Italian professional football player Riccardo Calafiori was born in Rome, Italy, on December 6, 2002. Calafiori is primarily recognized for his position as a left-back, but even at a young age, he made an impression on the field.
He plays as a defender for Arsenal in the Premier League and for the Italian national team. He is well-known for his defensive abilities.
Calafiori is one of Italy’s most promising young defenders because of his physicality, positioning, and marking skills. His trajectory from overcoming difficulties due to injuries to playing at elite clubs demonstrates his fortitude and skill on the field.
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Riccardo Calafiori Nurturing Talent in Football
Riccardo Calafiori started playing football at a young age.
Riccardo Calafiori began his football career with Petriana, a small local team, at the age of six. It was there that his passion for football was born, not only where he learned the game.
Young Calafiori spent many hours honing his skills and grasp of the game in the modest fields of Petriana, laying the foundation for what would turn out to be an incredible journey to become a professional football player. His early start gave him a solid foundation in the subjects and strengthened his will to succeed.
Calafiori’s skill attracted the attention of scouts from Roma after his formative years at Petriana, where he proceeded to further his education in one of the most esteemed youth academies in Italy.
He got the advanced training and exposure he needed to grow quickly after joining Roma, and he flourished in a setting that produced some of the best players in Italian football. This was a pivotal moment in his career development.
Riccardo Calafiori Parents
Although Riccardo Calafiori’s parents are Italian, not much is known about them specifically. Particularly his father has come to light for having encouraged Calafiori’s football career from an early age.
Although his parents’ personal and professional histories aren’t widely known, it’s obvious that they have supported him throughout his professional football career.
In response to a question about his greatest professional accomplishment to date, Riccardo said, “Being able to buy my parents a house.” Although we were renting, I was able to purchase a lovely home for Roma when I was a player for them. It is wonderful to watch children happy, secure, and at ease.”
Riccardo Calafiori Girlfriend
Riccardo and Bendetta are in a relationship.
Born on January 19, 1997, Benedetta Curatella turned 27 years old in July 2024. The influencer and her partner Riccardo Calafiori are five years apart in age.
Bendetta Curatella, an Italian influencer and model, is well-known for being the girlfriend of Bologna and Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori. Because her family is from Rome, Bendetta is one of the most attractive Wags in Serie A and has won accolades for her amazing body.
The model will be available with other Wags for Arsenal Emirate games and is scheduled to join Calafiori in London.
The relationship between Bendetta and Calafiori was revealed on May 20, 2024, the day she cut him off during a live TV interview.
After showing up in a live coverage of an Italian Serie A game, Calafiori’s girlfriend quickly gained notoriety. Bendetta shocked everyone by attending Giorgia Rossi’s live DAZN interview.
After interrupting the interview and being at Calafiori’s side the entire time, she made their connection public by giving him a kiss live on camera. The loving gesture instantly went viral and attracted a lot of media and fan attention.
Riccardo Calafiori Club Career
Riccardo Calafiori is an Italian Player.
Calafiori spent 12 years growing up at Roma’s youth academy before starting his professional career. On August 1, 2020, he made his Serie A debut for Roma on the road against Juventus, winning 3-1. He scored a goal from a distance in that game and was awarded a penalty as well. However, the goal was called back. He scored his first goal as a professional in the UEFA Europa League the next season.
Calafiori made a loan move to Genoa in January 2022. He signed a three-year contract to relocate permanently to Basel in August 2022. In October 2022, he made his Basel debut in the domestic league.
Calafiori signed a contract with Bologna to return to Serie A on August 31, 2023. He moved to center back under head coach Thiago Motta, and he became one of the league’s top performers.
In May 2024, he helped Bologna qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 1964–65 by scoring his first goals in Serie A.
Calafiori signed a long-term deal with Premier League team Arsenal on July 29, 2024.
Riccardo Calafiori International Career
Riccardo has been an impressive player
Calafiori is an Italian U21 representative. He was able to obtain experience and a reputation on the global scene thanks to his performances there.
Calafiori made his senior international debut in 2024 on June 4th against Turkey. He has represented Italy at all age levels, from Under-15s to Under-21s. He participated in all three Euro 2024 games, and his suspension-related absence was a significant factor in Italy’s elimination against Switzerland in the Round of 16.
Riccardo Calafiori Transfer
Riccardo Calafiori has signed with Arsenal.
It was a big deal when Riccardo Calafiori moved to Arsenal.
Arsenal finalized the £33.7 million ( €40million) plus £4.2 million add-ons while signing Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori. The 22-year-old Italian defender is capable of playing left or center back. Calafiori committed to the Gunners through 2029 after signing a five-year contract.
Calafiori was set on joining Arsenal, even though other teams, like Juventus and Real Madrid, showed interest in him. The management of the club was impressed by his eagerness to be involved in the Gunners initiative.
Calafiori stated that he is excited to assist the squad and is ready to contribute wherever it is needed. He also emphasized that he can play a variety of roles. Combined with the likes of William Saliba, Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, and other stars, Arsenal’s current team is destined to push for silverware really soon.
Riccardo Calafiori Injury
Riccardo has been injured at times.
Calafiori’s injury worries are related to the terrible loss he had in October 2018 when representing AS Roma against Viktoria Plzen in a UEFA Youth League match.
His knee injury was considered “career-threatening” because to its severity. In the closing moments of the competition, Vaclav Svoboda of Plzen delivered a brutal, over-the-top challenge that knocked Calafiori to the ground. The adolescent had ripped both his meniscus and all of the ligaments in his left knee when his knee gave way.
Regarding the injury that Calafiori got in November 2021, there is still some uncertainty. The FIGC reports that the defender missed Italy U21 duty that month due to a “knock,” although transfermarkt.com claims Calafiori was experiencing muscle problems once more. Despite missing 13 games, his absence lasted only 25 days.
At the beginning of his year-long stint at Basel, over two years ago, Calafiori sustained his most significant injury to date. In November of 2022, he experienced another muscular problem.
Riccardo Calafiori Playing Style
Riccardo plays as a versatile defender.
Riccardo Calafiori is a versatile left-footed defender with a solid reputation.
Calafiori is a lockdown defender who dominates aerial and ground duels to control the left flank. He is able to effectively secure that side because of his large stature and long legs.
At Bologna, he switched from being a left-back to a center-back. His ability to initiate assaults from a distance and carry the ball has proven crucial. Because of this, he is an asset to teams that control the ball and have few defensive blocks.
In addition, he is renowned for his aggressive approach and ability to anticipate opponents’ moves. He is capable of playing in the back four or back three formations. Remarkably nimble for his size, he can move quickly forward and make cutting runs when he plays full-back.
Riccardo Calafiori Salary and Net Worth
As a D LC for Bologna, Riccardo Calafiori used to make £16,000 a week, or £832,000 annually. There is £2,711,800 in Riccardo Calafiori’s net worth.
This number is expected to increase as his career progresses. He might make a significant move to a premier European club.
The sources of Riccardo Calafiori’s wealth are his AS Roma salary, sponsorship agreements, and possible future moves. Growing wealth for Calafiori is a reflection of his achievement in the field. marketability as well.
His contract with AS Roma is his main source of revenue. His pay as a professional football player is augmented by appearance and performance bonuses.
Additionally, Calafiori is an endorser for a number of sports companies. Increasing his income. Companies such as Nike and Adidas have expressed interest in collaborating with him, capitalizing on his increasing recognition, which has also increased Riccardo Calafiori’s net worth.
Finally, he receives incentives and bonuses for his on-field success. These bonuses are frequently linked to group accomplishments. like earning awards at home or making it to the European finals.
