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Leonardo BonucciCavaliere OMRI (Italian pronunciation:[leoˈnardoboˈnuttʃi]; born 1 May 1987) is an Italian former professional footballer who played as a centre-back.[4][5][6] Considered one of the best defenders of his generation, he was known for his technique, ball-playing skills, tackling and his ability to play in either a three or four-man defence.[7][8]
After beginning his career with Inter Milan in 2005, Bonucci spent the next few seasons on loan at Treviso and Pisa, before moving to Bari in 2009. His defensive performances alongside fellow Italian centre-back Andrea Ranocchia earned him a move to Juventus the following season, where he later became a key member of the club's three-man defensive line, alongside Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli, establishing himself as one of the best defenders in world football. Among other titles, he went on to win six consecutive Serie A titles with the team between 2012 and 2017, having also played two UEFA Champions League finals in 2015 and 2017. In 2017, he moved to AC Milan, and one season later returned to Juventus, winning two more consecutive league titles.
At the international level, Bonucci earned over 120 caps between his senior debut in 2010 and 2023, representing Italy at two FIFA World Cups (2010 and 2014), three European Championships, (2012, 2016, and 2020), and a FIFA Confederations Cup (2013); he won Euro 2020, earned a runners-up medal at Euro 2012, and claimed a third-place medal at the 2013 Confederations Cup.
Bonucci started his career in the youth ranks of his hometown club Viterbese but was loaned to Inter Milan in the summer of 2005.[9] He played a number of pre-season friendlies for the Inter first team.[10][11][12][13] He then became a member of the Inter U20 team.[14]
On 14 May 2006, Bonucci made his Serie A debut in the last match of the 2005–06 season, in a 2–2 away draw against Cagliari, which was Inter's 3,500th competitive match.[15][16] On 7 July 2006, Inter bought Bonucci outright.[17]
He played his first Coppa Italia match against Messina on 9 November 2006 when he came off the bench forFabio Grosso in the 86th minute. Bonucci featured in two more Coppa Italia games for Inter that season when he was brought on for the substituted Walter Samuel at half-time during the quarter-final second leg match against Empoli, and as a starter in the semi-final second leg tie against Sampdoria.
In January 2007, Inter sold 50% of Bonucci's registration rights to Treviso, along with 50% of the registration rights for fellow Primavera team-mate Daniel Maa Boumsong. At that time Bonucci was tagged for a peppercorn fee of €500.[18] Bonucci subsequently remained at Inter until 30 June 2007[19] while Maa Boumsong returned from Treviso where he spent the first half of the season on loan. During Bonucci's last season with the Inter's youth side, he won the Campionato Nazionale Primavera (the national youth league title).
On 1 July 2007, Bonucci and Maa Boumsong formally became players of Treviso after their loan contract back to Inter had expired, as well as the renewal of the co-ownerships in June 2007. At Treviso, Bonucci made 20 starts in 27 Serie B appearances as one of the regular starters.[20]
In June 2008, among the other Inter youth products, Bonucci was the only player that was bought back from Treviso.[21] However, he was loaned back to Treviso for the 2008–09 season. According to a Treviso filing named Tabella N°5 – circolare Co.Vi.So.C. prot. N°4051.4/GC/pc del 11 maggio 2005 in their 2007–08 financial report, Bonucci was sold for a €700,000 fee.[22]
Bonucci played 13 Serie B matches for Treviso before leaving for another fellow Serie B side Pisa on loan.[23]
On 8 June 2009, Bonucci underwent a medical examination at Genoa.[24] On 1 July, Inter officially announced that Bonucci,[25] along with Acquafresca,[26]Bolzoni[25] and Meggiorini[25] had been transferred to Genoa, as part of the deal that sent Diego Milito[26] and Thiago Motta[25] to Inter. Moreover, Ivan Fatić who was co-contracted ("co-owned") between Chievo and Inter, became co-contracted between Chievo and Genoa instead, according to a news article by La Gazzetta dello Sport.[27] Bonucci was valued at €3 million at that time.[28][29]
On 2 July, he was transferred to Bari from Genoa, on a co-ownership deal, for €1.75 million,[28] along with Meggiorini (also on a co-ownership deal), Matteo Paro (on loan), Andrea Ranocchia (on loan) and Giuseppe Greco (on loan).
At Bari he became a first team player in central defence under head coach Gian Piero Ventura, showing a composed yet strong and effective defensive playing style. He formed an extremely strong defensive partnership with Andrea Ranocchia which was so effective that, as of the midway point in the 2009–10 season, Bari had the second best defensive record in Serie A. The strong partnership ended after Ranocchia got injured half-way through the season and was ruled out for the remaining fixtures.
On 1 July 2010, Bonucci was signed by Juventus on a four-year contract for a total of €15.5 million fee[30] from Bari; Bari bought Bonucci from Genoa outright for €8 million.[31] However, Genoa and Bari used part of the transfer receivables to sign the remaining 50% registration rights of Domenico Criscito[32] and 50% of the registration rights of Sergio Bernardo Almirón from Juventus.[33] Bonucci was assigned the shirt number 19.[34]
Partnered with Italy teammate Giorgio Chiellini in defence, Bonucci was immediately drafted into the starting line-up for the first matches of the season making his competitive debut at Shamrock Rovers in the Europa League and scoring his first goal for Juventus in the Europa League play-off match against Sturm Graz.[35]
The following season, due to the presence of veteran of Andrea Barzagli, it was expected that Bonucci would compete with him for a starting place alongside Chiellini in a four-man defence, as the club's new manager Antonio Conte was known for his preference for the 4–2–4 formation, a variant upon the 4–4–2 formation. However, after experimenting with several tactical systems, Conte eventually decided to play all three players in a three-man defence aided by wingbacks in a 3–5–2 formation, and Bonucci established himself once again in the starting eleven alongside Chiellini and Barzagli.[36] Due to their performances together, the three-man defence earned the nickname BBC, a reference to the players' initials.[37] Soon, the trio established themselves as one of the best defences in world football during the following seasons.[38][39][40] On 2 April 2012 Juventus announced that he had signed a new 5-year contract[41] effective on 1 July 2012. Bonucci won his first major title, the 2011–12 Scudetto, and contributed two goals as Juventus finished the season undefeated and with one of the best defensive records in the top fiveEuropean leagues. His good form that season earned him a place in the final UEFA Euro 2012 squad.[36]
Bonucci began the season by winning the 2012 Supercoppa Italiana with Juventus. He made his Champions League debut against Chelsea in the group stage and scored his first goal in the competition against Shaktar Donetsk in October 2012 in a 1–1 draw.[42] In December 2012 Bonucci was criticized for diving in a league game against Palermo on which was described by a number of journalists as "the worst dive ever".[43] He was booked by the referee during the game and subsequently given a one-match ban and a €2000 fine by the authorities.[44] Juventus finished the season by winning the 2012–13 Serie A title.
The following season, Bonucci would help Juventus to defend the Supercoppa Italiana and the Serie A title, although Juventus would suffer a group-stage elimination in the UEFA Champions League. Nevertheless, he helped Juventus to reach the semi-finals of the Europa League, scoring a decisive goal against Lyon in the quarter-finals.[45]
During the 2014–15 season, Bonucci made his 200th appearance with Juventus on 25 January 2015, in a 2–0 win over Chievo.[46] On 6 June 2015, Bonucci started for Juventus in the 2015 UEFA Champions League Final, but were defeated 3–1 by Barcelona at Berlin's Olympiastadion.[47] With 52 appearances, he made the most appearances for Juventus that season across all competitions, along with team-mates Claudio Marchisio and Roberto Pereyra. On 24 November 2015, Bonucci was nominated for the 2015 UEFA Team of the Year.[48] On 2 March 2016, he captained Juventus in the absence of Gianluigi Buffon and Chiellini, scoring the decisive penalty in the resulting shoot-out of the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-finals against Inter, at the San Siro, following a 3–3 draw on aggregate, which allowed Juventus to progress to the final;[49] however, due to the yellow card he received during the match, and having already been booked prior to the fixture, he missed the victorious final against Milan, which saw Juventus capture a domestic double for the second consecutive season,[50] including a record fifth consecutive league title.[51]
During the beginning of the 2016–17 season, Bonucci dedicated time to his ill son Matteo, missing select matches with Juventus and the national team.[52][53] On 27 November, Bonucci suffered a severe thigh strain in an eventual 3–1 away loss to Genoa, sidelining him for up to 60 days.[54] On 19 December, Bonucci penned a new deal with Juventus, keeping him at the club until 2021.[55] On 5 January 2017, Bonucci was named to the 2016 UEFA Team of the Year.[56] On 30 January, Bonucci was named to the 2015–16 Serie A Team of the Year, and was also named the 2016 Serie A Footballer of the Year.[57] Bonucci made his 300th Juventus appearance in a 4–1 home win over Palermo on 17 February;[58] however, after Palermo scored a late goal, Bonucci had an argument on the touchline with coach Massimiliano Allegri, causing the club to fine and omit him from the squad for the first Champions League round of 16 leg with Porto on 22 February.[59] On 17 May, Bonucci scored the last goal of a 2–0 win in the final of the 2016–17 Coppa Italia over Lazio.[60] On 3 June, Bonucci started in his second Champions League Final in three years, but Juventus were defeated 4–1 by defending champions Real Madrid.[61] On 5 June, he was subsequently named to the UEFA Champions League squad of the season.[62]
On 14 July 2017, Bonucci was signed by AC Milan on a five-year contract for a €42 million fee.[63][64] On 4 August 2017, Bonucci was named one of the three finalists for the Defender of the 2016–17 UEFA Champions League season award.[65] Milan's manager Vincenzo Montella subsequently named Bonucci as the team's new captain later that month.[66][67] On 23 October, he was named to the 2017 FIFA FIFPro World11.[68] Although much was expected of Bonucci and Milan, the first half of the 2017–18 season was disappointing both for him and the club, and he drew criticism in the media over the quality of his performances.[69][70][71] He scored his first goal for Milan on 6 January 2018, in a 1–0 home win over Crotone.[72] On 31 March, Bonucci scored the equalising goal against his former team away to Juventus, breaking goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon's record of longest consecutive minutes not conceded in an eventual 3–1 defeat.[73]
In 2024, Bonucci claimed it was the newly appointed Elliott club management that decided to part ways with him, allegedly in accordance with their policy of cutting higher costs and focusing on younger players.[74]
Bonucci, here captaining Juventus, celebrating with his teammates in 2021
On 2 August 2018, Bonucci returned to Juventus as part of a swap deal with Milan involving Mattia Caldara; both Bonucci and Caldara were tagged for €35 million transfer fee. He signed a five-year contract until 30 June 2023.[75][76]
Bonucci made his return for Juventus as a big body man in their opening Serie A match on 18 August, a 3–2 away win over Chievo, contributing to Juventus's temporary equaliser, an own goal by Mattia Bani.[77][78] On 29 September 2018, Bonucci scored his first goal for Juventus since his return from Milan, the final goal of a 3–1 home win over Napoli.[79] On 2 October, he made his 50th Champions League appearance in a 3–0 home win over Young Boys.[80][81]
On 2 April 2019, Bonucci marked his 250th Serie A appearance with Juventus by scoring the opening goal in a 2–0 away win against Cagliari.[82][83] However, following the match, he was heavily criticised by several prominent figures after stating that teammate Moise Kean was partly to blame for the racial abuse he suffered from the crowd;[84] England international Raheem Sterling deemed the comments 'laughable',[85] while compatriot Mario Balotelli, English singer Stormzy,[86] and former Juventus player Paul Pogba also criticised Bonucci's comments.[87] Bonucci implied that Kean's goal celebration caused further jeers, stating to Sky Sport Italia: "Kean knows that when he scores a goal, he has to focus on celebrating with his teammates. He knows he could've done something differently too. There were racist jeers after the goal, Blaise [Matuidi} heard it and was angered. I think the blame is 50–50, because Moise shouldn't have done that and the Curva should not have reacted that way. We are professionals, we have to set the example and not provoke anyone." Later, he made a post on Instagram which read "Regardless of everything, in any case... no to racism."[84] In response to the criticism, the following day, Bonucci posted on Instagram: "After 24 hours I want to clarify my feelings. Yesterday I was interviewed right at the end of the game, and my words have been clearly misunderstood, probably because I was too hasty in the way I expressed my thoughts. Hours and years wouldn't be enough to talk about this topic. I firmly condemn all forms of racism and discrimination. The abuses are not acceptable at all and this must not be misunderstood."[88]
After Chiellini suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury at the beginning of the 2019–20 season, Bonucci captained Juventus in his absence.[89] In November 2019, he signed a new contract with the club, running until 2024.[90]
On 20 September 2020, Bonucci scored in Juventus's opening match of the 2020–21 season, a 3–0 home win over Sampdoria in Serie A.[91] On 20 November 2021, Bonucci scored his first brace in his career in a 2–0 win against Lazio through two penalties.[92]
Bonucci was appointed Juventus's new captain for the 2022–23 season.[93] On 11 May 2023, he became the sixth player in the history of the club to reach 500 appearances alongside Juve legends Alessandro Del Piero, Gaetano Scirea, Giorgio Chiellini, Giuseppe Furino, and Gianluigi Buffon.[94] Six days later, he announced he would retire when his contract expired in 2024.[95] Following the end of the 2022–23 season, it was reported on 13 July that new director Cristiano Giuntoli personally informed Bonucci that he would not be part of the club's plans among other players for the next season.[96]
On 1 September 2023, after having been excluded from the first team roster of Juventus, Bonucci signed for German club Union Berlin.[97] On 12 September, it was reported that Bonucci would sue his former club Juventus for damages, related to not providing adequate training conditions in pre-season which affected the player's image.[98] On 20 September, he made his debut at the club by starting in a 1–0 away defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League, which was also his club's first ever match in the competition.[99] Three days later, he played his first Bundesliga match, in which he conceded a penalty in a match which ended in a 2–0 home defeat against Hoffenheim.[100] On 7 October, he scored his first goal for the club via penalty in a 4–2 loss against Borussia Dortmund.[101] Bonucci announced his departure from the club on 11 January 2024.[102]
Turkish club Fenerbahçe announced transfer talks with Bonucci on 10 January 2024.[103] That night, Bonucci made an appearance in Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, spectating Fenerbahçe's 7–1 win against Konyaspor.[104][105] The following day, Fenerbahçe officially announced the signing of Bonucci until the end of the 2023–24 season.[105][106]
Bonucci made his debut for the club on 14 January 2024; against Gaziantep F.K, he replaced the injured Serdar Aziz in the 37th minute.[107] On 18 April, Bonucci as introduced as last-minute substitute for teammate İsmail Yüksek in extra-time in the second leg of the 2023–24 UEFA Europa Conference League quarter-finals against eventual champions Olympiacos; in the ensuing penalty shoot-out, he missed the decisive spot kick.[108][109]
On 25 May 2024, Fenerbahçe announced that Bonucci would retire from professional football.[110] The next day, Bonucci played his final professional match, appearing as a substitute in a 6–0 home win over İstanbulspor in the league, and said goodbye to fans on the field.[111][112]
At youth level, Bonucci played for the Italy national under-21 football B team. He was called-up for a friendlies against Renate on 6 November 2007,[113] and against the Under-20 Serie C representative team on 4 December 2007.[114] He was also capped for the team in an internal friendly, which split the Under-21 Serie B team into two on 9 October 2007,[115] on 21 October 2008,[116] on 25 November,[117] and on 24 March 2009, as team captain.[118]
He also received a call-up from the Italy U20 team on 31 May 2007. He was an unused substitute in the 0–1 loss to the Serie D Best XI.[119]
Bonucci made his debut with the Italy senior team on 3 March 2010, under manager Marcello Lippi, in a friendly match against Cameroon played in Monaco, which ended in a 0–0 draw,[2] and became one of the few debutants to have never played an official match for the national youth teams.[120][121] He was included by Lippi in the starting line-up along with national team regulars Fabio Cannavaro and Giorgio Chiellini, forming a three-man defensive line in Lippi's 3–4–3 formation.[122]
Due to his performances during the 2009–10 season, Bonucci was included in the Italy squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.[123][124][125] He scored his first international goal on 3 June 2010, in a 1–2 friendly loss against Mexico, in a pre-tournament friendly match in Brussels.[126] In the World Cup, he appeared as an unused substitute for all three of Italy's matches, as they suffered a first-round elimination, failing to win a match.[127]
After the World Cup, under new manager Cesare Prandelli, Bonucci took advantage of the international retirement of Cannavaro and broke into the starting line-up beside Juventus teammate Chiellini. He ended a fine 2011–12 season by earning a place in the final 23-man Italy squad for UEFA Euro 2012, helping Italy to reach the final of the tournament, where they were defeated 4–0 by defending champions Spain.[128] He started in all but one match as Italy reached the finals.[129]
In the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, he missed his spot-kick in the penalty shoot-out against Spain in the semi-finals, shooting high over the bar as Italy went out of the competition losing 7–6 on penalties;[130] Italy would win the bronze medal match over Uruguay 4–3 on penalties, after a 2–2 draw following extra-time, allowing them to capture third place.[131]
Bonucci was selected by Cesare Prandelli to be part of the Italy squad that would take part at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Although he once again remained an unused substitute for the first two games, he made his World Cup debut on 24 June 2014, in a 0–1 loss to Uruguay; as a result, Italy was eliminated in the first round of the competition for a second consecutive time.[132]
2014–2018: Euro 2016 and failed 2018 World Cup qualification
On 4 September 2014, under new Italy manager Antonio Conte, Bonucci wore the captain's armband for Italy for the first time, following Daniele De Rossi's substitution in a 2–0 friendly win over the Netherlands.[133]
On 31 May 2016, Bonucci was named to Conte's 23-man Italy squad for UEFA Euro 2016.[134] On 13 June he set up Emanuele Giaccherini's goal, Italy's first of the match, with a long ball in a 2–0 win over Belgium in the opening group match of Euro 2016; he was later booked for a tactical foul.[135] After helping Italy to another clean-sheet in a 1–0 victory in the second group match against Sweden on 17 June, Bonucci was once again praised for his defensive performances alongside Chiellini and Barzagli.[38] On 22 June, he captained Italy in Buffon's absence in his nation's final group match, a 1–0 defeat to Ireland.[136] On 27 June he produced a Man of the Match performance in the round of 16 of the tournament as he helped Italy to keep a third clean sheet and defeat defending champions Spain 2–0.[137] In the quarter-final fixture against Germany on 2 July, he scored Italy's equalising goal from a penalty, although his spot-kick was saved by Manuel Neuer in the resulting shoot-out, as the reigning World Cup champions advanced to the semi-finals following a 6–5 shoot-out victory.[138]
On 11 October 2020, Bonucci made his 98th international appearance in a 0–0 away draw against Poland in the UEFA Nations League, equalling Gianluca Zambrotta as the eight–most capped player of all–time for the Italy national team.[144][145] On 25 March 2021, Bonucci made his 100th appearance for Italy in a 2–0 home win over Northern Ireland, in the team's first 2022 World Cup qualifying match.[146]
In June 2021, Bonucci was included in Italy's squad for UEFA Euro 2020.[147] During the tournament, he served as a temporary captain for Italy following an injury to Giorgio Chiellini in the first round.[148] On 6 July, following a 1–1 draw after extra-time against Spain in the semi-final of the competition, he scored Italy's third spot-kick in an eventual 4–2 penalty shoot-out victory, to send Italy to the final.[149] On 11 July, Bonucci won the European Championship with Italy following a 3–2 victory over England at Wembley Stadium in a penalty shoot-out after a 1–1 draw in extra-time. Bonucci scored Italy's only goal of the game in the 67th minute to tie the match, and later converted Italy's third penalty in the shoot-out; his goal during regulation time made him the oldest player ever to score in a European Championship final, at the age of 34 years and 71 days.[150] For his performance during the final, he was named Star of the Match by UEFA.[151] For his performances throughout the competition, he was later also named to the team of the tournament.[152]
On 23 September 2022, Bonucci took over as captain after Chiellini's international retirement, in which Italy defeated England 1–0 during the Nations League A;[153] during the match, he became Italy's joint fourth-highest capped player of all time, alongside De Rossi and Chiellini, with 117 appearances, behind only Paolo Maldini (126), Fabio Cannavaro (136), and Gianluigi Buffon (176).[154] In June 2023, he was included in the final squad for the Nations League Finals,[155] where he played in the 2–1 defeat against Spain in the semi-finals on 15 June, which was ultimately his final international appearance.[156]
Despite joining Turkish side Fenerbahçe in January 2024, in an attempt to receive a call-up from Italy's new manager Luciano Spalletti, Bonucci was no longer called up to the national team,[157][158][159][160] and was ultimately left out of Italy's squad for Euro 2024 in May, with Bonucci subsequently announcing his retirement from professional football later that same month.[161][162]In total, he made 121 appearances for Italy, scoring eight goals.[163]
A former midfielder who was usually deployed as ball-playing centre-back in a three-man defence[164][165][166] (although he was also capable of playing in a four-man defence, both in the centre or out wide),[165][167][168] Bonucci was primarily known for his technique, passing range, and his ability to launch an attack from the back with long passes.[164][165][169] Although he was not the quickest player over short distances, he was a tall, mobile, and strong defender, with a good positional sense, as well as good anticipation, solid tackling, and an ability to read the game and mark opponents, on top of his ball skills; he also excelled in the air, and frequently posed a goal threat from set pieces.[165][167][168][170][171][172][173][174]
Despite having been considered to be a talented and promising young defender,[175] he was also criticised by certain pundits for being inconsistent and prone to errors or lapses in concentration in his youth, which were dubbed "Bonucciate" in the Italian media,[165][167][176][177] a reference to their similarity to Cesare Maldini's Maldinate;[178] in 2021, the neologism bonucciata was even included in the Italian encyclopedia Treccani.[179] However, he showed notable improvements during the 2014–15 season, and established himself as one of the best defenders in world football, also drawing praise from manager Pep Guardiola, who described Bonucci as one of his "favourite ever players".[164][167][168][170][180][181][182]
In 2016, Mario Sconcerti of Il Corriere della Sera ranked Bonucci among the greatest Italian defenders of all time.[170] His unique playing style led Giovanni Galli to compare him to former sweeperGaetano Scirea.[164][183] In 2012, The Guardian named him the 88th Best Player in the World[184] and in 2016, he was named the 26th Best Player in the World.[185] In 2016, his defensive attributes, as well as his skill on the ball, vision, and accurate passing, moved La Repubblica to dub him as “Beckenbonucci”, a reference to former German sweeper Franz Beckenbauer.[186]
In addition to his defensive, playmaking and technical skills, Bonucci was also praised for his leadership and ability to organise his back-line.[165][167][187] In 2017, he was ranked by some as the best defender in the world.[188][189] Throughout his career with Italy and Juventus, the defensive trio of Barzagli, Bonucci, and Chiellini, which was dubbed the BBC in the media, was considered to be one of the greatest in history,[190] with pundits likening it to Italy's and Juventus's successful defensive trio of the 1930s, made up of full-backs Virginio Rosetta and Umberto Caligaris, as well as centre-halfLuis Monti, who also won five consecutive league titles.[191] With Andrea Barzagli's retirement, the subsequent Bonucci–Chiellini axis was considered, in terms of longevity and performance at high levels, one of the most solid and complementary in international football, as well as being compared to duets from the past such as Beckenbauer–Schwarzenbeck, Scirea–Gentile or Baresi–Costacurta.[192]
On 18 June 2011, Bonucci married Martina Maccari (b. 19 November 1985),[195] a former model and blogger, whom he first met in 2008 through a mutual friend.[196][197] They have two sons, Lorenzo (b. July 2012)[198] and Matteo (b. May 2014), and one daughter, Matilda (b. February 2019).[199][200][201][202] Although Bonucci played for Juventus for several seasons, his eldest son, Lorenzo, supports Juventus's cross-city rivals, Torino.[203] In July 2016, Bonucci's youngest son, Matteo underwent emergency surgery following the onset of an acute illness.[204] In a 2017 interview with El País, Bonucci revealed that his son's illness had even led him to think about quitting football, commenting:
"For three or four months, my head was just not in the right place, it's the head that gets the legs moving. For around 15 days after the surgery, until I started to see him improving, I was just not interested in training or anything to do with football. I've always hated hospitals and tried to avoid them, but at that time I had to be there and I was really struggling to be calm. Matteo is much better now and our family feels more united than ever. Yes, I thought about quitting. Football was just not my priority at that moment. You see your son with so much to live for, he's asking you so many questions and why this is happening to him... and I had no answers. Priorities change at those times. Now I tell myself that I am lucky. Everything I have done has been from the heart."[205]
Bonucci's older brother, Riccardo (b. November 1982), was also a footballer who once played as a central defender in Serie C1 with Viterbese.[206] Their father owns a paint shop in Viterbo.
In May 2012, during the 2011–12 Italian football scandal investigations, Bonucci, along with Juventus teammate Simone Pepe and manager Antonio Conte, as well as many other players, were accused of match-fixing; Bonucci was accused of helping to fix the result of a 3–3 draw against Udinese in May 2010, during his time with Bari, and faced a potential three-and-a-half-year ban if found guilty. Bonucci denied any wrongdoing, however,[207][208] and both he and Pepe were later acquitted in August later that year.[209]
In October 2012, Bonucci and his wife and then five-month-old son were confronted by an armed robber who demanded the defender hand over his watch. As the robber reached out to take the watch, Bonucci reportedly punched him and chased him down the street. The robber escaped with his accomplice on a motorbike.[210]
Bonucci is an anti-bullying activist. In December 2017, he made a cameo appearance in the music video for "Buona fortuna" by Benji & Fede [it], whose storyline deals with bullying.[211] In October 2019, together with the journalist and editor Francesco Ceniti, he co-wrote and released a book "Il mio amico Leo" (My friend Leo), partially inspired by his own experiences and designed to provide support to bullying victims.[212]
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Leonardo Bonucci (born 1 May 1987) is an Italian former professional footballer who played as a centre-back, best known for his long association with Juventus and his contributions to the Italy national team.[1][2] Over a career spanning nearly two decades, he amassed nine Serie A titles, five Coppa Italia trophies, and five Italian Supercups with Juventus, alongside stints at Inter Milan, AC Milan, Union Berlin, and Fenerbahçe.[3] Internationally, Bonucci earned 121 caps for Italy between 2010 and 2023, captaining the squad to victory in the UEFA European Championship in 2020 and ranking fourth in the nation's all-time appearance list.[4][5] Renowned for his precise passing, defensive positioning, and leadership, he was named Italian Footballer of the Year in 2022 before retiring from professional football in May 2024 at age 37.[3][2]
Early Life
Childhood and Family Background
Leonardo Bonucci was born on 1 May 1987 in Viterbo, a city in the Lazio region of central Italy.[6][7] His parents are Claudio Bonucci and Dorita Bonucci.[6][8] He has one sibling, an older brother named Riccardo, who is four and a half years his senior.[6][9] Little public information exists regarding his parents' occupations or the family's socioeconomic status during his early years, though Bonucci has described a supportive home environment that welcomed his birth.[6]
Initial Football Involvement
Bonucci began his football involvement in the youth ranks of US Viterbese 1908, the club from his hometown of Viterbo, where he initially developed as a central midfielder before transitioning to defense.[10][11]In the summer of 2005, at age 18, he was loaned from Viterbese to Inter Milan's youth academy, joining the Primavera under-19 team for the 2005–06 season.[12][13] There, he honed his skills as a defender, making appearances in youth competitions while occasionally training with Inter's senior squad during pre-season matches.[11]His time in Inter's youth system marked the transition from local amateur play to professional development, though he did not secure a first-team breakthrough until later loans.[2] This period laid foundational experience in competitive youth football, emphasizing tactical discipline and ball-playing abilities that characterized his later career.
Club Career
Early Professional Clubs (Inter Milan, Treviso, Pisa, Bari)
Bonucci joined Inter Milan's youth academy in 2005 after playing for Viterbese in his hometown.[11] He made his professional debut for Inter's senior team in the 2005–06 Serie A season, appearing in one league match without scoring.[14] During the 2006–07 season, he did not feature in Serie A for the club.[14]In July 2007, Inter transferred Bonucci to Treviso on a co-ownership deal, marking his first full professional season in Serie B.[15] He played 27 league matches for Treviso in the 2007–08 season, scoring 2 goals, as the team suffered relegation to Serie C1 amid financial issues.[14] The co-ownership was resolved in favor of Inter, and Bonucci returned for the 2008–09 Serie B campaign, featuring in 13 matches and adding 2 more goals before departing mid-season.[14][15]On 24 January 2009, Inter loaned Bonucci to fellow Serie B side Pisa until the end of the season.[16] He appeared in 18 league games for Pisa, scoring 1 goal, though the club was relegated to Lega Pro Prima Divisione.[14] The loan ended in June 2009, returning Bonucci to Inter.[16]In July 2009, Bari signed Bonucci permanently from Inter via an intermediary transfer involving Genoa, for a reported €10.5 million fee to Bari after Inter received €4 million from Genoa.[17] Under manager Antonio Conte, Bonucci established himself as a key centre-back in Serie A during the 2009–10 season, playing all 38 league matches and scoring 1 goal, contributing to Bari's ninth-place finish.[14] His performances at Bari, characterized by strong aerial ability and ball-playing skills, drew attention from larger clubs.[18]
First Juventus Spell (2009–2017)
Bonucci transferred to Juventus from Bari on 1 July 2010 for a reported fee of €15.5 million, signing a four-year contract.[19] During the 2010–11 Serie A season, he featured in 34 league matches as Juventus finished seventh under manager Luigi Delneri, contributing to a defensive unit that conceded 24 goals but lacked overall cohesion amid the club's post-Calciopoli recovery.[14]The arrival of Antonio Conte as manager in May 2011 marked a turning point, with Bonucci becoming integral to the adoption of a 3–5–2 formation that emphasized defensive solidity.[20] Partnered with Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini—forming the renowned "BBC" backline—Bonucci helped Juventus secure their first Serie A title in nine years during the 2011–12 campaign, achieving an unbeaten run with only 20 goals conceded in 38 matches.[3] This trio's tactical synergy, characterized by Bonucci's precise long-range passing and reading of the game, underpinned five more consecutive Scudetti from 2012–13 to 2016–17, totaling six titles in that span.[21]Beyond domestic dominance, Bonucci contributed to Juventus' Coppa Italia victories in 2015, 2016, and 2017, as well as three Supercoppa Italiana triumphs between 2012 and 2015.[3] In European competitions, he played pivotal roles in reaching the UEFA Champions League finals in 2015 (lost 3–1 to Barcelona) and 2017 (lost 4–1 to Real Madrid), starting all knockout matches and providing defensive organization against elite attacks. Over his first stint, Bonucci amassed over 300 appearances for Juventus, scoring notable goals including long-distance strikes that highlighted his offensive contributions from defense.[22]The BBC defense's record included conceding the fewest goals in Serie A across multiple seasons, with Bonucci's ball-playing ability—averaging high progressive passes—enabling transitions that complemented the wing-back system.[23] However, tensions with manager Massimiliano Allegri in the summer of 2017, reportedly over tactical disagreements, led to his €40 million transfer to AC Milan, ending his initial seven-year spell at the club.[24]
AC Milan Interlude (2017–2018)
On 14 July 2017, Leonardo Bonucci transferred from Juventus to rivals AC Milan for a reported fee of €40 million plus €2 million in bonuses, signing a five-year contract.[25] The move followed a public fallout with Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri, including a reported halftime altercation during the 2017 UEFA Champions League final, after which Bonucci stated that his emotional bond with the club had faded.[26] Despite interest from Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, Bonucci opted for Milan to remain near his family in Italy.[27]Bonucci was appointed Milan captain and paired with Alessio Romagnoli in central defense, but the partnership yielded inconsistent results amid Milan's broader squad overhaul.[28] In the 2017–18 Serie A season, he featured in 35 matches, scoring two goals—including the winner in a 1–0 victory over Crotone on 6 January 2018—while accumulating five yellow cards and one red card.[29] Across all competitions, Bonucci made 44 appearances, contributing one assist, as Milan finished 10th in the league, their worst placing since 2001, and reached the round of 16 in the UEFA Europa League.[30] Defensive lapses, such as a red card in a 0–0 draw against Roma on 1 October 2017, highlighted adaptation challenges, with critics noting his ball-playing strengths were underutilized in a less possession-dominant system.[28]By July 2018, Bonucci requested a transfer back to Juventus, citing a desire to return home.[31] On 2 August 2018, the deal was finalized as part of a swap involving Gonzalo Higuaín and Mattia Caldara moving to Milan, with no additional fee for Bonucci.[32] The interlude strained relations with Milan fans, who booed him upon his Juventus return to San Siro in November 2018.[33]
Second Juventus Tenure (2018–2023)
On 2 August 2018, Juventus re-acquired Leonardo Bonucci from AC Milan in a swap deal involving defender Mattia Caldara, with both players valued at €35 million.[34][32] The transfer followed a turbulent year at Milan, where Bonucci had requested a return to Turin amid reported internal conflicts.[31] Bonucci debuted in his second stint on 18 August 2018, resuming his role as a starting centre-back alongside Giorgio Chiellini in a defence known for its organizational strength and ball-playing capabilities.[7]During the 2018–19 and 2019–20 seasons, Bonucci contributed to Juventus securing back-to-back Serie A titles, appearing in over 60 league matches across those campaigns and providing leadership in a squad transitioning under managers Massimiliano Allegri and Maurizio Sarri.[35] His performances included notable goals, such as a header in a 2–1 victory over Napoli in April 2019, underscoring his set-piece threat.[36] In the 2020–21 season, under Andrea Pirlo, Bonucci helped win the Coppa Italia, starting in the final against Atalanta on 19 May 2021, though Juventus finished fourth in Serie A amid defensive inconsistencies.[3]As Juventus faced financial scrutiny and managerial changes from 2021 onward, Bonucci's role evolved with the integration of younger defenders like Matthijs de Ligt and Federico Gatti, occasionally shifting him to a rotational or vice-captain position.[37] He made 148 appearances in all competitions during his second tenure, scoring 7 goals, but the club endured points deductions and a temporary relegation to Serie B in 2023 due to accounting irregularities, though later appealed.[38]Bonucci announced in May 2023 his intention to retire at the end of the 2023–24 season upon contract expiry, but on 1 September 2023, the parties mutually terminated his deal, allowing a free transfer to Union Berlin.[39][40] He later attributed the abrupt exit to alleged humiliation by Allegri and club director Cristiano Giuntoli over contract renewal discussions, claims denied by Juventus.[41][42]
Late Career Ventures (Union Berlin, Fenerbahçe)
Following his departure from Juventus in August 2023, Bonucci joined 1. FC Union Berlin on a free transfer on 1 September 2023, marking his first professional stint outside Italy at age 36.[43][44] The move came amid Union's participation in the UEFA Champions League group stage, where Bonucci featured in 4 matches as the team faced Porto, Real Madrid, and Sporting CP, finishing last in Group H with 3 points from 6 games.[45] In the Bundesliga, he appeared in 7 fixtures, scoring 1 goal—a header in a 1–0 home win over VfL Bochum on 28 October 2023—while accumulating 1 yellow card and contributing to a defense that conceded 62 goals in 34 matches, as Union finished 15th and avoided relegation via playoffs.[46][36]Bonucci's time at Union was limited by competition in central defense and adaptation challenges in the physically demanding Bundesliga, where he started only sporadically after November.[36] On 10 January 2024, he mutually terminated his one-year contract with Union Berlin after 10 total appearances and mutually agreed to depart, citing a desire for more playing time in his career twilight.[16][45]Bonucci then signed with Fenerbahçe on a free transfer on 10 January 2024, agreeing to a contract until the end of the 2023–24 Turkish Süper Lig season.[47][16] The 36-year-old defender bolstered Fenerbahçe's backline during their title challenge, appearing in 13 matches across league and cup competitions, primarily as a starter alongside players like Alexander Djiku.[45][35] He recorded no goals but provided leadership in a season where Fenerbahçe finished second with 99 points from 38 matches, 3 behind champions Galatasaray, while advancing to the Turkish Cup quarter-finals.[36] Bonucci's experience aided in high-stakes derbies, though the team conceded 31 goals in the league.[35]
Retirement Announcement (2024)
Leonardo Bonucci announced his retirement from professional football on May 29, 2024, at the age of 37, following the conclusion of the 2023–24 Turkish Süper Lig season with Fenerbahçe, where he had joined in January 2024 on a short-term contract.[48][49] The defender, who had made over 700 appearances across club and international football, chose to reveal the decision via a social media video post at precisely 19:19 local time, a nod to his longtime Juventus jersey number 19.[50][51]In the emotional video, Bonucci reflected on his journey, stating: "As a child, I dreamed of this story I would tell, promising myself achievements to reach... Beyond history today, I am me."[51][52] He expressed intent to "embark on a new chapter in his life," without specifying immediate post-retirement plans such as coaching or media roles.[48]Juventus, where Bonucci spent the bulk of his career across two spells totaling 502 appearances and 19 trophies including multiple Serie A titles, issued a tribute acknowledging his legacy as a "true legend" and wishing him success in future endeavors.[48][53] Former Italy teammate Gianluigi Buffon also shared a personal message on social media, praising Bonucci's professionalism and their shared triumphs, including the Euro 2020 victory.[54] The announcement marked the end of an era for Italian defending, with Bonucci having formed part of the renowned BBC backline alongside Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini during Juventus's dominant years.[55]
International Career
Youth and Early Senior Appearances (2008–2014)
Bonucci's involvement with Italy's youth national teams was limited, primarily featuring for the experimental Under-21 B squad before transitioning to senior level considerations.[56]He earned his first senior cap on 3 March 2010, starting as a centre-back in a 0–0 friendly draw against Cameroon under manager Marcello Lippi, completing the full 90 minutes.[4][7] Following strong domestic form at Bari, Bonucci was selected for Italy's 2010 FIFA World Cup squad but did not appear in any of the group's three matches as the team exited in the first round.[57][58]Between 2010 and 2011, Bonucci accumulated several caps in friendlies and UEFA Euro 2012 qualifiers, starting in matches such as the 1–2 loss to Estonia on 3 September 2010 and the 5–0 win over Faroe Islands on 7 September 2010, both as a centre-back for 90 minutes.[4] He featured regularly under Cesare Prandelli, including substitute appearances in friendlies against Ukraine (29 March 2011) and Spain (10 August 2011).[4]Bonucci played a key role in Italy's Euro 2012 campaign, appearing in all six matches as the Azzurri reached the final, starting in the group stage draw against Spain (1–1 on 10 June 2012) and contributing to the semi-final penalty shootout victory over England.[59][60] Italy finished as runners-up after losing the final to Spain on penalties.[7] His consistent performances solidified his position in the defense heading into the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where he started in several fixtures, though Italy again failed to advance beyond the group stage.[4][61]
Euro 2016 Qualification and Tournament
Bonucci was a mainstay in Italy's defense during the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying campaign, where the team topped Group H with seven wins and three draws, scoring 23 goals while conceding only four.[62] He featured prominently in the back three formation under coach Antonio Conte, contributing to the defensive record that included six clean sheets across the ten matches.His only goal in the qualifiers came on 9 September 2014, when he headed in the second goal in a 2-0 away win over Norway, following Simone Zaza's opener, securing an early points haul in Oslo.[63][64] Bonucci's ball-playing ability from deep positions aided Italy's transitions, aligning with Conte's tactical emphasis on possession and counter-attacks against opponents including Croatia, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, and Malta.Named to Conte's 23-man squad on 31 May 2016, Bonucci started all five matches as Italy advanced to the quarterfinals from Group E, defeating Belgium 2-0, Sweden 1-0, and Republic of Ireland 1-0 to top the group undefeated with nine points and two goals conceded.[65] In the opener against Belgium on 13 June, he delivered a precise long pass for Emanuele Giaccherini's opener and led Italy with seven clearances and four interceptions in a display that neutralized the tournament's highest-rated attack.[66][67]In the round of 16 against defending champions Spain on 27 June, Bonucci earned man-of-the-match honors in a 2-0 victory, recording five clearances and four interceptions to anchor the clean sheet against an opponent that had won the previous two Euros.[68] Italy's quarterfinal against Germany on 2 July ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time, with Bonucci scoring the equalizer from a penalty in the 78th minute following Mesut Özil's opener; however, Germany prevailed 6-5 in the shoot-out after Bonucci's attempt was saved by Manuel Neuer.[69] His composure under pressure and distribution from defense, including long-range passes initiating attacks, underscored his pivotal role in Conte's resilient, counter-oriented system.[70]
2018 World Cup Failure and Aftermath
Italy suffered its first failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup since 1958 after losing 1–0 on aggregate to Sweden in the UEFA qualification playoffs on 10 and 13 November 2017.[71][72] Bonucci, a regular starter in central defense alongside Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini, featured in both legs under coach Gian Piero Ventura.[73]In the first leg at Friends Arena in Solna, Bonucci sustained a broken nose early in the match from an elbow by Sweden's Ola Toivonen, prompting him to criticize referee Cuneyt Cakir for failing to issue a red card, describing the challenge as warranting ejection.[74][75] Despite the injury, he continued playing and donned a protective mask for the second leg at San Siro, where Italy managed only a goalless draw, sealing their elimination amid widespread national dismay.[76][77]Bonucci voiced immediate frustration over the result, later reflecting that the omission from the tournament represented "a black mark that will never be wiped away," underscoring the enduring stain on the Azzurri's legacy.[78] The defeat triggered the dismissal of Ventura on 15 November 2017, with Luigi Di Biagio serving as interim coach before Roberto Mancini's appointment on 14 May 2018 to oversee reconstruction.[79]In the ensuing transition, Bonucci opted against international retirement—unlike Gianluigi Buffon and potentially Barzagli—retaining his position as a defensive pillar for Mancini's youth-infused squad aimed at restoring competitiveness ahead of UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers.[80][81] The episode highlighted tactical shortcomings in Ventura's tenure, including rigid formations that marginalized Italy's attacking threats, though Bonucci's experience positioned him centrally in the federation's pivot toward renewal.[79]
Euro 2020 Success and Captaincy (2019–2021)
Bonucci played a pivotal role in Italy's defensive setup during the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers, featuring regularly alongside Giorgio Chiellini in Roberto Mancini's backline as the Azzurri achieved an unbeaten run of ten wins from ten matches in Group J, securing qualification on November 13, 2019.[82] His experience helped anchor a defense that conceded only four goals while scoring 37, setting the stage for the tournament proper delayed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[83]In the Euro 2020 tournament held in 2021, Bonucci started all seven of Italy's matches, partnering Chiellini in central defense for most, with the duo providing leadership and solidity that allowed Mancini's attacking play to flourish.[84] Chiellini missed two group stage games due to injury, during which Bonucci assumed captaincy duties as vice-captain, guiding the team through their 1-0 win over Wales.[83] Italy topped their group with victories over Turkey (3-0), Switzerland (3-0), and Wales, before progressing via a 2-1 round-of-16 win against Austria, a 2-1 quarter-final triumph over Belgium, and a 1-1 semifinal draw against Spain decided on penalties (4-2).[85]The final against England on July 11, 2021, at Wembley Stadium saw Bonucci score a crucial equalizing header in the 67th minute from a Lorenzo Insigne cross, canceling out Luke Shaw's early opener and forcing extra time and penalties, which Italy won 3-2 to claim their second European Championship title.[86] At 34 years and 71 days, he became the oldest player to score in a European Championship final.[87]UEFA named Bonucci to the Team of the Tournament, recognizing his defensive contributions and leadership in a campaign where Italy conceded just three goals across seven matches.[88] His post-match comments highlighted motivation from English fans' "football's coming home" chants, dedicating the victory to Italians worldwide.[89]
Final Years and Farewell (2022–2023)
In 2022, Bonucci remained a fixture in Italy's defense under manager Roberto Mancini despite the national team's absence from the 2022 FIFA World Cup following a playoff defeat to North Macedonia in March. He made substitute appearances in friendlies, including a brief 1-minute stint off the bench in a 3–2 victory over Turkey on March 29, and started in the 2022 Finalissima against Argentina on June 1, where Italy lost 3–0 to the reigning world champions at Wembley Stadium.Bonucci featured prominently in the 2022–23 UEFA Nations League group stage, starting all three of Italy's matches in September: a 1–0 home win over England on September 23, and a 2–0 away victory against Hungary on September 26, contributing to Italy's group leadership alongside a prior 5–2 win over Germany in November 2022.[90][59] He also started in November friendlies, securing a 3–1 win over Albania on November 16 before a 2–0 loss to Austria four days later on November 20, bringing his cap total to 120 by year's end.[90][59]Italy advanced to the Nations League Finals as Group A3 winners with 13 points from five victories and one draw. In the semi-final against Spain on June 15, 2023, at De Kuip in Rotterdam, Bonucci started alongside Alessandro Bastoni but was substituted at halftime during the 2–1 defeat after extra time, marking his 121st and final international appearance at age 36. [91] With no further call-ups amid a coaching transition to Luciano Spalletti and his club move to Union Berlin, Bonucci's international career concluded without an explicit retirement announcement, though he later reflected that his experience might have aided Italy at UEFA Euro 2024, from which he was omitted.[92]
Playing Style and Attributes
Defensive Strengths and Ball-Playing Ability
Bonucci excelled in defensive positioning and anticipation, often reading plays to intercept passes without committing to risky challenges, a trait that minimized errors in high-stakes matches like Juventus' Serie A dominance from 2012 to 2018.[93] His sturdy frame at 191 cm enabled strong aerial duels, where he won headers through timing rather than sheer force, complementing partners like Giorgio Chiellini in Italy's Euro 2020-winning backline.[94] Physically imposing yet composed in one-on-one situations, he used intelligence to deny space, jockeying opponents and delaying advances, as seen in his role denying Belgium's Romelu Lukaku clear chances during Euro 2020.[84][95]In ball-playing, Bonucci functioned as a deep orchestrator, launching precise long passes to bypass pressing lines and initiate attacks, a hallmark of his tenure in Juventus' 3-5-2 system under Antonio Conte and Massimiliano Allegri.[93] Averaging around 4.11 progressive passes per 90 minutes in his later Union Berlin stint (2023-2024), he demonstrated range to target wingers or midfield runners, often spreading play wide or finding runs in behind from a central position.[96] This quarterback-like distribution, including trademark diagonals exceeding 30 meters, allowed Juventus to transition fluidly, with Bonucci holding possession under pressure and occasionally driving into midfield to link defense and attack.[94] His preference for grounded long balls over short probes underscored a style prioritizing progression over possession retention, contributing to Italy's build-up in qualifiers and tournaments from 2016 onward.[97]
Weaknesses and Criticisms
Despite his technical proficiency, Bonucci has been critiqued for his limited pace and recovery speed, which exposed vulnerabilities against quick forwards and in transitional play.[98][99] This deficiency became more pronounced in his later years, as opponents exploited his positioning lapses during high-pressing scenarios or counter-attacks.[100]Critics, including former Italy manager Fabio Capello, have argued that Bonucci struggles in one-on-one defending, often diving into challenges prematurely and committing positional errors that risk conceding space.[101][98] His marking improved under structured systems like Juventus' back-three formation but remained a relative weakness in more fluid setups, such as during his stint at AC Milan in 2017–2018, where he was held responsible for defensive breakdowns, including goals conceded due to poor anticipation.[10][102][103]Bonucci's disciplinary record drew scrutiny, exemplified by a red card in a 2017 Serie A match against Napoli shortly after his Milan transfer, contributing to perceptions of adaptation struggles and rash decision-making under pressure.[28] Instances of concentration lapses, such as halting defensive efforts prematurely or gifting chances through misplaced passes, led to self-admitted poor performances, including a 3–0 Juventus loss to Fiorentina in December 2020 where his errors directly caused two goals.[100][104][105]Analysts have noted that Bonucci's effectiveness often depended on a supportive defensive unit rather than standalone defending prowess, rendering him "average or worse" in isolation compared to elite ball-playing peers.[100] This system-reliance fueled debates over his individual quality, particularly post-prime, with former observers labeling him overrated outside Juventus' tactical framework.[100][106]
Comparisons to Peers
Bonucci's most frequent comparisons arise with his long-time defensive partner Giorgio Chiellini, with whom he anchored Juventus's backline from 2010 to 2021 and Italy's during Euro 2020. Chiellini embodied a traditional, aggressive Italian man-marking style emphasizing physicality, tackles, and intimidation, often described as the "warrior" of the duo, while Bonucci functioned as the "metronome," prioritizing intelligent positioning, long-range passing accuracy (averaging over 85% completion in Serie A seasons post-2010), and progressive ball distribution to initiate attacks.[84][107] This complementarity enabled Juventus to concede the fewest goals in Serie A for nine consecutive seasons (2011–2020), with Bonucci contributing 36 goals himself—uncommon for a centre-back—primarily from set pieces where his aerial threat outshone Chiellini's.[108]Former England captain John Terry, in 2017, labeled Chiellini and Bonucci as "the best players of [their] generation," citing their unique blend of defensive solidity and tactical acumen unmatched by contemporaries, though Terry noted Bonucci's distinctive passing range set him apart from Chiellini's more combative profile.[109] In statistical terms, Bonucci's career pass completion rate (87.2% in top-flight leagues through 2023) exceeded Chiellini's (84.1%), reflecting Bonucci's edge in build-up play, whereas Chiellini led in tackles per game (1.8 vs. Bonucci's 1.2 in Serie A from 2010–2020).[108]Internationally, Bonucci has drawn parallels to Sergio Ramos, whom he hailed in 2017 as "the best defender in the world" for Ramos's versatility in defending, scoring (127 career goals vs. Bonucci's 78), and leadership, though Bonucci's disciplinary record shows fewer reds (10 vs. Ramos's 29 through 2023), underscoring a less fractious temperament.[110] Analysts contrast Bonucci's zonal, reading-the-game approach with Ramos's proactive, risk-taking interventions, yet both excelled in high-stakes finals, Bonucci in Euro 2020 and Ramos in four Champions Leagues.[111]Bonucci also acknowledged Virgil van Dijk's superiority in aerial dominance and recovery pace during peak years (2018–2020), placing both Van Dijk and Chiellini among the world's top five centre-backs in 2020, while Bonucci's own strengths lay more in distribution than Van Dijk's 92% aerial duel win rate in the Premier League (2019–2021).[112] Defensive metrics highlight Van Dijk's edge in interceptions (1.5 per game vs. Bonucci's 1.1 in comparable seasons), but Bonucci's longevity—over 500 Serie A appearances by 2023—rivaled Van Dijk's impact in progressive passes, with Bonucci attempting 42 into the final third during Euro 2020 alone compared to Chiellini's 20.[113] In 21st-century rankings, Bonucci slots at 23rd among centre-backs, behind Van Dijk (top 5) but ahead of several peers like Jérôme Boateng.[114]
Controversies
Moise Kean Racism Incident (2019)
On April 2, 2019, Juventus defeated Cagliari 2–0 in a Serie A match at the Sardegna Arena, with Leonardo Bonucci scoring the opener via header in the 22nd minute and teammate Moise Kean adding the second goal in the 85th minute.[115] Kean, a 19-year-old forward of Ivorian descent, celebrated by raising his arms and turning his back to the Cagliari supporters, a gesture interpreted as defiance amid pre-existing jeers; this prompted intensified racist abuse, including monkey chants from sections of the crowd.[116][117] The incident occurred against a backdrop of ongoing racism issues in Italian football, with Kean facing taunts even before his goal.[118]Post-match, Bonucci, as Juventus vice-captain, commented in a Mediaset Premium interview that Kean's celebration had provoked the fans' response, stating: "You need great intelligence to deal with these situations and should not go to provoke people... I think the blame is 50-50."[119][120] He emphasized that the abusers were wrong but suggested Kean could have celebrated differently with teammates to avoid escalation.[117] These remarks were widely criticized as victim-blaming; Manchester City's Raheem Sterling called them "laughable," while others like Yaya Touré labeled the stance a "disgrace" and urged players to walk off in protest.[120][121] Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri echoed similar sentiments, advising Kean against such celebrations.[122]Bonucci quickly backtracked amid the backlash, posting on Instagram: "Regardless of everything, in any case... NO TO RACISM."[120] He later told Le Iene that his words were "misunderstood" and issued by him "too hastily," apologizing to those offended while maintaining he condemned all racism and discrimination unequivocally.[123][124] Kean, meanwhile, defended his actions on social media as "the best way to respond to racism," posting alongside a photo of the celebration: "#notoracism."[125]Cagliari was initially fined €20,000 by the Italian Football Federation for the abuse but ultimately escaped further punishment after an appeal.[126] The episode fueled broader discussions on handling racism in stadiums, with FIGC president Gabriele Gravina highlighting the need for stronger measures beyond fines.[127]
Conflicts with Massimiliano Allegri
Tensions between Leonardo Bonucci and Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri first publicly erupted in February 2017 during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg against Porto on February 22. Bonucci, a regular starter, was unexpectedly benched by Allegri, prompting him to sit on a stool during warm-up in a gesture interpreted as defiance. Following Juventus's 2-0 victory, Bonucci confronted Allegri in the locker room over tactical disagreements, leading to a heated exchange where Allegri called Bonucci an "asshole" and "stupid," and Bonucci reportedly slammed Allegri against the dressing room door, requiring teammates to intervene and separate them.[128][129][130] This incident, part of broader disagreements over playing style and team hierarchy, contributed significantly to Bonucci's €40 million transfer to AC Milan in July 2017, which Bonucci later cited as one factor in his departure alongside personal motivations.[131][130]Bonucci rejoined Juventus on loan from Milan in July 2018, becoming a permanent fixture again, but underlying frictions with Allegri resurfaced. During a Serie A match against Palermo on April 15, 2017—prior to his Milan move—Allegri was caught on camera yelling "Shut up, dickhead!" at Bonucci amid on-pitch disputes, highlighting ongoing authority clashes.[132] Despite a reported team-bonding effect from the earlier feud, as Allegri later suggested it fostered maturity, Bonucci's influence as vice-captain under Allegri's second stint (from May 2021) did not resolve core differences in leadership and decision-making.[133]The conflicts culminated in Bonucci's acrimonious exit from Juventus in August 2023 at age 36, after 502 appearances. Bonucci accused Allegri of orchestrating his humiliation by sidelining him and blocking contract renewal talks, claiming Allegri informed him in February 2023 that he was excluded from future plans as part of a "game of power" to assert dominance, despite Bonucci's expressed desire to retire at the club post-2023–24 season.[134][41][135] Allegri, in response, expressed regret over the manner of departure but maintained that communications had been clear and repeated since February, emphasizing club restructuring under new sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli.[136] Bonucci's subsequent move to Union Berlin on September 1, 2023, followed threats of legal action against Juventus for unfair treatment, which he initiated in September 2023 but dropped by February 2024 after reaching an amicable settlement.[137][138] These events underscored persistent divides over tactical roles, seniority, and Allegri's preference for younger defenders like Bremer and Gatti.[41]
Other Notable Disputes and Public Backlash
In July 2017, Bonucci's unexpected €40 million transfer from Juventus to rivals AC Milan sparked widespread outrage among Juventus supporters, who viewed the move as a betrayal after his decade-long tenure and key role in six consecutive Serie A titles. The deal, reportedly fueled by tactical disagreements and personal frustrations, led to organized protests outside Juventus' training ground and chants denouncing Bonucci during subsequent matches.[139][140] Upon his return to Juventus in July 2018 for €18 million, AC Milan fans expressed similar discontent, booing him vociferously during a November 2018 Serie A match at San Siro and during Italy national team appearances at the same venue, prompting Bonucci to retort post-match that "there are always imbeciles" among critics.[141][142] He later acknowledged the Milan stint as a "mistake" driven by "a moment of anger," which further fueled perceptions of disloyalty in Italian football discourse.[141]On November 19, 2022, following Italy's 2-1 friendly win over Albania, Bonucci faced criticism for physically removing a female fan from the team bus after she boarded uninvited despite repeated warnings from security. Videos circulating online showed Bonucci escorting her off amid shouts, leading to accusations of excessive force and debates over player-fan interactions. Bonucci defended his actions, stating the fan had ignored instructions and disrupted the team's post-match departure, emphasizing safety protocols for national team vehicles.[143] The incident drew mixed reactions, with some praising his assertiveness and others, including social media users, labeling it unprofessional, though no formal complaints or sanctions followed from Italian Football Federation authorities.[143]Bonucci's involvement in the 2011 Scommessopoli match-fixing probe, where he was initially implicated alongside Juventus teammate Domenico Criscito for alleged betting on matches, generated scrutiny but resulted in his clearance due to insufficient evidence of direct participation. Unlike Criscito, who was excluded from Italy's Euro 2012 squad, Bonucci retained his place, a decision that irked some observers amid Italy's broader match-fixing crisis under coach Cesare Prandelli.[144] The acquittal preserved his career trajectory but lingered as a point of fan skepticism regarding his integrity in high-stakes environments.[144]
Post-Retirement Activities
Transition to Coaching (2024–Present)
Following his retirement from playing on 29 May 2024, after a brief stint with Fenerbahçe in the 2023–24 season, Bonucci enrolled in UEFA coaching courses to obtain his licenses.[48][145]On 22 October 2024, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) appointed him as assistant coach to Bernardo Corradi for the Italy under-20 national team, marking his entry into professional coaching; this role involved preparing the squad for youth international competitions, including qualifiers for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.[146][147]In June 2025, after Gennaro Gattuso's appointment as head coach of the Italy senior national team on 15 June—replacing Luciano Spalletti following a poor qualification campaign—Bonucci transitioned to the senior setup as technical coach, leveraging his 116 international caps and defensive expertise to support tactical preparation and player development.[148][149][150] By October 2025, he contributed to the team's World Cup qualifying efforts, including a 5–4 victory over Israel on 14 October, where post-match comments highlighted adjustments in defensive organization.[151]
Physical and Philanthropic Pursuits
Following his retirement from professional football on May 29, 2024, Bonucci has sustained a rigorous physical regimen, including intensive training for the 2025 London Marathon.[152] He has collaborated with Juventus staff to prepare for the 42.195-kilometer event, demonstrating continued athletic discipline beyond competitive play.[152]Bonucci participated in the Soccer Aid for UNICEF charity match on June 15, 2025, at Old Trafford, representing the World XI team in a competitive exhibition that highlighted his enduring physical capabilities.[153] During the game, he executed a firm sliding tackle on England's Steph Houghton, underscoring his retained defensive intensity in a non-professional context.[154]In philanthropic efforts, Bonucci committed to running the London Marathon to support Young Lives vs Cancer, the UK's leading charity aiding children and young people with cancer, aiming to raise funds and awareness through the challenge.[155] Since 2021, he has backed Auser, an organization delivering services to vulnerable elderly and isolated individuals, in partnership with Actimel.[156] Additionally, Bonucci pledged to donate all proceeds from his legal dispute with Juventus to unspecified charities, framing the action as principled rather than financial.[157]
Personal Life
Family and Relationships
Leonardo Bonucci was born on 1 May 1987 in Viterbo, Italy, to parents Claudio Bonucci, who owns a paint shop, and Dorita Bonucci.[6][7] He has one older brother, Riccardo Bonucci, born approximately four and a half years earlier, who also pursued a career as a defender in lower-tier Italian football leagues.[6][7]Bonucci married Martina Maccari, an Italian model born in 1985, on 18 June 2011 in Montalcino, Italy.[158][159] The couple has three children: sons Lorenzo, born in July 2012, and Matteo, born in May 2014; and daughter Matilda, born in February 2019.[160][161] Bonucci has publicly dedicated professional milestones, such as goals, to his family members, including Matilda shortly after her birth.[161] No records indicate prior significant relationships or separations.[162]
Interests and Public Persona
Bonucci has projected a public persona defined by resilience, loyalty, and an uncompromising defensive mindset, often describing himself as a stoic figure committed to defending his team's principles without question.[163] This image extends beyond the pitch, as evidenced by his approach in charity events; during the Soccer Aid match on June 15, 2025, he delivered a hard challenge on England's Steph Houghton, later justifying it by stating, "a defender is who I am and defending the goal is what I must do," underscoring his refusal to alter his style even for charitable causes.[164] Houghton responded positively, indicating the incident reinforced perceptions of Bonucci's authentic, intense character rather than diminishing his reputation.[165]He has frequently emphasized self-criticism as a core trait, expressing dissatisfaction with his own performances to fuel ongoing improvement, a mindset he credits for sustaining his career longevity.[166] Bonucci's public statements often reflect a direct, unfiltered style, positioning him as a polarizing yet respected figure in Italian football, admired by supporters for his candor while drawing scrutiny for hasty remarks that he later clarifies as misunderstood.[167] This forthrightness has contributed to his image as a leader unafraid of controversy, prioritizing personal accountability over consensus.[123]
Career Statistics and Records
Club Appearances and Goals
Leonardo Bonucci's senior club career began with brief appearances for Inter Milan in the 2005–06 season, where he made limited first-team outings primarily in Coppa Italia.[1] He then featured for Treviso from 2007 to 2009, accumulating 42 appearances and 4 goals across Serie A and lower divisions.[36]A loan spell at Pisa in 2008–09 yielded around 25 total appearances and 1 goal, though primarily in Serie B.[1] Bonucci broke through at Bari during the 2009–10 Serie A season, playing 39 matches and scoring 1 goal, contributing to the team's mid-table finish.[36]His longest and most successful tenure was at Juventus, spanning 2010 to 2017 and 2018 to 2023, with 502 appearances and 37 goals in all competitions, including Serie A, Coppa Italia, and UEFA Champions League.[36] In Serie A alone for Juventus, he recorded 362 appearances and 29 goals.[168]Bonucci transferred to AC Milan for the 2017–18 season, making 51 appearances and scoring 2 goals before returning to Juventus.[36] Late in his career, he had brief stints at Union Berlin in 2023 (7 Bundesliga appearances, 1 goal) and Fenerbahçe from 2023 to 2024 (8 Süper Lig appearances, 0 goals).[1]Overall, Bonucci's club career encompassed over 670 appearances and approximately 43 goals across various competitions.[35]
*Includes Inter, Pisa, Union Berlin, Fenerbahçe; approximate totals derived from league data.[36][1]
International Caps and Contributions
Leonardo Bonucci made his debut for the Italy national team on 3 March 2010, starting in a 0–0 friendly draw against Cameroon at the Stade Louis II in Monaco.[169] He scored his first international goal on 3 September 2010 during a 2–1 World Cup qualifying victory over Estonia.[169] Over his international career spanning 2010 to 2023, Bonucci accumulated 121 caps, scoring 8 goals and providing 2 assists, establishing himself as a mainstay in Italy's defense.[4]Bonucci first captained Italy on 4 September 2014 in a friendly against the Netherlands, a role he fulfilled on 26 occasions in total.[169][170] He reached his 100th appearance in March 2021 and assumed permanent captaincy following Giorgio Chiellini's retirement in 2022.[171]
Tournament
Appearances
Goals
Italy's Outcome
UEFA Euro 2012
6
0
Runners-up
FIFA Confederations Cup 2013
5
0
Third place
FIFA World Cup 2014
3
0
Group stage
UEFA Euro 2016
5
0
Quarter-finals
UEFA Euro 2020
7
1
Winners
In UEFA Euro 2012, Bonucci featured in all six matches as Italy advanced to the final, losing 4–0 to Spain.[4] At the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, he contributed to Italy's third-place finish, securing a 2–0 semifinal win over Uruguay before defeating Mexico in the playoff.[4] During the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Italy exited the group stage after defeats to Costa Rica and Uruguay, with Bonucci starting in three games.[4] In UEFA Euro 2016, he played five matches, including the quarterfinal penalty shootout loss to Germany.[4][169]Bonucci's most notable contributions came at UEFA Euro 2020, where he captained Italy to victory, appearing in all seven fixtures.[4] He scored the equalizing header in the 67th minute of the final against England on 11 July 2021 at Wembley Stadium, forcing extra time and eventual penalty success.[172] Paired with Chiellini, Bonucci anchored a defense that conceded just three goals en route to the title, enabling an aggressive attacking style.[84]Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups during his tenure, but his longevity and leadership solidified his legacy as one of Italy's most capped defenders.[4]
Achievements and Honours
Club Trophies
Bonucci secured his initial club honours with Inter Milan during the 2005–06 season, encompassing the Serie A title and Coppa Italia, though his involvement was limited to the youth ranks and minimal senior appearances.[3]In his inaugural tenure at Juventus from 2010 to 2017, Bonucci contributed to six consecutive Serie A championships between the 2011–12 and 2016–17 seasons, forming a core part of the defensive trio that underpinned the club's dominance. He also lifted three Coppa Italia trophies in 2014–15, 2015–16, and 2016–17, including scoring in the 2017 final against Lazio, and claimed three Supercoppa Italiana titles in 2012, 2013, and 2015.[173][3]Subsequent periods at AC Milan (2017–2021), a second stint with Juventus (2021–2023), and brief engagements with Union Berlin (2023) and Fenerbahçe yielded no major club trophies, despite competitive participation in domestic and European competitions.[2]
International Accomplishments
Leonardo Bonucci represented the Italy national team from 2010 to 2023, accumulating 121 caps and scoring 8 goals during his international tenure.[4] His debut occurred on 3 March 2010 in a friendly match against Cameroon.[4] Bonucci's contributions were pivotal in several major tournaments, showcasing his defensive reliability and occasional offensive threat from set pieces.A standout achievement was Italy's victory in the UEFA European Championship 2020 (held in 2021), where Bonucci started in all seven matches, including the final against England on 11 July 2021.[4] In that final at Wembley Stadium, he equalized in the 67th minute with a header from a corner kick, marking Italy's only goal in the 1-1 draw before they prevailed 3-2 in the penalty shootout; at 34 years and 69 days old, Bonucci became the oldest scorer in a European Championship final.[37] He was named to the UEFA Team of the Tournament for his performances.[174]Earlier, Bonucci featured in the UEFA Euro 2012, reaching the final but losing 4-0 to Spain on 1 July 2012, with appearances in five matches including the decisive semifinal win over Germany.[4] In the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, he helped Italy secure third place, defeating Uruguay 2-2 (4-2 on penalties) in the playoff on 30 June 2013 after semifinal and final losses to Brazil and Spain, respectively.[4] At Euro 2016, Italy advanced to the quarterfinals, eliminating Spain in the round of 16 before a 2-0 defeat to Germany on 2 July 2016; Bonucci played all four matches.[4]Bonucci also participated in the FIFA World Cups of 2010 and 2014, though both ended in group-stage exits for Italy; he appeared in three matches across the tournaments.[4] His first international goal came on 7 September 2010 in a UEFA Euro 2012 qualifier against Estonia.[169] Bonucci retired from international duty following Italy's UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers in 2023, having been a mainstay in the defense alongside partners like Giorgio Chiellini.[175]
Individual Recognitions
Bonucci was named the Serie A Footballer of the Year in 2016 by the Italian Footballers' Association, recognizing his pivotal role in Juventus's defensive record that season, which included conceding just 20 goals in 38 matches.[176][1][3]He earned selection to the UEFA Team of the Year in 2016, alongside teammates Gianluigi Buffon and Giorgio Chiellini, for his contributions to Italy's Euro 2016 campaign and Juventus's domestic dominance.[1]Bonucci was included in the FIFPro World XI in both 2017 and 2021, as voted by global players, highlighting his status among the elite defenders worldwide during those periods.[1][177]In recognition of his leadership and goal-scoring header in the Euro 2020 final, Bonucci was named to the UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament in 2021.[177]He received the Globe Soccer Award for Best Defender of the Year in 2021, an honor citing his versatility in defense, playmaking from the back, and key performances for Juventus and Italy.[178][179]Bonucci finished third in the UEFA Defender of the Year voting for the 2016–17 season, behind Sergio Ramos and Diego Godín, based on his role in Juventus's Serie A and Champions League runs.[175]
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Mexico
Estonia
Norway
Germany
Netherlands
France
Greece
England
