Federico Chiesa is a professional Italian footballer who plays as a forward for Liverpool FC and the Italy national team. As of early 2026, he remains a key figure in Arne Slot’s squad, having been a part of the 2024/25 Premier League title-winning team. Known for his explosive pace, technical dribbling, and versatility across the front line, Chiesa rose to global prominence during Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph, where he was named in the Team of the Tournament. In the current 2025/26 season, he has largely featured as an “impact substitute,” contributing vital goals and assists in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League. Despite recurring rumors of a return to Serie A with Juventus in the January 2026 transfer window, Liverpool continues to value him as a high-level attacking rotation option.
Career Origins and Rise to Stardom
Early Years and Fiorentina Debut
Federico Chiesa was born in Genoa in 1997, the son of legendary Italian striker Enrico Chiesa. He joined the Fiorentina youth academy in 2007, where he spent nearly a decade honing his craft before making his senior professional debut at the age of 18 against Juventus in August 2016.
During his time with La Viola, Chiesa became the face of the club, making 153 appearances and scoring 34 goals. His ability to play on either wing or as a second striker made him one of the most sought-after young talents in Europe, eventually leading to a high-profile move to Juventus in 2020.
The Juventus Transformation
Chiesa moved to Juventus initially on a two-year loan in October 2020, a deal that was later made permanent. In Turin, he evolved into a world-class winger, famously scoring crucial goals in the Champions League knockout stages against Porto and winning two Coppa Italia titles (2021, 2024).
His time at Juventus was a mixture of extreme highs and significant challenges. While he became a fan favorite for his “never-say-die” attitude, a major ACL injury in January 2022 sidelined him for nearly ten months, a period that tested his physical and mental resilience before his eventual move to the Premier League.
Euro 2020 and National Hero Status
Federico’s legacy is cemented by his performances during Euro 2020 (played in 2021). He scored two of Italy’s most important goals in the tournament—an extra-time strike against Austria in the Round of 16 and the opener in the semi-final against Spain at Wembley.
He finished the tournament as a European champion and was recognized by UEFA as one of the best players on the continent. In 2026, he remains a central pillar for the Azzurri under Gennaro Gattuso, aiming to lead Italy through the March European Play-Offs to secure a spot in the upcoming World Cup.
Liverpool Era and 2026 Status
Signing for Liverpool in 2024
In August 2024, Federico Chiesa completed a transfer to Liverpool FC for a fee of approximately £12.5 million. The move was seen as one of the most efficient pieces of business in the window, providing the Reds with an experienced, high-output alternative to Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz.
In his debut season (2024/25), Chiesa earned a Premier League winner’s medal, contributing mostly in domestic cup competitions and as a tactical sub in high-stakes league games. His first goal for the club came in the FA Cup against Accrington Stanley in January 2025.
Current 2025/26 Season Performance
As of January 2026, Chiesa has made 22 appearances across all competitions this season. While he has only started once in the Premier League, his efficiency off the bench has been notable; he has registered two goals and three assists in limited minutes.
Arne Slot has praised Chiesa’s professionalism, recently stating that his ability to fill in as a Number 9 has been invaluable while Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak faced injury layoffs. His 2026 stats show he remains in the 99th percentile for “Shots Total” per 90 minutes among Premier League forwards.
2026 Transfer Rumors and Future
The January 2026 transfer window has seen intense speculation regarding a return to Juventus. Reports suggest Chiesa was “willing to take a pay cut” to force a move for more regular playing time ahead of the World Cup, but Liverpool has held firm on a permanent valuation of £13m–£17m.
With the transfer deadline approaching, it appears most likely that Chiesa will stay at Anfield for the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign. His focus remains on helping Liverpool in their current unbeaten run and securing his place in the Italy squad for the summer.
Physics, Family, and Tactical Resilience
A Passion for Physics and the Stars
One of Federico Chiesa’s most unique traits is his self-confessed obsession with physics and the universe. In a late 2025 interview with Sky Sports, he revealed that if he weren’t a footballer, he would have likely pursued a degree in physics or space science, citing a deep-seated curiosity about “how the world works” on a fundamental level.
Chiesa has mentioned that movies like Interstellar helped fuel his interest in cosmology. In 2026, he is known within the Liverpool dressing room for his high “footballing IQ,” often applying a logical and analytical mindset to tactical drills—a trait Arne Slot has noted as vital for the “structured pressing” required in the modern Premier League.
The Enrico Chiesa Connection
The shadow of his father, Enrico Chiesa, has been a source of motivation rather than pressure for Federico. Enrico, a prolific striker for Parma and Fiorentina, was actually a goal-scorer at Anfield during Euro 96, nearly 30 years before his son would call the stadium home.
The relationship is built on professional mentorship; Enrico famously kept Federico grounded during his teenage years when his physical frame was considered “too frail” for elite football. By 2026, Federico has surpassed his father’s international legacy, but he frequently credits his “instinct for goal” to the early days spent in the family living room, where Enrico would repeatedly instruct a toddler-aged Federico to “Shoot! Shoot the ball!”
Role in the 2024/25 Premier League Title
Although his 2024/25 season was hampered by a lack of rhythm and adjustment to the English game, Chiesa was a vital “squad glue” during Liverpool’s title charge. He officially qualified for a Premier League winner’s medal through the club’s discretionary allocation, having appeared in a handful of high-stakes matches that secured the trophy.
His contribution went beyond minutes played; his arrival for a bargain £10 million fee from Juventus allowed Arne Slot to rotate veteran stars like Mohamed Salah during congested Christmas fixtures. His tactical role as a “wide-drifter” helped stretch low-block defenses, proving to be the ultimate low-risk, high-reward signing for the 2024/25 champions.
Overcoming the “Frail” Label
Early in his youth career at Fiorentina, coaches doubted Chiesa’s ability to turn professional due to his late physical development. This period of being “overlooked” forged his trademark work rate and defensive diligence, which are atypical for such a high-profile winger.
In 2026, this resilience is visible in his defensive stats; Chiesa consistently ranks highly for “successful pressures” and “tackle attempts” among forwards. This “defensive forward” profile is a key reason why he was identified by Liverpool’s data-led recruitment team as the perfect tactical fit for a post-Klopp era.
2026 Tactical Comparison and Drills
The “Slot System” vs. The “Allegri Era”
- Juventus (Allegri): Chiesa was often forced into a rigid central role as a second striker, which he publicly admitted stifled his creativity.
- Liverpool (Slot): He operates with more freedom, either as a classic wide-winger or an “inverted 9,” allowing him to use his pace in the channels.
Chiesa’s Signature “Burst” Drill
Phase 1: Receive the ball with back to goal at the halfway line.
Phase 2: Immediate 180-degree turn using the “soft touch” technique.
Phase 3: 20-meter sprint into the “half-space” between the center-back and full-back.
Phase 4: Low-driven finish across the keeper into the bottom corner.
FAQs
What does Federico Chiesa study in his spare time?
He has a significant interest in physics and cosmology, often reading about the universe and space science to relax away from football.
Did Federico Chiesa win the Premier League?
Yes, he was part of the Liverpool squad that won the 2024/25 Premier League title, earning a winner’s medal for his contributions throughout the campaign.
Is Chiesa’s father a famous footballer?
Yes, his father is Enrico Chiesa, a legendary Italian striker who played for Parma, Fiorentina, and Italy, and even scored at Anfield in Euro 96.
What is Chiesa’s favorite movie?
He has cited Interstellar as a favorite, largely due to its focus on physics and the mysteries of the universe.
Why did he move to Liverpool for such a low fee?
He moved for £10-12 million because his contract at Juventus was nearing its end, and he had been deemed surplus to requirements by their new management.
What is his tactical role at Liverpool in 2026?
He primarily acts as a versatile forward option, filling in on both wings or as a false nine to provide rotation for stars like Salah and Wirtz.
How did Enrico Chiesa help Federico’s career?
Enrico acted as a mentor and coach, particularly during Federico’s youth when he struggled with his physical development and doubted his own potential.
Did Chiesa have a dog named after a movie star?
Yes, he famously named his dog Marlon Brando, though he humorously clarified in an interview that he isn’t necessarily a “fan” of the actor, he just liked the name.
What is “The Chiesa Song” sung by Liverpool fans?
The song, which references him being a “Kopite now,” went viral on social media after his wife was seen jokingly singing it at home.
Is he still injured in 2026?
As of January 2026, he is fit and available, though he manages his workload carefully due to his past ACL injury history.
Where does Federico Chiesa play in 2026?
He plays as a forward for Liverpool FC in the English Premier League and represents the Italy national team.
Is Federico Chiesa going back to Juventus?
While there were strong rumors in January 2026, Liverpool reportedly refused loan offers, preferring a permanent deal that has yet to materialize.
What is Chiesa’s shirt number at Liverpool?
He wears the number 14 shirt, previously worn by club legends like Jordan Henderson and Xabi Alonso.
How many goals has Chiesa scored for Liverpool?
As of late January 2026, he has scored a total of 4 goals for the club across two seasons.
Who is Federico Chiesa’s father?
His father is Enrico Chiesa, a famous Italian striker who played for clubs like Parma, Fiorentina, and the Italian national team.
What happened to Chiesa’s ACL?
He suffered an ACL tear in his left knee during a match against Roma in January 2022, which required surgery and a long rehabilitation process.
Can Federico Chiesa play as a striker?
Yes, manager Arne Slot has frequently used him as a central “Number 9” during the 2025/26 season due to injuries in the squad.
What are Chiesa’s key skills?
He is best known for his dribbling, acceleration, and powerful long-range shooting with both feet.
Is Chiesa playing in the 2026 World Cup?
Italy must first navigate the European Play-Offs in March 2026; if they qualify, Chiesa is expected to be a starter for Gennaro Gattuso’s side.
What is Federico Chiesa’s market value in 2026?
His estimated market value is approximately €18m–€20m, reflecting his role as a high-quality squad player for an elite club.
To read more , click here