Just 11 days before the 2002 Korea/Japan FIFA World Cup, Alberto and Barbara welcomed their son, Riccardo Calafiori—a boy destined to become one of the most celebrated footballers from the Aurelio neighbourhood of Rome. Riccardo, the firstborn, was followed by his younger sister, Rebecca Calafiori. His childhood was shaped by his father’s sacrifices, his mother’s dedication and love, wisdom from his late grandmother Eleonora, and the close bond he shared with his sister Rebecca. This article delves into the rich background of Riccardo Calafiori, exploring the family and experiences that shaped him.
Unbreakable Spirit of Riccardo Calafiori: A Story of Family Love & Triumph
The Calafiori family shared a deep bond, even when it came to football. With no other boys in the household, young Riccardo often recruited his sister Rebecca to play football with him during his childhood days. Growing up in the Aurelio neighbourhood, Riccardo lived with his father Alberto, mother Barbara, sister Rebecca, and grandmother Eleonora.
Noticing his son’s growing passion for soccer and his strong, physical playing style, Alberto affectionately nicknamed Riccardo “Ruspa,” which means “Bulldozer” in English. This nickname highlighted Riccardo’s determination and relentless drive to achieve his dreams. Eleonora, his beloved grandmother, also played a significant role in his upbringing, providing wisdom and support until her passing.
Preamble:
Riccardo Calafiori’s early years weren’t without challenges. One fateful day on the field, while giving his all to make a name for himself as a young player, his world turned upside down. A bad tackle left him in excruciating pain, and doctors delivered the devastating news after examining his MRI scan: he might never play football again. Faced with this crushing blow, he made a promise to himself that he wouldn’t let this injury define his future. This article reveals how Riccardo overcame the darkest moments of his early career.
We unveil the hidden chapters of Riccardo Calafiori, the Italian who refused to let anything get in his way to stardom. To whet your taste for reading soccer autobiographies, let’s present this photo gallery that tells Ruspa’s story. Indeed, the famous footballing son of Alberto and Barbara has come a long way in his life and career journey.
Unveiling the Hidden Chapters of Riccardo Calafiori: A Story of Personal Struggles, Family Love, and Football Victory
Riccardo Calafiori Childhood Story:
For Biography starters, he uses the nicknames “Ruspa” and “Bulldozer”. Riccardo Calafiori came onto this earth on the 19th of May 2002 to his parents – a father named Alberto Calafiori and a mother who goes by the name Barbara Calafiori, in Italy.
The centre-back is the first child (only son), followed by his younger sister, Rebecca Calafiori. The two kids are the product of the love of Riccardo Calafiori’s parent’s marriage. Before continuing the story of his athlete, let’s first introduce our readers to the couple who brought the footballer into the world.
Meet Alberto and Barbara (Riccardo Calafiori’s parents) as they stand with their son on his big day.
Early Life and Growing-Up:
Riccardo Calafiori grew up in the Aurelio neighbourhood. He lived with his family in the Piazzale degli Eroi area, some kilometres from the AS Roma’s Stadio Olimpico. His father, Alberto, his mother, Barbara, his sister Rebecca and his grandmother, Eleonora, stayed together. Riccardo Calafiori’s household was very attached.
Now, let’s present you an adorable, never-seen childhood photo of Riccardo Calafiori and his mom. As you look at the image, you can see that Ruspa’s cuteness came from his mother. How Riccardo and Barbara lean towards each other reveals a deep, unspoken bond that only exists between a son and his mom.
Little Riccardo Calafiori with his mom. We can see he got his good looks from Barbara.
Imagine growing up as the only boy in the house, with your sister as your only playmate. That’s exactly how it was for the Riccardo Calafiori. Since he had no other boy at home, he had to recruit his sister, Rebecca, to play football with him. With only his sister as his close companion, they always found comfort in each other and grew a strong bond. There is one of those childhood memories shared between the siblings who never allowed each other to wander in the dark alone.
Riccardo and Rebecca during their childhood years.
Calafiori’s family was filled with immense joy and a deep love for one another. The centre-back’s parents joined hands to provide their kids with a happy life. With his grandmother doting on him with her wisdom, his childhood was almost perfect.
Family Background:
We don’t know what Riccardo Calafiori’s parents did for a living. But we can guess based on where they lived. They grew up in the Aurelio neighbourhood. Hence, they likely did well enough to provide a comfortable life for their family. Despite having two kids, Riccardo and his sister Rebecca, plus their grandmother living with them, the family never went hungry.
In Riccardo Calafiori’s family, his parents worked together to keep everything running smoothly. His dad, Alberto, made sure there was enough money for a decent home and the basics like food and clothes. Meanwhile, his mom worked to make the house welcoming. She cooked meals and ensured everyone felt at home. They weren’t rich. But, by working together, they built a stable, comfortable life.
Family Life:
Let’s explore the intriguing story of Riccardo Calafiori’s family. Football has been a critical part of their lives, starting with his father and passing through generations. This deep passion for the game has been a driving force behind Riccardo’s success.
Their journey is marked by dreams, hard work, and unwavering support. Riccardo Calafiori’s parents worked together to nurture his talent and provide him with the love and encouragement he needed. Their united effort and dedication were crucial in helping the Arsenal player succeed in football.
About Riccardo Calafiori’s Mother:
As much as we hail the father of the Arsenal defender, we do not leave out the woman who brought him into this world. Barbara Calafiori’s input into her child’s success is more than words can describe. We begin with the sleepless nights she was nursing the future rising star to when he became a restless teenager.
See the satisfying smile of approval Riccardo Calafiori’s mom has on her face as she witnesses a big moment for her son.
Although the World Soccer Agency is in charge of the player, Riccardo’s mom was always by her son’s side. She made sure she was present in every contract being signed. This shows how protective Barbara is of her only son’s future.
Barbara never left her sweet boy alone in all these stages of being a mother. They were so close that Riccardo’s first post was dedicated to her after recovering from his injuries. In his words, the gifted athlete wrote, “Mom, look, I can play football again”. We can imagine her facial expressions when she must have seen the writings her only son penned to honour her. They share a very loving mother-and-son bond that no one can break.
About Riccardo Calafiori’s Sister:
Rebecca Calafiori is the only girl in the family with her older brother. As the only sibling, she was left to put up with her brother’s antics and shenanigans as children. Nonetheless, the talented centre-back adores her. We can imagine that in their early childhood, Riccardo Calafiori’s sister must have, at a point, played football with him.
The most important person who is close to the heart of Arsenal’s centre-back is his only sister.
However, as Rebecca grew into adulthood, she didn’t venture into the sports like James Reece’s sister, Lauren Reece. Instead, she carved a path as a dancer. The two Calafiori siblings had only themselves as kids and thus could communicate and protect each other like no one else.
About Riccardo Calafiori’s Father:
Alberto Calafiori affectionately nicknamed his son “Ruspa,” which translates to “Bulldozer” in English. This name reflected his admiration for the tactical titan’s unyielding drive to achieve his dreams. Alberto’s unwavering support has been a cornerstone of his son’s success. And his story is incomplete without acknowledging the sacrifices he made.
Riccardo Calafiori’s Father, Alberto, has always been his rock.
When Riccardo was young, his training centre was a gruelling four-hour drive from home. Every day, Alberto took on that exhausting journey. Even though it often clashed with his job and personal life. No matter how tough things got, he never let these challenges hinder his son’s ambitions.
The athletic virtuoso deeply felt the weight of his father’s sacrifices. As soon as he could, he bought his parents a house to express his heartfelt gratitude. Riccardo Calafiori’s father’s steadfast support and selflessness were crucial. Thus highlighting a profound and touching bond between father and son.
About Riccardo Calafiori’s Grandmother:
Eleonora Calafiori is the late grandparent of the Italian footballer. She passed away a few years back after a brief illness. However, we do not have full details about who she was and her life story. We are sure that during the period she was alive, Riccardo’s granny doted on her grandchildren and showed them immense love.
Riccardo Calafiori Family Origin:
The centre-back is a full-bred Italian. This means that his father, Alberto Calafiori, and his mother, Barbara Calafiori, are natives of Italy. Nonetheless, we know that Riccardo grew up in the Aurelio Neighbourhood, which is being highlighted on the map here.
This is Aurelio Neighbourhood, the hometown of the footballer.
What do we know about Riccardo Calafiori’s birthplace? Aurelio is a 24-minute drive from the capital, Rome. And one would pass the great Vatican City, the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. Aurelio is a hilly suburb with a breathtaking view of the iconic dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Nonetheless, Byzantine-style architecture, usually dated from 330 AD and made in the reign of Constantine the Great, fills the Russian Orthodox church of Santa Caterina Martire. Almost daily in Riccardo Calafiori’s hometown, dance shows and plays are staged at Ghione Theatre. Meanwhile, neat apartment blocks and local shops line busy streets with family-friendly pizzerias and buffet eateries that leave the mouths of its eaters watering.
Riccardo Calafiori’s Ethnicity:
The City of Rome is a melting pot of cultures and ethnic groups. While most of the people in Rome are Italian, Riccardo is part of this predominant group, enjoying a rich cultural heritage in a city that blends tradition with vibrant diversity.
Who is Riccardo Calafiori Dating?
Over the years, Riccardo has sported various looks, from a bald head to shoulder-length hair, and he always looks stunning. It’s no surprise that he has a lot of fans who adore him. This led the footballer’s lovers to ask who Riccardo Calafiori’s girlfriend was. It is no other than Benedetta Beomi.
The Arsenal centre back riding with his beautiful girlfriend, Benedetta Beomi. Photo: Tribuna.
Let’s get to know a bit more about Riccardo Calafiori’s girlfriend. Benedetta Beomi is one of Itally’s influencer and model. She is regarded as one of the most beautiful Wags in Serie A and has won accolades for her fabulous physique. Benedetta, who is 27 at the time of writing, arrived in the world on the 19th of January, 1997. And this makes her five years older than Calafiori.
Riccardo Calafiori’s girlfriend gained popularity when she showed up on a live coverage of an Italian Serie A game. During a live interview with Giorgia Rossi on DAZN, she surprised everyone by showing up and kissing Riccardo on air. This bold gesture was her way of confirming their relationship. It let everyone know that Riccardo was off the market.
Riccardo Calafiori’s Cheating allegations:
Yet, there are rumours that these two are no longer in a relationship. The Arsenal centre-back has not confirmed this. Nonetheless, what led to this suggestion that Riccardo Calafiori’s girlfriend had split ways with the footballer? It was a post that made fans conclude that the love relationship between them was over.
In another post, Riccardo Calafiori’s girlfriend denied she ever made the post. In her words, Benedetta Beomi said: “I have to clarify that I do not have a TikTok profile! Someone is pretending to be me and posting false information! This is my only social media account. I haven’t talked about anything, and I won’t. I ask anyone who has created a fake TikTok page pretending to be me and sharing personal and sensitive information to shut it down immediately, or I will take legal action.”
Riccardo Calafiori Education:
Alberto Calafiori and Barbara Calafiori (Riccardo’s parents) cared for their children. When the time was right, they enrolled him in an excellent local school close to their home. We don’t know the school’s exact name. But, it was a quality school because the centre back speaks fluent English.
Riccardo was also deeply committed to his football training during his school years. He was so dedicated that he wouldn’t let his education get in the way of his practice. Even though his training centre was far from home. This dedication earned him the nickname “Bulldozer” from his father, reflecting his relentless drive and determination to succeed despite obstacles.
Early Football Story:
Who could ensure their son stayed in his dream of being a world-class footballer? It was no other than Riccardo Calafiori’s parents, and they never made it seem like a burden to them. Alberto Riccardo drove four-way to get his son to his training ground. This involved driving for four hours daily to get him to Petriana, his first club.
In return, from an early age, the aspiring star was bringing home trophies and making them proud. Here is a smiling lad holding the trophy as he poses with his honour and teammate.
A rare photo of the rising talent in his early career. Image: gianlucadimarzio.
The young talent took his steps to greatness when he was six years old in Petriana. It is a football club in Rome, the capital of Italy. It is also known as Giallorossi because of its yellow and red jersey colour. He became a part of the youth sector in 2010 and signed his first contract eight years later, on the 16th of June 2018, in AS Roma. At this point, he was playing the left-back position.
Career-Threatening Injury:
The future was looking good. But, in 2019, something drastic happened that shocked everyone on the field. On the 2nd of October, during a youth match, Riccardo suffered a very devastating injury. After a bad tackle from the opposing teammate, all the ligaments in his left knee, the menisci and the capsule were all torn.
The moment Calafiori’s future was put to a stop by these career-ending injuries. Source: Goal
In the words of the doctors who did the MRI scan, the Italian whose career just kicked off might not play again. The injury was so severe it was almost like the left-back was hit by a motor car instead of a human. We could only imagine Riccardo’s pain as he was led out of the field.
So many questions crossed the minds of football fans. Would their favourite budding footballer come back to the field again? Or would his career end like Erling Haaland‘s father did prematurely? Keep reading to find out how the promising prospect made a comeback.
Riccardo Calafiori Biography – Road to Fame:
After a year of inactivity and healing, the breakout athlete returned to the field on the 16th of September 2019. In October, he got his call-up to AS Roma’s first team in the 20/21 season. On the 1st of September 2020, at 18 years old, Riccardo made his debut in a match against Juventus.
Two years later, with the team, the following season, on the 14th of January, Calafiori went on a loan stint to Genoa. Yet, after only three appearances, the Serie A player didn’t give his full performance. And that was because he was faced with some minor injuries. By the end of the transfer, the cricket and football club was relegated to Serie B. While Calafiori returned to As Roma but was sold to Basel.
Riccardo joined the Swiss Super League on the 31st of August in 2022 during the 22/23 football year. The centre-back arrived at the same time as Zeki Amdouni, who was on a loan transfer from Lausanne-Sport. In this new team, the football sensation was unstoppable, playing in 34 games with Basel. Making strides in the national cup and Europa Conference League and even netted a goal. In a word, the Italian, whose career was almost dead, was making a significant rebound.
Rise to Fame Story:
The following season, a new challenge awaited as the defensive dynamo returned to Serie A, joining Bologna on the 31st of August, 2023. The 21-year-old Italian player provided excellent game execution, scoring his first goal 9 months later. After playing 30 games and two goals, the talented centre-back helped them qualify to join the UEFA Champions League. The emergence of Calafiori’s gifted talent and his extraordinary performance brought clubs willing to sign him.
In the race to secure him were clubs like Juventus, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen. They were all suitors trying to win Riccardo’s face and add him to their defence lines. However, Mikel Arteta emerged as the winner as his Arsenal side acquired him in a transfer deal worth €50 million on the 29th of July 2024. The Premier League athlete joined David Raya (GK), who signed a permanent contract, and he became defensive teammates with Jurrien Timber (CB), Gabriel Magalhães, and William Saliba.
Riccardo Calafiori’s International Career:
The Italian youth national teams have employed Calafiori since the Under-15s. He joined the under-21 team in August 2021 after replacing Destiny Udogie, qualifying for the 2023 European Championship. And then became part of the senior team three years later, in 2024, under the management of Luciano Spalletti. The son of the soil made his debut on the 4th of June, substituting Federico Dimarco.
Calafiori was also part of the final Euro squad in 2024. At 22 years old, he became the second youngest Italian to join in the European Championship. Although his country’s club was eliminated, the centre-back made waves with his performance, earning him an Arsenal call. The rest is history, they said.
Lifestyle:
Riccardo Calafiori’s choice to keep his car and house private shows a lot about him as an athlete. By not showing off his wealth, he shows his focus on football and his values. The Arsenal centre-back is more interested in being recognized for his skills and hard work than his material possessions.
Not making a big deal of his assets suggests Riccardo values his privacy. He wants to focus on his performance rather than his personal life. It shows maturity, professionalism, and dedication to his sport. The Serie A star prefers to let his achievements speak for themselves.
Personality:
The Serie A Player of the Month, Riccardo Calafiori, is making waves on the field with impressive skills. But who is he when he’s not playing football for Arsenal? Off the pitch, Riccardo, a Taurus, is known for being friendly and down-to-earth.
Taurus representatives usually love money and will work hard to earn it. And this is true for Riccardo, seeing how he returned to his career. Moreover, this zodiac shows the athlete’s reliability, challenge, and patience. Calafiori shares this trait with footballers like Faiq Bolkia (LW), Chidozie Ogbene (LW), and Pablo Sarabia (RW).
Riccardo enjoys time with his dog, Blue, when not travelling or on vacation. His down-to-earth nature shows in how he values his personal life. He enjoys exploring new places and relaxing with loved ones. The talented centre-back also dedicates time to the remarkable woman, showing his caring side.
Lifestyle:
Riccardo Calafiori’s choice to keep his car and house private shows a lot about him as an athlete. By not showing off his wealth, he shows his focus on football and his values. The Arsenal centre-back is more interested in being recognized for his skills and hard work than his material possessions.
Not making a big deal of his assets suggests Riccardo values his privacy. He wants to focus on his performance rather than his personal life. It shows maturity, professionalism, and dedication to his sport. The Serie A star prefers to let his achievements speak for themselves.
Riccardo’s down-to-earth attitude also makes him more relatable to fans and peers. He avoids the usual celebrity showiness. This helps him connect with others and stay approachable. His modesty boosts his good reputation. It reminds us that success is about character and actions, not just wealth.
Untold Facts:
The former left-back player has made remarkable progress in his career. From a hopeless and almost dead situation to reviving and moving to one of the top clubs in the world. The comeback Riccardo made is astonishing and odd-defying. However, there are some intriguing additional details that this centre back.
Riccardo Calafiori’s FIFA:
The left-foot player is remarkable for his powerful techniques and shooting prowess. Riccardo’s stamina, strength and jumping are good combinations of his power on the pitch. And that is why FIFA gives him a rating of 76 per cent with a potential of reaching 85 per cent. In addition, his defence skills are top-notch and on a clean slate. This image shows a fusion of his skills on the field.
Riccardo Calafiori’s Religion:
Is the former Bologna star a Christian or a Muslim? Or does he practice any religion other than the ones mentioned? There is no concrete proof that the centre back is a member of the popular known faith. However, records show that 84% of Italians are Christians. His name, Riccardo, has a Christian origin, meaning powerful leader. We could lean towards the fact that he could be a part of Christianity.
Riccardo Calafiori’s Tattoos:
Apart from being physically good-looking, the spirited Arsenal teammate has turned his body into a work of art. Riccado has a colosseum drawing on his arm; on his fingers, he has a matching drawing of his girlfriend. It makes him look gorgeous to his heartthrob and a walking masterpiece that makes everyone’s heart flutter with glee.
EndNote:
Riccardo Calafiori came onto this earth on the 19th of May 2002 to his parents- Alberto Calafiori and his mother, Barbara Calafiori, in Italy. And he uses the nicknames “Ruspa” and “Bulldozer”. The centre-back is the first boy, followed by his younger sister, Rebecca Calafiori. The Italian footballer grew up in Aurelio with his father, Alberto, his mother, Barbara, his sister, Rebecca, and his grandmother, Eleonora.
The young talent took his steps to greatness when he was six years old in Petriana. He became a part of the youth sector in 2010 and signed his first contract eight years later, on the 16th of June 2018, in AS Roma. On the 2nd of October, during a youth match, Riccardo suffered a very devastating injury. After a bad tackle from the opposing teammate, all the ligaments in his left knee, the menisci and the capsule were all torn.
After a year, the breakout athlete returned to the field on the 16th of September 2019. In October, he got his call-up to AS Roma’s first team in the 20/21 season. The following season, on the 14th of January, Calafiori went on a loan stint to Genoa. Riccardo joined the Swiss Super League on the 31st of August in 2022 during the 22/23 football year. The following season, a new challenge awaited as he returned to Serie A, joining Bologna on the 31st of August, 2023.
Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal got a deal worth €50 million on Riccardo on the 29th of July 2024. The Italian youth national teams have employed Calafiori since the Under-15s. Calafiori was also part of the final squad in the UEFA EURO in 2024. At 22 years, the Seri A star becomes the second youngest Italian to join in the European Championship. The Player of the Month is considered one of the most promising players of his generation. And the rest is history, they said.
Riccardo Calafiori’s girlfriend. Benedetta Beomi is one of Itally’s influencer and model. Benedetta, who is 27 as of July 2024, was born on the 19th of January, 1997. And this makes her five years older than Calafiori. Yet, there are rumours that these two are no longer in a relationship. The Arsenal centre-back has not confirmed this. They seem to be waxing stronger than ever.
Appreciation:
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