Daniele De Rossi
A long-serving Roma captain who won the 2006 World Cup and currently coaches Genoa.
Daniele De Rossi is an Italian former professional player and current manager, born on 24 July 1983. He played primarily as a central defensive midfielder, spending most of his career with AS Roma before moving to Boca Juniors in 2019 and retiring in January 2020. He won the 2006 FIFA World Cup with Italy.
- Role
- Central Defensive Midfielder
- Current Status
- Head Coach of Genoa
- Roma Appearances
- 616
- Italy Caps
- 117
- Italy Goals
- 21
- Debut Season
- 2001–02
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
De Rossi joined Roma's youth system from Ostiamare in 2000, where he had played as a striker. He made his first-team debut on 30 October 2001 against Anderlecht. After 18 seasons with the club, he left at the end of the 2018–19 season with 616 appearances, making him Roma's second-most capped player behind Francesco Totti. He inherited the captaincy in the 2017–18 season following Totti's retirement and helped the team reach the Champions League semi-final. He joined Boca Juniors in summer 2019 and retired from playing in January 2020.
In Their Own Story
On 19 March 2006, during a match against Messina, De Rossi scored an equalizer after the ball deflected off his hand. The referee did not see the infraction, but De Rossi immediately admitted to pushing the ball with his hand, leading to the goal being disallowed. This act of fair play occurred despite Roma eventually winning 2–1 and him suffering an ankle injury.
Reader's Guide
De Rossi is known for his time at Roma, where he won two Coppa Italia titles (2007, 2008) and one Supercoppa Italiana (2007). He was named Serie A Young Footballer of the Year in 2006 and Italian Footballer of the Year in 2009. Internationally, he won the 2004 European Under-21 Championship and an Olympic bronze medal in 2004. He earned 117 caps for Italy, scoring 21 goals, making him the highest-scoring Italian midfielder since World War II.
Did You Know?
- He admitted to handballing a goal against Messina in 2006, leading the referee to disallow it.
- He is Roma's second-most capped player of all time with 616 appearances, behind only Francesco Totti.
- With 21 goals for Italy, he is the highest-scoring Italian midfielder since World War II.
- He joined Boca Juniors in 2019 and retired from playing just six months later in January 2020.
A One-Club Legend: The Roma Era
De Rossi made his Serie A debut on 25 January 2003 against Como. His first league goal came on 10 May 2003 against Torino. He won the Coppa Italia in 2007 and 2008, and the Supercoppa Italiana in 2007. In the 2017–18 season, he became captain after Francesco Totti retired. At the end of the 2018–19 season, he left Roma after 18 seasons.
International Glory and Record-Breaking Service
De Rossi represented Italy from under-19 to senior levels. He won the 2004 European Under-21 Championship and an Olympic bronze medal in 2004. From his senior debut in 2004 until retiring from the national team in 2017, he earned 117 caps. He is Italy's joint fourth-highest capped player and most capped midfielder. With 21 goals, he is Italy's all-time second-most prolific midfielder behind Adolfo Baloncieri.
Defining Moments of Character and Skill
On 19 March 2006, De Rossi admitted to handballing a goal against Messina, causing it to be disallowed. He scored from 40 yards against Fiorentina on 5 November 2006. In the 2017–18 season as captain, he led Roma to their first Champions League semi-final in the Champions League era.
Final Chapters and Managerial Transition
De Rossi joined Boca Juniors in summer 2019 and retired from professional football in January 2020. He is currently the head coach of Serie A club Genoa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Daniele De Rossi?
He is an Italian former professional footballer who spent the majority of his career at AS Roma as their captain and defensive midfielder. Born in Rome, he emerged from the club's youth academy to become one of its most celebrated legends.
What was his primary role on the field?
De Rossi operated primarily as a box-to-box or defensive midfielder known for his tactical intelligence and physical strength. He orchestrated play by breaking up opposition attacks and initiating counter-attacks with precise passing.
Why is he considered so important to AS Roma?
His importance stems from wearing the captain's armband for over a decade while embodying the club's passion and loyalty. Fans view him as the eternal heart of the team because he never left despite offers from bigger clubs.
When did his career begin with the club?
He made his professional debut in the early 2000s after progressing through the youth system at AS Roma. His rise coincided with a period where he quickly established himself as a key first-team player.
What is his current status with the team?
De Rossi has retired from professional football and now serves as an ambassador for the club. He remains a symbolic figure who represents the identity and spirit of the Giallorossi to new generations.
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