Riccardo Calafiori is a 22-year-old Italian defender who joined Arsenal on 29 July 2024, for an estimated £42 million transfer fee. The versatile player, capable of playing as a centre-back or left-back, signed a five-year contract with the club.
Standing at 1.88 m, Calafiori wears squad number 33 for Arsenal. His impressive performances during Euro 2024, including a high pass completion rate and strong aerial presence, contributed to his transfer.
His playing style and potential make him an intriguing addition to Arsenal’s defensive lineup.
What is Riccardo Calafiori’s Age?
Riccardo Calafiori is 22 years old. The Arsenal defender was born on 19 May 2022.
This young age belies his impressive performance at Euro 2024, where he completed 99 out of 106 attempted passes, integrated well with seasoned Italian players, and demonstrated strong defensive skills.
As the Italian phenomenon begins his journey with the Gunners, his maturity and focus on the pitch are expected to contribute notably to Arsenal’s defensive prowess.
Where was Riccardo Calafiori Born?
Riccardo Calafiori was born in Rome, Italy. Born and raised in Rome, Calafiori commenced a journey to become one of Italy’s most promising defenders.
His early years were marked by a strong connection to his hometown club, AS Roma. He joined Roma’s academy at the age of nine, swiftly impressing coaches with his exceptional potential. Calafiori eventually made his professional debut for Roma before moving to Bologna and eventually securing a transfer to Arsenal.
His remarkable rise in the football world is partly attributed to his roots in the Eternal City, where he honed his skills and developed a strong sense of determination. This foundation in Rome considerably contributed to his rapid growth as a footballer and helped him secure the prestigious summer transfer to the Premier League.
As he begins a new chapter at Arsenal, Calafiori is poised to make a significant impact on the defensive lineup under Mikel Arteta’s guidance.
What is Riccardo Calafiori’s Arsenal Chant?
Riccardo Calafiori’s Arsenal chant goes to the tune of Dean Martin’s 1953 hit song “That’s Amore”. The lyrics are:
“When he plays at the back, he will stop your attack. Calafiori.
(Repeat) Calafiori.
He chose red over blue, plays for Mik and Edu. Calafiori.”
This chant was created by Arsenal fans even before Calafiori’s transfer to the club was officially completed. It has gained popularity among supporters, with many praising it as “ELITE” and a “BANGER”. The chant cleverly incorporates Calafiori’s name into the melody of “That’s Amore”, making it catchy and easy for fans to sing.
It’s worth noting that while this chant has been enthusiastically received by many fans online, Calafiori himself has responded to it with cautious appreciation. In a quote attributed to him, he said: “I heard! It’s pretty good, but first I want to play, then I want to hear the chant.” This suggests that while he’s aware of the chant, he’s focusing on earning his place in the team before fully embracing it.
The creation of this chant before Calafiori has even played for Arsenal demonstrates the excitement among fans about his potential signing and their creativity in welcoming new players to the club.
What is Riccardo Calafiori’s Salary at Arsenal?
Riccardo Calafiori’s salary at Arsenal is reported to be €4 million per year, which equates to approximately £65,000 per week. This represents a significant increase from his previous earnings at Bologna, where he was making around £16,000 per week (£832,000 per year).
The substantial pay raise demonstrates Arsenal’s commitment to securing Calafiori’s services and their belief in his potential. By quadrupling his salary, Arsenal is not only attracting top talent but also positioning themselves competitively in the transfer market against other major European clubs.
This new salary puts Calafiori in a mid-range bracket among Arsenal players. While it’s a considerable increase from his Bologna wages, it’s still below some of the higher earners at the club. For context, his reported £65,000 per week is higher than Jakub Kiwior’s £58,000 per week but lower than players like Jurrien Timber and Leandro Trossard, who both earn around £90,000 per week.
How Much is Riccardo Calafiori’s Worth in the Transfer Market?
Riccardo Calafiori’s worth in the transfer market is approximately £42.5 million, as demonstrated by Arsenal’s investment in the 22-year-old defender.
Having risen through the ranks of AS Roma and Bologna, Calafiori holds significant value in the transfer market. His impressive performances at Euro 2024 have further solidified his market worth.
Calafiori’s ability to adapt to various positions and consistently deliver high-quality performances has increased his value. Arsenal’s transfer fee reflects the club’s confidence in his potential to bolster their backline, further enhancing their defensive capabilities.
Additionally, Calafiori’s continued growth and rising profile underscore his market value. His deal includes a sell-on clause for Basel, indicating that the club anticipates further appreciation in his worth.
As a result, the £42.5 million fee evidences the significant transfer market value Riccardo Calafiori commands.
What is Riccardo Calafiori’s Arsenal Squad Number?
Riccardo Calafiori, the highly touted signing from Bologna, has arrived at Arsenal, bolstering the team’s defensive capabilities.
Following a thorough negotiation process, the 22-year-old defender has been assigned the No. 33 shirt, a number he previously wore at both Bologna and Basel.
Calafiori’s Arsenal of skills—his ability to play left-centre-back and left-back—marks him as an essential asset for Mikel Arteta’s team.
What Position Does Riccardo Calafiori Play at Arsenal?
Riccardo Calafiori can operate effectively in multiple roles, including both centre-back and left-back positions at Arsenal. In this role, he is responsible for defensive duties on the left side of the backline while also contributing to the team’s attacking play by providing width and support on the left flank.
As a modern left-back, Calafiori’s position demands a combination of defensive solidity and offensive capability. He is expected to mark opposing wingers, make timely tackles, and provide cover for his center-backs.
Simultaneously, he needs to push forward to support attacks, deliver crosses, and occasionally overlap with the left winger to create attacking opportunities. This versatile role allows Calafiori to showcase both his defensive skills and his ability to contribute to Arsenal’s offensive play, making him a valuable asset in the team’s tactical setup.
How Does Calafiori’s Versatility Compare to Zinchenko’s?
Riccardo Calafiori’s versatility appears to be comparable to Oleksandr Zinchenko‘s, though with some key differences in their primary positions and tactical roles. Both players demonstrate significant positional flexibility that makes them valuable assets to their teams.
Zinchenko, originally an attacking midfielder, has primarily featured as a left-back for Arsenal and previously Manchester City. He’s known for his ability to invert into midfield positions, providing additional passing options and helping to control possession. Zinchenko’s heat map shows he often takes up positions well away from the touchline, closer to central midfield areas.
Calafiori, on the other hand, began his career as a left-back but has transitioned to playing primarily as a left centre-back. He’s capable of playing in a back three or four, and like Zinchenko, can step into midfield to progress the ball. Calafiori’s versatility extends to potentially playing as a defensive midfielder or even in more advanced positions.
Both players offer their managers tactical flexibility, allowing for formation changes mid-game without requiring substitutions. However, Calafiori’s greater comfort in central defensive roles potentially gives him a slight edge in versatility, as he can cover more positions across the backline and into midfield.
How Will Calafiori and Timber Transform Arsenal’s Defensive Versatility?
The additions of Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber will significantly enhance Arsenal’s defensive versatility, providing Mikel Arteta with a wealth of tactical options. Both players are capable of operating in multiple positions across the backline, which will allow for greater flexibility in Arsenal’s defensive setup.
Calafiori, primarily a left-footed centre-back, can also excel as a left-back or even push into midfield when required. His ability to play in a back three or four, coupled with his comfort in possession, mirrors the versatility of John Stones at Manchester City. This adaptability could see Arteta experiment with different formations and tactical approaches throughout matches.
Timber, meanwhile, brings his own brand of versatility to the squad. Comfortable at centre-back or right-back, the Dutchman’s technical ability and tactical intelligence make him an ideal candidate for Arteta’s system. His capacity to invert into midfield from the right-back position could provide Arsenal with a mirror image of Oleksandr Zinchenko’s role on the left, potentially allowing for more fluid and unpredictable build-up play.
Together, Calafiori and Timber offer Arteta the opportunity to seamlessly switch between different defensive structures within matches. This adaptability could prove crucial in navigating the demands of multiple competitions and in responding to various tactical challenges posed by opponents.
Can Arsenal Balance Calafiori’s Arrival with Kiwior’s Development?
Arsenal can balance Riccardo Calafiori’s presence with Jakub Kiwior‘s development, but it will require careful management from Mikel Arteta.
Calafiori’s versatility, having played as both a left-back and centre-back, offers Arteta tactical flexibility. However, this potentially limits Kiwior’s playing time, who has shown promise since joining the club in January 2023. The Polish defender has already proven his adaptability by featuring in various positions across the backline.
To maintain a healthy balance, Arteta may need to rotate his squad effectively, ensuring both players receive adequate minutes. This approach could be beneficial for Arsenal’s campaign across multiple competitions, including the Premier League and Champions League. Additionally, the increased competition for places could drive both Calafiori and Kiwior to elevate their performances.
Ultimately, Arsenal’s ability to balance these two talented defenders will depend on Arteta’s man-management skills and his tactical approach to utilising their unique strengths throughout the season.
How Tall is Riccardo Calafiori?
Riccardo Calafiori is 1.88 m (188 cm / 6 ft 2 in) tall. Calafiori’s physique and agility enable him to effectively cover both centre-back and left-back positions. His height is an important aspect of his abilities.
At 1.88 m, Calafiori possesses a significant physical advantage that bolsters his aerial game, which has been particularly impressive given his high aerial duel win rate of 71.4%. This stature, combined with a powerful stride, allows him to control and dominate aerial situations, making him a crucial asset in Arsenal’s defensive setup.
His height also contributes to his proficiency in winning possessions and clearing the ball, which were critical skills during Bologna’s successful campaign last season.
Calafiori’s stature is not only beneficial for his defensive duties but also helps him create scoring opportunities. His ability to win headers and hold up long balls makes him an essential component of Arsenal’s possession-based style.
With the manager keen on incorporating versatile players, Calafiori’s height becomes an important attribute that makes him a dynamic defender capable of adapting to various roles within the defence. Overall, Calafiori’s tall stature is a key strength that enhances his performances at Arsenal and makes him an attractive asset for the team.
What Boots Does Riccardo Calafiori Wear at Arsenal?
Riccardo Calafiori wears adidas Predator soccer cleats. This choice aligns well with his position as a left-back, where precision in passing and ball control are crucial skills.
The adidas Predator line is renowned for its focus on enhancing a player’s touch and control, making it a popular choice among defenders and midfielders. While Calafiori’s boot preference was established during his time at Bologna, it’s likely he has continued with this choice at Arsenal, barring any new sponsorship deals or personal preferences that may have emerged since his transfer.
However, it’s worth noting that professional players often adapt their equipment choices, and without recent confirmation, there’s always the possibility that Calafiori has explored new options in his Arsenal career.
When Did Riccardo Calafiori Join Arsenal?
Riccardo Calafiori joined Arsenal on 29 July 2024. This signing marked Mikel Arteta’s second major transfer of the summer, after securing David Raya’s loan from Brentford on a permanent basis.
Mikel Arteta was reportedly enthusiastic about the acquisition, highlighting Calafiori’s unique skillset, which includes strong defensive abilities and his modern hybrid playing style, capable of evolving into midfield roles.
Arsenal beat off competition from illustrious clubs like Real Madrid and Juventus to secure Calafiori, reflecting the high esteem in which he is held. His performances at Euro 2024, where he impressed despite being relatively new to the international scene, further reinforced his reputation.
Calafiori’s adaptability and skills align well with Arteta’s preferred style, which emphasises hybrid defenders capable of playing across multiple positions.
Who is Riccardo Calafiori’s Wife/Girlfriend?
Benedetta Boeme was Calafiori’s girlfriend for some time. She gained attention in May when she appeared in one of Calafiori’s interviews, which went viral. However, recent reports suggest their relationship may have ended, though there is conflicting information about this.
It’s worth noting that there was some confusion due to fake social media posts claiming to be from Benedetta discussing their breakup and Calafiori’s transfer to Arsenal. Benedetta has since clarified on her official Instagram that these posts were not from her and that she has not spoken publicly about their relationship.
Without more concrete information from reliable sources or statements from Calafiori or Boeme themselves, the details of how they met remain unknown. Professional athletes often keep such personal details private, so it’s not unusual for this information to be unavailable to the public.
What is Riccardo Calafiori’s Famous Haircut?
Riccardo Calafiori is known for his distinctive long hairstyle, which has become somewhat iconic and reminiscent of classic Italian defenders. His hair typically reaches the bottom of his neck, giving him a memorable appearance on the pitch.
Calafiori’s hairstyle features a fringe that is often parted and pushed back behind his ears, adding to his recognizable look. To keep his vision clear during matches, he frequently uses a hairband, which has become a characteristic part of his on-field appearance. This practical solution allows him to maintain his long locks while ensuring they don’t interfere with his performance.
The Arsenal defender’s choice of hairstyle sets him apart from many of his contemporaries who opt for shorter cuts. His long hair not only adds to his individual style but also evokes memories of legendary Italian defenders from previous eras, creating a visual link between modern football and its storied past.
What is Riccardo Calafiori’s Instagram Account?
Riccardo Calafiori’s official Instagram account is @richycala. This verified account serves as the Arsenal defender’s primary platform for connecting with fans and sharing glimpses of his professional and personal life.
Through his Instagram, Calafiori offers followers an insider’s view of his football career, including behind-the-scenes moments from Arsenal training sessions, match day preparations, and celebrations. The account also provides insights into Calafiori’s life off the pitch, featuring personal milestones and interactions with teammates and friends.
For fans looking to stay updated on Calafiori’s journey both as an Arsenal player and beyond, his Instagram account @richycala is the authentic source for first-hand updates and engaging content.
