecca, in the absence of other boys in his household. His parents, Alberto and Barbara Calafiori, supported his passion, growing up in the Aurelio neighborhood near AS Roma’s Stadio Olimpico.
Youth Career: Calafiori’s football journey began with AS Roma, where he was scouted at just six years old due to his exceptional abilities and physique. Known by the nickname “Ruspa” (The Bulldozer), which his father gave him for his aggressive playing style, Calafiori progressed through Roma’s youth ranks, signing his first professional contract in 2018. His talent was recognized early on; The Guardian tipped him as one of the best footballers born after 2002 in 2019, and UEFA listed him among the 50 most promising youngsters in 2021.
Early Career Setback: In October 2018, a severe injury during a UEFA Youth League match against Viktoria Plzen nearly derailed his career. He tore every ligament in his left knee, his meniscus, and the articular capsule, an injury rare and devastating enough to end many careers. However, with resilience and determination, Calafiori made a remarkable recovery.
Professional Debut: Calafiori’s professional and Serie A debut came on August 1, 2020, in a match against Juventus, where he notably won a penalty and scored a goal that was later disallowed. His first professional goal came in a UEFA Europa League match against Young Boys in December 2020.
Loan Moves: His opportunities at Roma were limited, leading to a loan spell at Genoa in January 2022. He then joined FC Basel permanently in August 2022, where he played 44 games across all competitions, including a significant contribution to their semi-final run in the UEFA Conference League.
Return to Italy – Bologna: In August 2023, Calafiori returned to Serie A with Bologna. Under coach Thiago Motta, he transitioned to a centre-back role, where he excelled, becoming one of the league’s top defenders. He scored his first Serie A goals in a match against Juventus in May 2024 and helped Bologna qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in decades.
Move to Arsenal: July 2024 marked a pivotal moment in Calafiori’s career when he transferred to Arsenal for £42 million. His debut came against Aston Villa on August 24, 2024, and he scored his first goal for Arsenal in a 2-2 draw against Manchester City on September 22, 2024, which was voted as Arsenal’s goal of the month for September.
International Career: Calafiori has represented Italy from the U15 level upwards, making his senior debut in June 2024. He played in all three group matches at UEFA Euro 2024, where he recorded an assist but also scored an own goal against Spain. Italy was knocked out in the round of 16 by Switzerland.
Personal Life and Public Presence: Calafiori has been in a relationship with Italian influencer Benedetta Curatella. His personal life, alongside his football career, has garnered attention, showcasing his journey from a local talent in Rome to an international star. His resilience, versatility, and technical abilities have drawn comparisons to football legends like Paolo Maldini and Sergio Ramos.
Current Status: As of January 2025, Riccardo Calafiori is a pivotal part of Arsenal’s defense in the Premier League. His journey from overcoming a potentially career-ending injury to becoming a key player at both club and international levels is a testament to his dedication, adaptability, and love for the game. His career continues to evolve, with fans and analysts watching closely to see how far this young Italian defender can go.
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Early Life: Riccardo Calafiori was born on May 19, 2002, in Rome, Italy. From a young age, he displayed an affinity for football, often playing with his younger sister, Rebecca, in the absence of other boys in his household. His parents, Alberto and Barbara Calafiori, supported his passion, growing up in the Aurelio neighborhood near… Read more: Riccardo Calafiori: A Biography