Born on January 8, 1998, Manuel Locatelli is a prominent Italian professional footballer recognized for his calm demeanor in the midfield. Currently playing as a defensive midfielder for both Juventus and the Italian national team, Locatelli is acclaimed for his strategic acumen, technical skill, and adaptability. Having emerged from the prestigious AC Milan academy, he has developed into one of Italy's most dependable midfield players.

Locatelli's early potential was realized at Milan, where he made his debut as a young player and scored impressive goals, demonstrating his ability to perform in crucial situations. His career picked up speed during his time at Sassuolo and Juventus, where he exhibited resilience and flexibility. On the international scene, he celebrated success with Italy's squad that won UEFA Euro 2020, making a lasting impact on the global football scene.

As a pivotal presence in midfield, Locatelli's journey remains a source of fascination for both fans and critics, embodying the strength and grace of Italian football.

Significant Career Highlights

From his early development at Atalanta and AC Milan to becoming a key player for Juventus, Locatelli's career is filled with significant achievements.

AC Milan Breakthrough: Locatelli made his mark on the football scene by scoring two spectacular goals during the 2016–17 Serie A season, one of which was a memorable strike against Juventus. This phase of his career also led him to claim his first professional trophy, the 2016 Supercoppa Italiana.

Sassuolo Development: During his time at Sassuolo, Locatelli honed his skills, transforming into a well-rounded midfielder under the tutelage of Roberto De Zerbi. His impressive performances garnered the attention of top clubs across Europe, solidifying his status as one of the premier midfield talents in Serie A.

Juventus Achievements and International Triumph: After joining Juventus in 2021, Locatelli quickly established himself as an essential player, contributing important goals and being awarded the captaincy. On the international front, his role in Italy's Euro 2020 victory, highlighted by two goals against Switzerland, secured his place in the history of the Azzurri.

Performance Metrics

Manuel Locatelli's career exemplifies his capability to consistently deliver strong performances and make significant contributions at the top levels of both club and international football. His path has been marked by his tenure at prestigious Italian clubs and his crucial role within the Italian national team. Throughout his career, Locatelli has surpassed 200 appearances in Serie A, highlighting his adaptability and significance in midfield at various clubs such as AC Milan, Sassuolo, and Juventus. His influence on the pitch extends beyond just appearances; he has also scored pivotal goals during critical moments in tournaments like Serie A, the UEFA Champions League, and for the Italian national team.

Locatelli’s role as a leader has been a crucial element of his career. Since joining Juventus in 2021, his performances and strong character propelled him into a leadership role within the team, and he was appointed as the captain of Juventus in November 2024. His ability to lead both on and off the pitch demonstrates his maturity and capacity to manage the pressures associated with being the captain of one of Italy’s most prestigious clubs. Moreover, Locatelli played a vital role in Italy’s successful Euro 2020 campaign, scoring two goals that significantly contributed to Italy's victory in the tournament, further solidifying his status among Italian football fans.

Throughout his club career, Locatelli has recorded notable statistics across various competitions. While at AC Milan, he made 48 appearances from 2015 to 2018, contributing 2 goals and 3 assists. His tenure at Sassuolo from 2018 to 2021 saw his impact increase, with 99 appearances, 7 goals, and 9 assists. After moving to Juventus in 2021, he further cemented his significance by playing 95 matches, scoring 6 goals, and providing 12 assists.

Locatelli's journey with the national team has seen him excel at various youth levels before making a notable impact on the senior squad. He accumulated 31 caps and netted 3 goals while representing Italy's U17 to U21 teams. His senior international career has been equally impressive, featuring 44 caps and scoring 3 goals, highlighting his essential contribution to Italy's midfield.

Team

Season

Matches Played

Goals

Assists

AC Milan

2015–2018

48

Two

Three

Sassuolo

2018–2021

Ninety-nine

7

9

Juventus

2021–2024

95

6

12

Overall

242

15

24

National Squad

Appearances

Objectives

Italy Under-17 to Under-21

31

3

Italy National Team

44

3

Resilience and Comebacks

The trajectory of Locatelli’s career exemplifies his resilience and mental strength. His journey, from facing limited chances at AC Milan to becoming an essential player at Sassuolo, highlights his determination. Even when advised to pursue loan transfers, Locatelli believed in his abilities and thrived with consistent playing time.

Joining Juventus represented a significant turning point in his career, as he adjusted effortlessly to the increased expectations. Throughout this journey, Locatelli has encountered both personal and professional challenges, such as injuries and intense competition, yet his dedication to personal and professional development has always triumphed.

Heritage

Manuel Locatelli is quickly establishing himself as a key figure in modern Italian midfield play. His role in Italy's victory in Euro 2020 was crucial in reigniting the nation's footballing spirit, with Locatelli exemplifying the fundamental qualities of resilience and tactical brilliance that define Italian football. This triumph not only represented a major milestone for Italy but also cemented Locatelli's status in the annals of the country's football history, highlighting his capacity to excel under pressure on the global stage.

Locatelli's leadership flourished when he was appointed captain of Juventus in November 2024, a recognition that showcased both his footballing acumen and his character. As the captain of Juventus, Locatelli has established himself as a fundamental part of the club's midfield, steering his teammates through difficult times and playing a crucial role in the ongoing success of Juventus. This leadership position enhances his reputation as an essential figure in both club and international football.

Furthermore, Locatelli’s journey serves as a source of inspiration for young midfielders and aspiring footballers around the globe. His journey, characterized by hard work, patience, and an unwavering belief in himself, exemplifies the benefits of persistence in the realm of professional football. Young athletes looking up to Locatelli can find motivation in his achievements, realizing that a combination of talent, determination, and dedication can lead to significant success.

Future Prospects

Locatelli has a promising future ahead, with numerous milestones approaching. As Juventus aims for success both nationally and internationally, Locatelli is expected to be a crucial player. Additionally, his ongoing role in the Italian national team establishes him as an important contender for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

As he approaches the peak of his career, Locatelli's blend of experience and talent is set to make him invaluable to both his club and the national team. Both supporters and analysts are keenly looking forward to the upcoming chapters of this remarkable journey.