Sebastian Giovinco facts for kids

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Sebastian Giovinco

Giovinco playing for Toronto FC in 2015
Personal information
Full name	Sebastian Giovinco
Date of birth	(1987-01-26) 26 January 1987 (age 38)
Place of birth	Turin, Italy
Height	1.60 m (5 ft 3 in)
Position(s)	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)
International career
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)
Medal record Representing  Italy Association football UEFA European Championship Runner-up 2012 Poland & Ukraine FIFA Confederations Cup Third Brazil 2013
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

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

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

Individually, Giovinco won many awards. These included the MLS Golden Boot and the MLS MVP Award. He left Toronto FC in 2019 as their all-time top goalscorer. After Toronto, he played for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. There, he won the AFC Champions League. He also won the Saudi Pro League and King Cup. He briefly returned to Italy with Sampdoria in 2022.

Giovinco played for the Italy senior team starting in 2011. He played in UEFA Euro 2012, where Italy finished second. He also won a bronze medal at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.

Early Life and Youth Football

Sebastian Giovinco was born in Turin, Italy. His family moved from Southern Italy. He grew up in Beinasco, a town near Turin. He joined the Juventus youth system in 1996 when he was nine. His younger brother, Giuseppe, also played in the Juventus youth academy.

Youth Career Success at Juventus

Giovinco in the Juventus youth sector in 2005

Giovinco did very well in the Juventus youth system. In the 2005–06 season, he won the Campionato Nazionale Primavera. He also won the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Primavera. He reached the final of the Viareggio Tournament. He was named the best player in that competition.

Professional Debut with Juventus

Giovinco joined the first team in the 2006–07 season. He still played for the youth squad too. His first professional game was on May 12, 2007. It was a Serie B match against Bologna. He came on as a substitute and made an assist. Juventus won the Serie B title that season. They were promoted to Serie A.

Club Career Journeys

Loan to Empoli Football Club

On July 4, 2007, Giovinco was loaned to Empoli. He made his Serie A debut on August 26. He scored his first Serie A goal on September 30. He also played in the UEFA Cup. He scored 6 goals in 35 games for Empoli. Empoli was relegated, and he returned to Juventus.

Second Time with Juventus

Giovinco with Juventus first team in the 2008–09 season

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

He did not play regularly and struggled to fit in. However, he had a great game against Bologna in March 2009. He assisted a goal and scored another. He finished the season with 3 goals in 27 games. The next season, he had limited playing time. He also got injured in April.

Loan to Parma Football Club

On August 5, 2010, Giovinco was loaned to Parma. Parma had an option to buy half of his rights. He debuted for Parma on August 29. He scored his first goal for Parma on September 12. On January 6, 2011, he scored two goals against his parent club, Juventus.

He found his form at Parma and finished with 7 goals in 30 league games. Parma bought half of his contract for €3 million. In his second season, he scored against Juventus again. He finished as Parma's top scorer with 15 goals. He also provided 11 assists. In total, he played 70 games for Parma, scoring 23 goals.

Return to Juventus for a Third Spell

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

On June 21, 2012, Juventus bought the other half of Giovinco's rights. He signed a contract until 2015. He wore the number 12 jersey. On August 11, 2012, he won his first title with Juventus. They beat Napoli 4–2 in the 2012 Supercoppa Italiana.

He scored two goals in the second league game against Udinese. On November 7, he scored his first UEFA Champions League goal. Juventus won their group and advanced. On December 1, he scored against Torino. He scored the only goal in a Coppa Italia win against Cagliari. Juventus won the Serie A title that season. Giovinco scored 11 goals in all competitions.

In the 2013–14 season, Giovinco had less playing time. He scored a notable goal against Milan. Juventus won their third straight Serie A title. In the 2014–15 season, he scored two goals in a 6–1 win over Hellas Verona.

Toronto FC: Becoming a Star

2015 Season: MLS MVP Award

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 signed a five-year contract. His salary made him the highest-paid player in MLS. On February 2, Juventus announced he left early for Toronto FC.

Giovinco debuted for Toronto FC on March 7. He scored his first goal on April 4. On May 13, he scored and assisted a goal against Montreal Impact. He was named MLS Player of the Week twice in a row in June. On July 12, 2015, Giovinco scored Toronto FC's first ever hat-trick in MLS. He scored three goals in just 9 minutes. He won Player of the Week for the third time.

On August 5, he scored another hat-trick. This made him the top scorer in MLS with 16 goals. He broke the club's single-season record. He was named MLS Player of the Month for July and August. On September 26, Giovinco broke the MLS record for most combined goals and assists in a season. He became the first player with at least 20 goals and 10 assists in one MLS season.

On October 14, he scored a winning goal against New York Red Bulls. This helped Toronto FC qualify for the MLS playoffs for the first time. He finished the regular season with 22 goals and 16 assists. He won the 2015 Audi MLS Golden Boot as top scorer and top assist provider. He was the first MLS player to win both awards. In November 2015, Giovinco won the MLS Newcomer of the Year Award and the MLS MVP Award. He was also named to the MLS Best XI.

2016 Season: Canadian Championship and MLS Cup Final

Sebastian Giovinco in match against Orlando City

Giovinco started his second season with a penalty goal on March 6. On April 16, he scored the fastest goal in Toronto FC history. He scored two goals against Montreal Impact a week later. This made him the club's all-time top scorer in MLS. On May 14, he became the outright all-time top scorer.

On June 29, Giovinco helped Toronto FC win the Canadian Championship. He scored the only goal in the first leg. In July 2016, he was named to the 2016 MLS All-Star Game roster. On July 23, he scored another hat-trick against D.C. United. He broke David Beckham's record for most free-kick goals in MLS since 2010.

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. Toronto FC reached the Eastern Conference Finals. They beat Montreal Impact to become the first Canadian team in an MLS Cup Final. Giovinco was named to the MLS Best XI again. In the 2016 MLS Cup Final, Toronto FC lost to Seattle Sounders FC in a penalty shootout. Giovinco was substituted due to injury before the shootout.

2017 Season: Winning the Domestic Treble

Sebastian Giovinco holds off Tommy Redding

In 2017, Victor Vázquez joined Toronto FC. This allowed Giovinco to focus more on scoring. The team also switched 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. Giovinco won the George Gross Memorial Trophy as the tournament's 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 record-breaking 10th MLS free-kick goal.

Toronto FC won the Supporters' Shield on September 30. On October 22, Giovinco scored a free-kick goal in his 100th game for the club. Toronto FC broke the MLS regular season point record. This goal was Giovinco's sixth free-kick goal of the season, setting a new record. On October 30, he scored a winning free-kick goal in the playoffs. He was a finalist for the 2017 MLS MVP award.

On November 29, Giovinco helped Toronto win the Eastern Conference Final. On November 30, he was named to the MLS Best XI for the third year. On December 9, Toronto defeated 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 assisted a goal and scored one himself. He helped Toronto FC reach the semi-finals. On April 3, he scored against Club América. Toronto advanced to the finals.

In the Champions League final, Toronto lost in a penalty shootout. Giovinco won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. He was involved in 11 of Toronto FC's 13 goals. On August 15, Giovinco helped Toronto FC win the 2018 Canadian Championship.

Toronto FC did not qualify for the playoffs in 2018. Giovinco finished the season with a goal on October 28. After contract talks failed, Giovinco left Toronto FC on January 30, 2019. He shared a message on Instagram, saying he wanted to stay. He said he loved Toronto and would always remember it.

Al Hilal Football Club

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, he scored on his debut. On April 23, he scored his first AFC Champions League goal. He became one of few players to score in three different continental club competitions.

On September 17, he scored to help Al Hilal reach the AFC Champions League semi-finals. He assisted a goal in the semi-finals. On November 24, in the final, Giovinco assisted the opening goal. Al Hilal won the title. This win qualified them for the 2019 FIFA Club World Cup. He played in the Club World Cup third-place match.

Sampdoria Football Club

In January 2022, Giovinco trained with his former club Toronto FC. On February 8, 2022, Giovinco signed a short-term contract with Sampdoria in Italy. He joined as a replacement for an injured player.

International Career for Italy

Youth National Teams

Giovinco played for Italy at every youth level. He debuted for the Italy under-21 side in June 2007. He helped them win 4–0 against Albania.

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

Giovinco played in the 2008 Toulon Tournament. He was named the best player. He scored two goals and the winning penalty in the semi-final. Italy won the competition. He also played in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. He scored in the first match against Honduras. Italy was eliminated in the quarter-finals.

In 2009, Giovinco played in the European Championship in Sweden. Italy lost in the semi-finals. He 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 debuted on February 9 in a friendly against Germany. In his second game, he assisted a goal against Ukraine. He made his first start for Italy on October 11.

Giovinco lining up for Italy in 2012

Giovinco was part of Italy's squad for UEFA Euro 2012. Italy finished as runners-up. He started in Italy's first 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification game. He scored his first goal for Italy in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup against Japan. He also helped win a penalty. Italy won 4–3 and reached the semi-finals. Italy won the bronze medal match. Giovinco was not selected for the 2014 World Cup.

Later International Appearances

In October 2014, Giovinco was called up for a UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying match. He helped set up a goal against Azerbaijan. In August 2015, he was called up again for Euro 2016 qualifiers. He was injured and could not play. He was called up again in October 2015. He helped Italy win against Azerbaijan and Norway.

On May 23, 2016, Giovinco was not included in Italy's Euro 2016 squad. The manager said playing in MLS could affect selection. Giovinco was also left out of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers. Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup. On October 5, 2018, Giovinco was called up again by the new manager. He was an unused substitute in two matches.

After Playing 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 very skilled player. He was known for his dribbling, balance, and ball control. He could beat defenders and create space for teammates. He was good at scoring goals and creating chances. He had great vision and passing skills.

He was also known for his amazing free kicks. Many of his goals came from these set pieces. He was also good at penalties. Because of his small size and speed, he was nicknamed formica atomica ("atomic ant").

Giovinco was a very flexible attacker. He could play as a second striker behind another forward. He could also play as a winger on either side. Sometimes, he played as a creative attacking midfielder in the middle. He could even play as a main striker or a false 9.

How He Was Seen by Others

When he was young, Giovinco was seen as a very promising Italian player. Some people criticized him for not reaching his full potential. Some coaches thought he was too small for top European football. However, his move to Toronto FC in 2015 was seen as a big step for MLS. Experts believed it could lead to more top players joining the league earlier in their careers.

In 2015, Giovinco was named one of the top 100 footballers in the world by major sports publications. In 2019, he was called "the best player in franchise history" for Toronto FC. In 2020, Major League Soccer named him among the 25 greatest players in league history.

Personal Life

In May 2013, Sebastian and his partner Sharj Milano had their first child, Jacopo. They have been together since 2007. Their daughter Alma was born in Toronto in August 2016.

Giovinco is featured in the EA Sports' FIFA video game series. He appeared on the cover of the MLS edition of FIFA 16. Toronto has become his adopted home.

Career Statistics

Club Appearances and Goals

International Appearances and Goals

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

Team Honours

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 National Team

• 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
• Audi Player Index Award: 2016, 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
• CONCACAF Men's Player of the Year: 2018 (third place)
• AFC Champions League Fans' Best XI: 2019
• Saudi Pro League Player of the Month: January 2020

Records Held

• 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 consecutive seasons of 30+ combined goals and assists: 2015, 2016
• First MLS player to record at least 20 goals and 10 assists in a single regular season: 2015 (22 goals and 16 assists in total)
• 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)
• Most goals for Toronto FC in a league match: 3 (shared)
• Second-fastest goal for Toronto FC: 57 seconds
• Fastest player to reach 100 combined goals and assists in MLS history: 58 goals and 42 assists in 95 games

See also

In Spanish: Sebastian Giovinco para niños