Riccardo Calafiori
League: Premier League
Age: 24
Club: Arsenal FC
Country: Italy
Major Honours: 1 X Premier League (Arsenal FC) , 1 X UEFA Conference League (AS Roma)
Club History: AS Roma, Genoa (loan), FC Basel, Bologna, Arsenal FC
Position: Left back/ Centre back
“It was so tough. I was 16 and suddenly you start to think, ‘I can’t play football ever again.’”
This is what Riccardo Calafiori said in one of his interviews.
At the age of 16, Calafiori suffered a career-threatening knee injury while playing in a UEFA Youth League match for AS Roma’s youth team in October 2018. He ruptured all of the ligaments in one of his knees, damaging his ACL, PCL, meniscus, and joint capsule.
The injury was so severe that he feared he might never play football again and could even struggle to walk. Doctors compared the trauma to that of a serious car crash. However, after dedicating a year to rigorous rehabilitation, he made a full recovery and started to rebuild his career.
Calafiori with AS Roma legend Danielle De Rossi
During his injury Roma legend De Rossi (playing his final season at the club) took a special interest in helping Riccardo overcome his injury “He went from being my idol to being like an older brother to me.” Calafiori said. He recalled that De Rossi would pick him up, drive him to training at Trigoria, and take him home afterwards because he could see how difficult the situation was for the young defender.
Calafiori only made 3 appearances for Genoa in his 6 month loan
After a difficult year, Calafiori went on loan to Genoa for 6 months. It did not go as planned, his career did not progress as he struggled for playing time due to injuries. He only made 3 appearances as Genoa were relegated to Serie B.
Calafiori played under Jose Mourinho at AS Roma
Once regarded as one of the brightest young talents in Italian football, his recurring injury problems and unsuccessful loan move led Roma to sell him to Basel for €2.5 million. This was also due to AS Roma’s financial difficulties and Jose Mourinho trusting more in experienced players such as Spinazzola. at left back
Calafiori made 44 appearances for FC Basel helping them reach the UEFA Conference League Semi Finals
“there i found a community that I always lacked”
His move to Switzerland ultimately proved beneficial. Moving away from his family at a young age forced him to mature quickly and adapt to a new environment on his own. At Basel, he found his rhythm, grew in confidence, and played 23 consecutive matches. Near the end of the season Basel’s interim coach Heiko Vogel suggested that he was playing the wrong position and moved him from left back to centre-back.
“ Basel wasn’t really my choice. I was almost forced because it was the only team left” “from the first day I changed my mind. There I found a community that I always lacked and played 30 games in a season.”
“ I think you are playing in the wrong position.”
Heiko Vogel said to Calafiori
On 31 August 2023, Serie A side Bologna signed him for €4 million. Calafiori enjoyed a phenomenal breakthrough after joining Bologna, particularly during the 23/24 season. Thiago Motta continued using him as a centre-back, playing there transformed his game and helped establish him as one of the best defenders in Serie A.
He kept 17 clean sheets in 30 appearances while contributing two goals and five assists. Calafiori became the backbone of Bologna’s defence, the club conceded just 32 league goals that season and secured qualification for the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 1964.
By March 2024 Calafiori was recognised as one of Serie A’s best Centre backs and earned his first senior Italy call up. Referring to his journey up to this point he said:
“without those difficult moments, these things wouldn’t have happened.”
Calafiori was one of the breakout defenders of UEFA Euro 2024, starting all 3 group games and becoming the second youngest Italian defender ever to play at a European Championship behind only Paolo Maldini.
Against Croatia he displayed to the world exactly what he was capable of, a brilliant driving run from defence into attack setting up a 98th minute equaliser from Mattia Zaccagni that sent Italy to the knockout stage. This is what the Bologna fans had been seeing from him all season, his ability to push forward and create as well as defend. From North London Mikel Arteta was watching.
“Riccardo is a big personality and character”
- Mikel Arteta
Following an outstanding campaign and an impressive UEFA Euro 2024 Calafiori became the subject of intense transfer interest. Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Arsenal were all linked with the defender. Chelsea and Arsenal were particularly keen to secure his signature during the 2024 summer transfer window, but Calafiori was quickly convinced by Mikel Arteta’s project.
Before joining Arsenal, Calafiori consulted De Rossi, who encouraged the move and told him it was a major opportunity for his development as a player. He moved to Arsenal for a fee of €45 million. There was a brief period where AS Roma, FC Basel and Bologna had disputes because they all included sell on clauses in their transfers, showing that they all knew he had potential to make a big money move one day.
His first season proved challenging. Adapting to the pace, physicality, and intensity of English football was not easy. Despite an injury-plagued campaign, he still showed plenty of promise, scoring three goals and providing two assists in 29 appearances, while starting only 11 matches. He announced himself to the Premier League with an incredible long range goal against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
The 25/26 title-winning season was far more successful. Calafiori established himself as one of Mikel Arteta’s key players and became an integral part of Arsenal’s success. The highlight being a remarkable scorpion kick to clear the ball from a certain goal.
He often moves into central midfield from the left flank, helping the team progress the ball and build attacks. His versatility is one of his greatest strengths, as he can influence games in multiple positions and contribute effectively in both defence and attack. Perhaps his attacking prowess can be explained by his childhood as he played as a striker until his time at Roma.
He is also distinguished by his unique appearance and aura, which often make him the centre of attention. Ultimately, Calafiori is an example of resilience, determination, and the mentality required to overcome adversity. His journey demonstrates how a player can recover from the most difficult setbacks and still reach the highest level of the game.
After his 25/26 Title winning season at Arsenal, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho identified Calafiori as a major transfer target. With a fee of up to €80 million being reported in the press, which shows how far he has progressed since Jose sold him to Basel for €2.5 million 4 years ago.
“Winning the Premier League was one of my childhood dreams”
Written by Nini Giorgadze