Sebastian Giovinco facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Sebastian Giovinco

Giovinco playing for Toronto FC in 2015
Personal information
Date of birth	(1987-01-26) 26 January 1987 (age 38)
Place of birth	Turin, Italy
Height	1.60 m
Playing position	Forward
Youth career
1996–2006	Juventus
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2006–2015	Juventus	92	(12)
2007–2008	→ Empoli (loan)	35	(6)
2010–2012	→ Parma (loan)	66	(22)
2015–2019	Toronto FC	114	(68)
2019–2021	Al Hilal	57	(12)
2022	Sampdoria	2	(0)
Total		366	(120)
National team
2003	Italy U16	7	(4)
2003–2004	Italy U17	7	(1)
2005	Italy U18	4	(0)
2006	Italy U19	1	(1)
2006–2007	Italy U20	4	(0)
2007–2009	Italy U21	20	(1)
2008	Italy U23 (Olympics)	10	(3)
2011–2015	Italy	23	(1)
Honours Representing  Italy Association football UEFA European Championship Runner-up 2012 Poland & Ukraine FIFA Confederations Cup Third Brazil 2013
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Sebastian Giovinco (born January 26, 1987) is an Italian former professional footballer. He played as a forward. Giovinco was a fast and creative player. He could play in many attacking roles. He often played behind the main striker as a trequartista (an attacking midfielder).

Giovinco started his career with Juventus in Italy in 2006. He then played on loan for Empoli and Parma. In 2015, he joined Toronto FC in Canada. This made him the highest-paid player in the league. With Toronto FC, he won three Canadian Championships. In 2017, his team won a historic domestic treble. This included their first MLS Cup and Supporters' Shield titles.

Giovinco won many individual awards. These include the MLS Golden Boot and the MLS MVP Award. He also won the George Gross Memorial Trophy and the CONCACAF Champions League Golden Ball in 2018. He left Toronto FC in 2019 as the club's all-time top goalscorer.

After Toronto, Giovinco joined Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. He won the AFC Champions League in his first year. He also won the Saudi Pro League and King Cup in his second season. He briefly returned to Italy in 2022 to play for Sampdoria.

Giovinco played for the Italy senior team starting in 2011. He played over 20 games for his country. He was part of the team that finished second at UEFA Euro 2012. He also won a bronze medal at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.

Early Life and Youth Career

Sebastian Giovinco was born in Turin, Italy. His father was from Sicily and his mother from Calabria. He grew up in Beinasco, a town near Turin. His family were fans of A.C. Milan.

Giovinco joined the Juventus youth system in 1996. He was nine years old at the time. He played very well in the youth teams. In 2005–06, he won the Campionato Nazionale Primavera. He also won the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Primavera. He was named the best player at the Viareggio Tournament. His younger brother, Giuseppe, also played in the Juventus youth academy.

Club Career Highlights

Starting with Juventus

Giovinco joined the main Juventus team in the 2006–07 season. He made his first professional game on May 12, 2007. It was a Serie B match against Bologna. He came on as a substitute and helped set up a goal. Juventus won the Serie B title that season. This meant they moved up to Serie A. People thought he could be the next Alessandro Del Piero.

Loan to Empoli

On July 4, 2007, Giovinco went on loan to Empoli. He played his first Serie A game on August 26. He scored his first Serie A goal on September 30 against Palermo. He also played in the UEFA Cup. In his first Serie A season, he scored 6 goals in 35 games. Empoli was relegated, so he returned to Juventus.

Back at Juventus

Giovinco returned to Juventus on June 26, 2008. He played his first Serie A match for Juventus on September 24. He also played in the Champions League. On December 7, he scored his first goal for Juventus from a free kick. He signed a contract extension until 2013.

He didn't play regularly and was often used out of his best position. However, he had a great game against Bologna in March 2009. He helped Juventus win 4–1. He finished that season with 3 goals in 27 games. In the next season, he played more when other players were injured.

Loan to Parma

On August 5, 2010, Giovinco joined Parma on loan. He scored his first goal for Parma on September 12. On January 6, 2011, he scored two goals against his old club, Juventus. He finished his first season at Parma with 7 goals in 30 league games. Parma bought half of his contract for €3 million.

In the next season, he scored against Juventus again. He was Parma's top scorer with 15 goals and 11 assists in Serie A. In total, he played 70 games for Parma, scoring 23 goals.

Return to Juventus (Second Time)

On June 21, 2012, Juventus bought the other half of Giovinco's contract. He signed with Juventus until June 2015. He wanted to wear the number 10 shirt, but got number 12. On August 11, 2012, he won his first title with Juventus, the 2012 Supercoppa Italiana.

He scored two goals in the first league game of the 2012–13 season. He scored his first UEFA Champions League goal on November 7. Juventus won the Serie A title that season. Giovinco scored 7 league goals and 11 goals overall.

In the 2013–14 season, he scored a great goal against Milan. He struggled for playing time again. Juventus won their third straight Serie A title. In the 2014–15 season, he scored two goals in a 6–1 win in the Coppa Italia.

Joining Toronto FC

2015 Season: MLS MVP

Giovinco playing for Toronto FC during the 2015 MLS season

On January 19, 2015, Giovinco signed with Toronto FC in Major League Soccer (MLS). He joined the team in February 2015. His contract was for five years and paid him $7 million a year. This made him the highest-paid player in MLS.

He made his debut for Toronto FC on March 7. He scored his first goal on April 4. On May 13, he scored and assisted a goal in the 2015 Canadian Championship. On July 12, 2015, Giovinco scored Toronto FC's first ever hat-trick in MLS. He scored three goals in just 9 minutes. He was named MLS Player of the Week three times that season.

On August 5, 2015, he scored another hat-trick. This made him the top scorer in MLS with 16 goals. He also broke the club's single-season goal record. He was named MLS Player of the Month for July and August.

On October 14, he scored a fantastic goal against New York Red Bulls. This helped Toronto FC qualify for the MLS playoffs for the first time. On October 25, 2015, Giovinco finished the season with 22 goals and 16 assists. He won the MLS Golden Boot as the top scorer. He also won the award for most assists. He was the first MLS player to win both awards in the same season.

In November 2015, Giovinco won the MLS Newcomer of the Year Award. On December 2, he won the MLS MVP Award. He was also named to the MLS Best XI.

2016 Season: Canadian Championship and MLS Cup Final

Sebastian Giovinco in a match against Orlando City

Giovinco started his second season with a goal on March 6. On April 16, he scored the fastest goal in Toronto FC history (57 seconds). A week later, he scored two goals against Montreal Impact. This made him the club's all-time top scorer in MLS.

On May 14, he became the club's outright all-time top scorer. On June 29, Giovinco helped Toronto FC win the Canadian Championship. He scored the only goal in the first game. In July 2016, he was chosen for the 2016 MLS All-Star Game.

On July 23, he scored another hat-trick. He also broke David Beckham's record for most free-kick goals in MLS. He missed seven weeks due to injury. He returned on October 16. On October 26, he scored Toronto FC's first ever MLS Playoff goal. On November 6, he scored a hat-trick against New York City FC. This helped Toronto reach the Eastern Conference Finals.

Toronto FC beat Montreal Impact to reach the 2016 MLS Cup Final. This was the first time a Canadian team made it to the final. Giovinco was named to the MLS Best XI again. In the final, Toronto FC lost to Seattle Sounders FC in a penalty shootout.

2017 Season: Winning the Domestic Treble

Sebastian Giovinco holds off Tommy Redding

In 2017, Victor Vázquez joined Toronto FC. This helped Giovinco focus more on scoring. The team also changed to a 3–5–2 formation. This helped Giovinco and Jozy Altidore play better together.

Giovinco scored his first goal of the season on April 8. On June 27, he scored two goals in the 2017 Canadian Championship final. Toronto won the championship, and Giovinco won the George Gross Memorial Trophy for best player. On July 30, he scored two goals against New York City FC. His second goal was his 50th MLS goal. It was also his 10th MLS goal from a free kick, a new record.

Toronto FC won the Supporters' Shield for having the most points in the league. On October 22, Giovinco scored from a free kick in his 100th game for the club. This helped Toronto FC break the MLS regular season point record. His goal was also his sixth free-kick goal of the season, another record.

In the 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs, Giovinco scored a winning goal from a free kick. He was a finalist for the 2017 MLS MVP award. On November 30, he was named to the MLS Best XI for the third year in a row. On December 9, Toronto FC beat Seattle 2–0 in the 2017 MLS Cup. They became the first MLS team to win a domestic treble. Giovinco was involved in both goals.

2018 Season: Champions League Final and Departure

On February 20, 2018, Giovinco played in the 2018 CONCACAF Champions League for the first time. He helped Toronto FC reach the semi-finals. On April 3, he scored in the semi-final against Club América. Toronto FC reached the Champions League final. They lost to Guadalajara in a penalty shootout. Giovinco won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. He scored four goals and had three assists in the tournament.

On August 15, Giovinco helped Toronto FC win the 2018 Canadian Championship. Toronto FC did not make the MLS playoffs that season. After contract talks failed, Giovinco left Toronto FC on January 30, 2019. He wrote a message saying he wanted to stay in Toronto.

Playing for Al Hilal

Giovinco (left) playing for Al Hilal during the 2019 AFC Champions League against Esteghlal

On January 30, 2019, Toronto FC sold Giovinco to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. On February 12, 2019, Giovinco scored in his first game for the club. On April 23, he scored his first AFC Champions League goal. He is one of few players to score in three different club continental competitions.

He helped Al Hilal reach the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League. On November 24, Al Hilal won the 2019 AFC Champions League Final. Giovinco helped set up the first goal. This win also qualified them for the 2019 FIFA Club World Cup. Al Hilal finished fourth in the Club World Cup.

Brief Time with Sampdoria

In January 2022, Giovinco trained with his former club Toronto FC. On February 8, 2022, Giovinco signed a short contract with Sampdoria in Italy. He played two games for them.

International Career

Youth Teams

Giovinco played for Italy's youth teams at all levels. He played for the Italy under-21 team starting in 2007. He helped them win the 2008 Toulon Tournament. He was named the best player of the tournament.

In 2008, Giovinco played for Italy at the Summer Olympics in Beijing. He scored a goal against Honduras. Italy reached the quarter-finals. In 2009, he played in the European Championship. Italy lost in the semi-finals. Giovinco was named to the Team of the Tournament.

Senior Team Debut and Major Tournaments

Giovinco was called up to the Italy senior team in February 2011. He made his debut on February 9 in a friendly game against Germany. In his second game, he assisted a goal against Ukraine.

Giovinco lining up for Italy in 2012

Giovinco was part of Italy's team for UEFA Euro 2012. Italy finished second after losing to Spain in the final.

He scored his first goal for Italy in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup against Japan. He also helped win a penalty in that game. Italy won 4–3 and reached the semi-finals. Italy won the bronze medal after beating Uruguay in a penalty shootout. Giovinco scored his penalty. He did not play in the 2014 FIFA World Cup due to less playing time at his club.

Later International Calls

In October 2014, Giovinco was called up by new Italy manager Antonio Conte. He helped set up a goal in a Euro 2016 qualifying match.

In August 2015, he was called up again for Euro 2016 qualifiers. He was the first MLS player to be called up for Italy. He was injured and could not play. In October 2015, he played in two more Euro 2016 qualifiers. Italy qualified for Euro 2016.

Giovinco was not chosen for Italy's Euro 2016 squad. The manager said playing in MLS might have affected his chances. He was also left out of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Italy did not qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 60 years.

In October 2018, Giovinco was called up by new manager Roberto Mancini. He was an unused substitute for two matches.

After Football

On October 5, 2024, Giovinco became a Special Advisor and Club Ambassador for Toronto FC. In 2022, he also joined Juventus' Toronto Academy as a coach.

Player Profile

Style of Play

Giovinco playing for Juventus in 2012

Giovinco was a small, fast, and skilled player. He was known for his great dribbling and ball control. He could beat defenders and create chances for his teammates. He had good vision and could pass and shoot well with both feet.

He was also very good at free kicks and penalties. Many of his goals came from these set pieces. Because he was small and fast, he was called formica atomica ("atomic ant").

Giovinco could play in many attacking roles. He often played as a second striker behind another forward. He could also play as a winger on either side. Sometimes, he played as an attacking midfielder or even a main striker.

Personal Life

In May 2013, Sebastian and his partner Sharj Milano had their first child, a son named Jacopo. Their daughter Alma was born in Toronto in August 2016.

Giovinco is featured in EA Sports' FIFA video game series. He was on the cover of the MLS edition of FIFA 16.

Career Statistics

Club

International

Scores and results list Italy's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Giovinco goal.

List of international goals scored by Sebastian Giovinco

No.	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	19 June 2013	Arena Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil	Japan	4–3	4–3	2013 FIFA Confederations Cup

Honours and Awards

Juventus Primavera

• Torneo di Viareggio: 2005
• Campionato Nazionale Primavera: 2005–06
• Supercoppa Primavera: 2006
• Coppa Italia Primavera: 2007

Juventus

• Serie A: 2012–13, 2013–14
• Serie B: 2006–07
• Supercoppa Italiana: 2012, 2013

Toronto FC

• MLS Cup: 2017
• Eastern Conference Championship playoffs: 2016, 2017
• Supporters' Shield: 2017
• Canadian Championship: 2016, 2017, 2018

Al Hilal

• Saudi Pro League: 2019–20, 2020–21
• King Cup: 2019–20
• AFC Champions League: 2019

Italy

• UEFA European Championship runner-up: 2012
• FIFA Confederations Cup third place: 2013

Italy U21

• Toulon Tournament: 2008

Individual Awards

• Campionato Nazionale Primavera Best Player: 2005–06
• Toulon Tournament Player of the Tournament: 2008
• UEFA European Under-21 Championship Team of the Tournament: 2009
• MLS All-Star: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
• MLS Best XI: 2015, 2016, 2017
• MLS MVP Award: 2015
• MLS Golden Boot: 2015
• MLS top assist provider: 2015
• MLS Newcomer of the Year Award: 2015
• MLS Player of the Month: July 2015, August 2015
• Best MLS Player ESPY Award: 2016
• George Gross Memorial Trophy: 2017
• Canadian Championship top scorer: 2017
• Red Patch Boys Player of the Year: 2015, 2016
• CONCACAF Champions League Golden Ball: 2018
• CONCACAF Champions League Best XI: 2018
• CONCACAF Men's Best XI: 2018
• AFC Champions League Fans' Best XI: 2019
• Saudi Pro League Player of the Month: January 2020

Records

• Second-most combined goals and assists in a single MLS season: 38 (22 goals and 16 assists in 2015)
• First MLS player to lead the league in goals and assists in the same season: 2015
• First MLS player to record at least 20 goals and 10 assists in a single regular season: 2015
• Most free kick goals in a single MLS regular season: 6 (2017)
• MLS all-time regular season leading goalscorer from free kicks: 13
• MLS all-time leading goalscorer from free kicks: 14
• Toronto FC all-time leading goalscorer: 83 goals
• Toronto FC all-time leading goalscorer in MLS: 68 goals
• Most league goals for Toronto FC in a season: 22 (2015)
• Most goals for Toronto FC in a season (all competitions): 23 (2015)
• Fastest player to reach 100 combined goals and assists in MLS history: 58 goals and 42 assists in 95 games

Images for kids

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  Giovinco in the Juventus youth sector in 2005

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  Giovinco with Juventus first team in the 2008–09 season

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  Giovinco (bottom right) playing for Juventus in the 2012–13 season

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  Giovinco (furthest right) lining up at the 2008 Toulon Tournament

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  Giovinco lining up for Italy in 2012

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  Giovinco (left) playing for Al Hilal during the 2019 AFC Champions League against Esteghlal

See also

In Spanish: Sebastian Giovinco para niños