Giorgio Chiellini facts for kids
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Chiellini in 2021
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| Full name | Giorgio Chiellini | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date of birth | 14 August 1984 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Pisa, Italy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Position(s) | Centre-back | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Team information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Current team
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Los Angeles FC (Player Development Coach) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Youth career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1990–2000 | Livorno | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Senior career* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2000–2002 | Livorno | 8 | (0) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2002–2004 | Roma | 0 | (0) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2002–2004 | → Livorno (loan) | 47 | (4) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2004–2022 | Juventus | 425 | (27) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2004–2005 | → Fiorentina (loan) | 37 | (3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022–2023 | Los Angeles FC | 31 | (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 548 | (35) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| International career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2000 | Italy U15 | 8 | (0) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2000–2001 | Italy U16 | 12 | (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2001 | Italy U17 | 1 | (0) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2002 | Italy U18 | 6 | (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2001–2003 | Italy U19 | 18 | (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2004–2007 | Italy U21 | 26 | (6) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2004 | Italy Olympic | 2 | (0) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2004–2022 | Italy | 117 | (8) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Managerial career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | Los Angeles FC (Player Development Coach) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Giorgio Chiellini is a famous Italian former professional footballer. He played as a centre-back or left-back. Many people think he is one of the best defenders ever. Chiellini was known for being strong, tough, and great at marking opponents. He could play well in different defensive setups.
He started his club career with Livorno in 2000. Later, he played for Fiorentina on loan. In 2005, he joined Juventus, where he won a record nine Serie A titles in a row from 2012 to 2020. He also won five Coppa Italia and five Supercoppa Italiana trophies. Chiellini played in two UEFA Champions League finals with Juventus. He was named in the Serie A Team of the Year five times. He was also chosen as the league's best defender three times in a row. In 2022, he moved to the United States to play for Los Angeles FC. There, he won the Supporters' Shield and the MLS Cup in his first year. He retired from playing football in 2023 at age 39.
Chiellini first played for the Italian national team in 2004. He won a bronze medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics. He played for Italy in four UEFA European Championships and two FIFA World Cups. He was the captain when Italy won the UEFA Euro 2020 title. He also helped Italy reach the final of Euro 2012. Chiellini retired from international football in 2022. He played 117 games for Italy, making him one of the players with the most appearances for his country.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Chiellini was born in Pisa, Italy, on August 14, 1984. He grew up in Livorno and has a twin brother. He studied economics at the University of Turin. He earned a university degree in 2010 and a master's degree in business in 2017. He graduated with honors from both programs.
Club Career Highlights
Starting at Livorno
Chiellini joined the youth teams at Livorno when he was six years old. He first played as a central midfielder. As he got older, he moved to playing as a winger. Finally, he found his best position as a left-back. He played in Livorno's youth academy from 1990 to 2000.
In the 2000–01 season, Chiellini started playing for the senior team. He made three appearances that season and five more the next. In 2002, he was signed by Roma but was loaned back to Livorno. In his second season in Serie B, Chiellini became a regular starter. He played 42 games and scored four goals as a left-back. Livorno bought him back in 2004. He played a total of 57 games for Livorno's first team, scoring four goals.
Time at Fiorentina
In the summer of 2004, Juventus signed Chiellini. However, they immediately loaned him to Fiorentina for the 2004–05 season. During his loan spell, Chiellini was a key player for Fiorentina. He played 42 games and scored three goals.
Juventus Success
Early Years and Challenges
After a great season with Fiorentina, Chiellini returned to Juventus for the 2005–06 season. He quickly became a regular player. In his first season, he played 23 games and helped Juventus win the league title. However, this title was later taken away due to a big football scandal.
When Juventus was in Serie B, Chiellini started playing as a centre-back. Juventus won the 2006–07 Serie B title and returned to Serie A. Chiellini became a strong centre-back for the team. He formed a great partnership with Nicola Legrottaglie. He was even named Man of the Match in a game against Internazionale. He had a tough battle with former teammate Zlatan Ibrahimović and kept him from scoring. Chiellini signed new contracts with Juventus in 2006 and 2008.
In the 2008–09 season, Chiellini continued to be a top defender. He scored his first goal in Europe in a UEFA Champions League qualifying match. At the end of 2008, he was named Serie A Defender of the Year. He signed another contract extension with Juventus in 2010, keeping him at the club until 2015.
Winning Titles and the "BBC" Defense
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Under manager Antonio Conte, Chiellini sometimes played as a left-back. Later, Conte switched to a three-man defense. Chiellini played alongside Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli. This defensive trio was very successful and helped Juventus win the Serie A title. They had the best defense in the league and were unbeaten. This strong defensive group became known as the BBC, after the first letter of their last names. They were considered one of the best defenses in the world.
Chiellini played his 250th game for Juventus in September 2012. Juventus continued to dominate Italian football, winning the Serie A title and the Supercoppa Italiana again. They also had the best defensive record in Italy. Chiellini was the only Italian player nominated for the 2013 UEFA Team of the Year. In October 2013, he signed a new contract until 2017. He played his 300th game for Juventus in January 2014. That season, he won his third straight league title with Juventus.
Champions League Finals and More Trophies
In 2015, Chiellini helped Juventus win the 2015 Coppa Italia Final, scoring the first goal in a 2–1 win over Lazio. However, he missed the 2015 UEFA Champions League Final due to a calf injury. Juventus lost the final to Barcelona.
Chiellini faced several injuries during the 2015–16 season. Despite this, he scored in the last match of the season. This was his 400th game for Juventus. Juventus won the league title for the fifth time in a row. In May 2016, Chiellini captained Juventus to win the 2016 Coppa Italia Final. They beat Milan 1–0 in extra time. This made Juventus the first Italian club to win consecutive domestic doubles.
In 2017, Chiellini played in the 2017 UEFA Champions League Final, his second final in three years. However, Juventus lost 4–1 to Real Madrid. In January 2018, he was named to the UEFA Team of the Year. He played his 350th Serie A game in March 2018.
Captaining Juventus and Final Years
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On June 29, 2018, Chiellini signed a new contract until 2020. He was also named the new captain of Juventus after Gianluigi Buffon left. In January 2019, Chiellini lifted his first trophy as Juventus captain, the 2018 Supercoppa Italiana. In March, he played his 500th game for Juventus. Juventus won their eighth straight Serie A title that season.
In August 2019, Chiellini scored the only goal in Juventus's first match of the season. However, he later suffered a serious knee injury. He returned to play in February 2020. In June, he signed another contract extension until 2021. In October 2020, he played his 71st Champions League game for Juventus.
On August 2, 2021, Chiellini renewed his contract with Juventus until June 2023. However, after losing the 2022 Coppa Italia Final, he announced he would leave Juventus at the end of the 2021–22 season. He played his final game for Juventus in a 2–0 loss to Fiorentina.
Playing for Los Angeles FC
On June 13, 2022, Chiellini joined Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC. He signed a contract until 2023. He made his debut on July 17, 2022, in a 2–1 win against Nashville SC. On November 5, Chiellini helped LAFC win the MLS Cup in a penalty shootout. On March 4, 2023, he scored his first goal in Major League Soccer.
On December 12, 2023, Chiellini announced his retirement from professional football. He was 39 years old. This announcement came three days after LAFC lost the MLS Cup final.
International Career
Youth and Early Senior Career
Chiellini played for Italy at all youth levels. He won the European Under-19 Championship with Italy in 2003. He also won a bronze medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics football tournament. He was captain of the Italy Under-21 team in 2006 and 2007.
Chiellini made his debut for the Italy national team on November 17, 2004, when he was 20. He was not part of the team that won the 2006 FIFA World Cup. He became a regular player for Italy in 2007. He scored his first goal for Italy on November 21, 2007, against the Faroe Islands.
He was called up for UEFA Euro 2008. He played well in the tournament, especially against Spain in the quarter-finals. Italy lost to Spain on penalties.
Euro 2012 and World Cup Appearances
Chiellini became a key defender for Italy during the 2010 World Cup qualifying. He played in all three group matches at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. He was also a starting centre-back in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. However, Italy did not perform well and exited in the first round.
Under manager Cesare Prandelli, Chiellini was a starting centre-back for Italy in UEFA Euro 2012. He played alongside Juventus teammates Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci. Italy reached the final but lost 4–0 to Spain.
On November 14, 2012, Chiellini wore the captain's armband for Italy for the first time. In June 2013, he scored his third goal for Italy against Brazil in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup. Italy finished third in that tournament. In September 2013, Chiellini scored a goal that helped Italy qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
During the 2014 World Cup, in Italy's final group game against Uruguay, Chiellini was involved in an incident with Luis Suárez. Suárez bit Chiellini's shoulder. FIFA investigated the incident and suspended Suárez. Chiellini later said he understood Suárez's competitive spirit.
Euro 2016 and World Cup Qualifying
In October 2014, Chiellini scored two goals in a UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying match against Azerbaijan. Italy won 2–1. Italy qualified for UEFA Euro 2016 in 2015. Chiellini was part of Italy's squad for Euro 2016. He played well defensively, helping Italy keep clean sheets in their first two wins. In the round of 16, he scored the opening goal in a 2–0 win over Spain. Italy was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Germany on penalties.
In Italy's first 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification match, Chiellini received a red card. He missed the next game against Spain. Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup after losing to Sweden in a play-off. Many thought this would be his last international game.
Captaining Italy and Euro 2020 Triumph
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Despite his earlier retirement announcement, Chiellini was called back to the national team in September 2018 by manager Roberto Mancini. He was named the new captain of the Italy national team. He wore the captain's armband in Italy's 2018–19 UEFA Nations League opener. In November 2018, he played his 100th game for Italy.
In June 2021, Chiellini was part of Italy's squad for UEFA Euro 2020. In the opening match, he became the oldest player to appear for Italy at the European Championships. He captained Italy to their second European Championship victory on July 11, 2021. They won against England in the final after a penalty shootout.
On April 25, 2022, Chiellini announced he would retire from international football after the 2022 Finalissima on June 1. He played his final international game, his 117th, against Argentina. Italy lost the match 3–0.
Playing Style
Chiellini started his career as a left-back. He later became known as a strong, brave, and tough centre-back. He was good at scoring goals with his head from set-pieces because of his height and strength. He was a versatile and reliable defender. He could play in both three- or four-man defenses. He was also good at understanding the game and anticipating opponents.
Many people consider Chiellini one of the best defenders in football history. His Juventus manager, Massimiliano Allegri, called him "the best defender in the world" in 2018. His former Livorno manager, Walter Mazzarri, described him as "a force of nature." He said Chiellini could mark three players by himself.
Chiellini was known for his tough, "old-fashioned" style of defending. He was great at winning the ball. He often played alongside a defender who was better at passing, like Bonucci. His physical style and his goal celebration, where he would beat his chest, earned him the nickname "King Kong". Even though he wasn't super fast, he was a mobile defender.
Over his career, Chiellini improved his technique and mental game. This helped him adapt as he got older. He became more thoughtful and less impulsive in his play. He was a popular player and a vocal leader on the field. He was Juventus's long-time vice-captain before becoming captain. The defensive trio of Barzagli, Bonucci, and Chiellini, known as the BBC, is considered one of the greatest in football history. Chiellini was also a popular captain for the Italian national team. He was known for his strong mindset and ability to organize his defense.
Post-Playing Career
After retiring from playing, Chiellini joined his former team Los Angeles FC in January 2024. He became a Player Development Coach. He left this role in July 2024.
In May 2024, Chiellini joined the Fox Sports broadcast team. He worked as a studio analyst for UEFA Euro 2024.
In September 2024, Chiellini announced he invested in Mercury/13. This is a network that owns women's football clubs, including FC Como Women in Serie A. He was inspired to invest in women's football after playing in Los Angeles and seeing the growth of teams like Angel City FC. He stated he wants to help create new opportunities for female athletes.
Outside of Football
In March 2022, Chiellini wrote an article for FIFPRO. In it, he discussed how racism and discrimination affect players. He said that society must stop pretending racism doesn't exist.
Personal Life
In July 2014, Chiellini married his long-time girlfriend, Carolina Bonistalli. They had a private ceremony in Livorno. The couple has two daughters. In the same year, he published a book.
Chiellini has been featured in EA Sports' FIFA video game series. He was on the covers of the Italian versions of FIFA 10 and FIFA 11.
He appeared in the Netflix docu-series First Team: Juventus during the 2017–18 season.
In 2020, Chiellini released his autobiography, Io, Giorgio. The money from the book went to a charity during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy.
Career Statistics
Club Appearances
| Club | Season | League | National cup | Continental | Other | Total | ||||||
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| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Livorno | 2000–01 | Serie C1 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 4 | 0 | ||
| 2001–02 | Serie C1 | 5 | 0 | 8 | 0 | — | 2 | 0 | 15 | 0 | ||
| Total | 8 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 19 | 0 | ||
| Livorno (loan) | 2002–03 | Serie B | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 7 | 0 | ||
| 2003–04 | Serie B | 41 | 4 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 42 | 4 | |||
| Total | 47 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 49 | 4 | ||
| Fiorentina (loan) | 2004–05 | Serie A | 37 | 3 | 5 | 0 | — | — | 42 | 3 | ||
| Juventus | 2005–06 | Serie A | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 0 |
| 2006–07 | Serie B | 32 | 3 | 3 | 1 | — | — | 35 | 4 | |||
| 2007–08 | Serie A | 30 | 3 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 32 | 3 | |||
| 2008–09 | Serie A | 27 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 1 | — | 36 | 5 | ||
| 2009–10 | Serie A | 32 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 1 | — | 40 | 5 | ||
| 2010–11 | Serie A | 32 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 9 | 2 | — | 43 | 4 | ||
| 2011–12 | Serie A | 34 | 2 | 3 | 0 | — | — | 37 | 2 | |||
| 2012–13 | Serie A | 24 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 32 | 1 | |
| 2013–14 | Serie A | 31 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 44 | 4 | |
| 2014–15 | Serie A | 28 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 12 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 45 | 1 | |
| 2015–16 | Serie A | 24 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 34 | 1 | |
| 2016–17 | Serie A | 21 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 33 | 4 | |
| 2017–18 | Serie A | 26 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 38 | 0 | |
| 2018–19 | Serie A | 25 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 34 | 1 | |
| 2019–20 | Serie A | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | |
| 2020–21 | Serie A | 17 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 25 | 0 | |
| 2021–22 | Serie A | 21 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 26 | 0 | |
| Total | 425 | 27 | 37 | 2 | 92 | 5 | 7 | 2 | 561 | 36 | ||
| Los Angeles FC | 2022 | Major League Soccer | 11 | 0 | — | — | 2 | 0 | 13 | 0 | ||
| 2023 | Major League Soccer | 20 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 32 | 1 | |
| Total | 31 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 45 | 1 | ||
| Career total | 548 | 35 | 53 | 2 | 95 | 5 | 20 | 2 | 716 | 44 | ||
International Appearances
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | 2004 | 1 | 0 |
| 2005 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2006 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2007 | 3 | 1 | |
| 2008 | 7 | 0 | |
| 2009 | 11 | 1 | |
| 2010 | 10 | 0 | |
| 2011 | 12 | 0 | |
| 2012 | 8 | 0 | |
| 2013 | 10 | 2 | |
| 2014 | 7 | 2 | |
| 2015 | 8 | 0 | |
| 2016 | 8 | 1 | |
| 2017 | 6 | 1 | |
| 2018 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2019 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2020 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2021 | 9 | 0 | |
| 2022 | 3 | 0 | |
| Total | 117 | 8 | |
- Italy score listed first, score column indicates score after each Chiellini goal.
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 21 November 2007 | Stadio Alberto Braglia, Modena, Italy |  Faroe Islands |
3–0 | 3–1 | UEFA Euro 2008 qualification |
| 2 | 18 November 2009 | Stadio Dino Manuzzi, Cesena, Italy |  Sweden |
1–0 | 1–0 | Friendly |
| 3 | 22 June 2013 | Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, Brazil |  Brazil |
2–3 | 2–4 | 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup |
| 4 | 10 September 2013 | Juventus Stadium, Turin, Italy |  Czech Republic |
1–1 | 2–1 | 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| 5 | 10 October 2014 | Stadio Renzo Barbera, Palermo, Italy |  Azerbaijan |
1–0 | 2–1 | UEFA Euro 2016 qualification |
| 6 | 2–1 | |||||
| 7 | 27 June 2016 | Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France |  Spain |
1–0 | 2–0 | UEFA Euro 2016 |
| 8 | 6 October 2017 | Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, Turin, Italy |  North Macedonia |
1–0 | 1–1 | 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification |
Honours and Awards
Livorno
- Serie C1: 2001–02
Juventus
- Serie A: 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20
- Serie B: 2006–07
- Coppa Italia: 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2020–21; runner-up: 2011–12
- Supercoppa Italiana: 2012, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2020
- UEFA Champions League runner-up: 2014–15, 2016–17
Los Angeles FC
- MLS Cup: 2022; runner-up: 2023
- Supporters' Shield: 2022
- CONCACAF Champions League runner-up: 2023
Italy U19
- UEFA European Under-19 Championship: 2003
Italy Olympic Team
- Summer Olympic Games bronze medal: 2004
Italy
- UEFA European Championship: 2020; runner-up: 2012
- FIFA Confederations Cup bronze medal: 2013
- UEFA Nations League bronze medal: 2020–21
Individual Awards
- Serie A Team of the Year: 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2018–19
- Serie A Defender of the Year: 2008, 2009, 2010
- UEFA Team of the Year: 2017
- UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season: 2014–15, 2017–18
- ESM Team of the Year: 2012–13, 2014–15, 2017–18
- France Football World XI: 2015
- Juventus Player of the Year: 2021–22
- Juventus Greatest XI of All Time: 2017
- UEFA European Under-21 Championship Team of the Tournament: 2007
- All-time UEFA European Under-21 Championship Dream Team: 2015
- Premio Nazionale Carriera Esemplare "Gaetano Scirea": 2019
- IFFHS Men's UEFA Team of the Year: 2021
Orders
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4th Class / Officer: Ufficiale Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana: 2021
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5th Class / Knight: Cavaliere Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana: 2004
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Images for kids
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Chiellini in 2021
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Chiellini with Juventus in 2009
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Chiellini playing for Juventus in 2012
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Chiellini (center), Juventus' captain during the 2016 Coppa Italia Final, receives the trophy from the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella (right).
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Chiellini with Juventus in 2021
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Chiellini in the Italy national team in 2011
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Chiellini (right) challenges Cesc Fàbregas of Spain during the UEFA Euro 2012 Final.
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President of Italy Sergio Mattarella (right) congratulates Chiellini (carrying the trophy) in Rome, the day after Italy's UEFA Euro 2020 triumph.
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Chiellini (right) defending Didier Drogba in 2013
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Chiellini holding the UEFA European Championship trophy, his only international trophy for Italy
See also
In Spanish: Giorgio Chiellini para niños
