Riccardo Calafiori in 2026: Net Worth and Salary, Wife, Parents, Nationality, Transfer Values, and FAQs

Riccardo Calafiori Net Worth and Salary in 2026

Let's be honest, money is one of the first things people search for when a player starts making headlines, and Calafiori is no exception. Based on available financial data and our internal research, Icon Polls estimates that Riccardo Calafiori's net worth in 2026 is somewhere between $24 million and $26 million, with the more conservative figure accounting for taxes, lifestyle costs, and variable income streams.

His biggest source of income is his Arsenal contract. He earns approximately £120,000 per week, which works out to roughly £6.2 million per year before tax. He signed a five-year deal with the club when he joined in the summer of 2024, meaning his contract runs until June 2029. That deal alone guarantees him significant earnings over the next few years.

On top of his club salary, Calafiori also picks up fees from international duty with Italy and is expected to attract more sponsorship and endorsement deals as his profile continues to grow in the Premier League. While he has not yet signed any major global brand deals publicly, his follower base on Instagram and his increasing visibility across European media make him a marketable figure.

For context, when Calafiori was playing at Bologna in 2023-24, he was earning roughly £12,000 a week. The jump to Arsenal more than quadrupled his weekly pay, and that transformation in earnings is largely what has pushed his net worth into the range it is at today.

Transfer Value and Market Worth

Calafiori's market value has had quite a journey. He joined Arsenal in July 2024 from Bologna for a fee in the region of £42 million, which included some performance-based add-ons. At the time, that fee felt steep to some, but his performances in his debut season quickly justified it.

As of early 2026, his transfer value is reported to be in the region of £50 million by various football finance trackers, with some sources suggesting Arsenal would not entertain any offer below that figure. Interestingly, reports in Italy have linked him with a potential summer move to Inter Milan, particularly if they lose Alessandro Bastoni to Barcelona. Those same reports suggest Arsenal would be open to a sale at around £50 million, which would represent a small profit on what they paid.

His value has been somewhat tempered by an injury-disrupted season. He has made 29 competitive appearances this term but has started only 22 of those, and competition for places at Arsenal means he has not always been first choice. Still, his potential is not in question, and at 23, he remains one of the most coveted defenders in the game.

Wife and Relationship Status

 Riccardo Calafiori is not married as of 2026. He is currently in a relationship with Italian model and influencer Megghi Galo. The couple went public in late 2024, shortly after Calafiori parted ways with his previous girlfriend, Benedetta Curatella.

Megghi Galo was born on March 28, 1996, in Milan, making her six years older than Calafiori. She is a professional model with a strong Instagram following of over 370,000, where she regularly posts from fashion shows and photo shoots. She is reportedly a passionate Juventus supporter, which adds a fun twist to their relationship.

Before Megghi, Calafiori had a very public relationship with Benedetta Curatella. The pair became widely known after Benedetta walked into a live DAZN television interview mid-conversation and kissed Calafiori passionately on camera following Bologna's historic Champions League qualification in 2024. The moment went viral across social media. The two even had matching tattoos on their hands reading 'Koi no Yokan', a Japanese phrase roughly meaning 'premonition of love'. They split towards the end of 2024.

Parents and Family Background

Riccardo Calafiori was born and raised in the Aurelio neighbourhood of Rome. His father's name is Alberto Calafiori and his mother is Barbara Calafiori. He has one younger sister named Rebecca Calafiori, with whom he reportedly shares a close bond.

His father Alberto played a significant role in his early footballing development. When Riccardo was a young player training at Roma's academy, Alberto reportedly drove four hours every day to make sure his son could attend training sessions. That kind of dedication from his family clearly left an impression on Riccardo, who has publicly spoken about how much his parents' sacrifices mean to him. He even bought his parents a house once his career started to take off financially.

His mother Barbara has also been a consistent presence in his life. In an interview recorded at Arsenal's training ground, Riccardo spoke fondly about his mother, saying she was always happier than him after a game or a goal. It was a sweet moment that showed the family-oriented nature of the player behind the headlines.

His late grandmother Eleonora Calafiori also featured in his upbringing, though not much is publicly known about her beyond her passing after a brief illness.

Nationality and International Career

Riccardo Calafiori is Italian. He was born in Rome and has represented Italy at multiple youth levels before making his senior debut on June 4, 2024, in a friendly against Turkey. He went on to be named in the squad for UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany, where he became the second-youngest defender to represent Italy at a European Championship, behind only the legendary Paolo Maldini.

At Euro 2024, Calafiori started all three of Italy's group stage matches. Despite Italy's early exit, he was one of the tournament's standout individual performers. He provided a crucial assist for Mattia Zaccagni's late equaliser against Croatia that helped Italy advance from the group. He was suspended for the round of 16 loss to Switzerland, a game that many felt his absence was keenly felt.

He is now a regular fixture in the Azzurri setup and has been part of the Italy squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Italy cannot afford to miss another World Cup and Calafiori is firmly in the plans of the national team going forward.

Career Background: From Roma to Arsenal

Calafiori started his footballing journey at A.S. Roma's youth academy at around age eight, joining in 2010. He signed his first professional contract with Roma on June 16, 2018. However, his path to the top was far from smooth. He suffered a devastating knee injury early in his career that many feared would end his development before it truly started. He ruptured every ligament in his right knee, a brutal blow for any young footballer.

He recovered, came through, and eventually moved on loan to Swiss club Basel before making a permanent move to Bologna in 2023. At Bologna, everything clicked. He transformed into one of Serie A's best defenders, playing a key role in their historic Champions League qualification. His ability to carry the ball from deep, his physicality, and his positional awareness made him a target for top clubs across Europe.

Arsenal won the race for his signature in the summer of 2024, fending off interest from Real Madrid, Juventus, and at least one other unnamed Premier League club. Mikel Arteta had reportedly been tracking him for over a year before the deal was done. Calafiori himself said he needed almost no convincing once he understood Arsenal's project.

Frequently Asked Questions About Riccardo Calafiori

1. What is Riccardo Calafiori's net worth in 2026?

Based on Icon Polls research and available financial data, Riccardo Calafiori's net worth in 2026 is estimated to be between $24 million and $26 million. His wealth comes primarily from his Arsenal contract, national team fees, and emerging endorsement opportunities.

2. How much does Riccardo Calafiori earn per week?

Calafiori earns approximately £120,000 per week at Arsenal, which works out to roughly £6.2 million per year. This makes him a well-paid player even by Premier League standards.

3. Is Riccardo Calafiori married?

No, Riccardo Calafiori is not married. He is currently in a relationship with Italian model Megghi Galo as of 2026.

4. Who is Riccardo Calafiori's girlfriend in 2026?

His current girlfriend is Megghi Galo, a professional Italian model and influencer born on March 28, 1996, in Milan. She has over 370,000 Instagram followers and is six years older than Calafiori.

5. Who is Riccardo Calafiori's ex-girlfriend?

His previous girlfriend was Benedetta Curatella, an Italian model and influencer. The pair became well-known after she kissed him during a live televised interview in 2024. They split at the end of that year.

6. What nationality is Riccardo Calafiori?

Riccardo Calafiori is Italian. He was born and raised in Rome, Italy, and represents the Italian national team.

7. How old is Riccardo Calafiori?

Riccardo Calafiori was born on May 19, 2002, making him 23 years old as of 2026.

8. Who are Riccardo Calafiori's parents?

His father's name is Alberto Calafiori and his mother's name is Barbara Calafiori. Both are Italian and played a significant role in supporting his early career. His father notably drove four hours daily to take him to training at Roma's academy.

9. Does Riccardo Calafiori have siblings?

Yes, he has one younger sister named Rebecca Calafiori. The two are reported to have a close relationship.

10. How much did Arsenal pay for Riccardo Calafiori?

Arsenal paid a fee in the region of £42 million (approximately €43.7 million plus add-ons) to sign Calafiori from Bologna in July 2024.

11. What is Riccardo Calafiori's transfer value in 2026?

Various football finance reports value Calafiori at around £50 million in 2026. Despite a somewhat injury-affected season, his long-term potential keeps his market value high.

12. What position does Riccardo Calafiori play?

He is a versatile defender who can play as a centre-back or a left-back. He is often used on the left side of a back three or as a traditional left-back in a back four.

13. What club does Riccardo Calafiori play for?

As of 2026, Calafiori plays for Arsenal in the English Premier League.

14. When does Riccardo Calafiori's contract expire?

His current Arsenal contract expires on June 30, 2029.

15. Did Riccardo Calafiori play at Euro 2024?

Yes. Calafiori was one of Italy's standout players at Euro 2024, starting all three group matches. He provided an assist in the dramatic late equaliser against Croatia that kept Italy in the tournament. He became the second-youngest defender to play for Italy at a European Championship, behind only Paolo Maldini.

16. Where was Riccardo Calafiori born?

He was born in Rome, Italy, specifically in the Aurelio neighbourhood. He grew up there with his parents and sister.

17. What are Riccardo Calafiori's nicknames?

His two main nicknames are 'Ruspa' (which means excavator in Italian) and 'Bulldozer', both reflecting his aggressive and physical style of defending.

18. Is Riccardo Calafiori leaving Arsenal in 2026?

As of early 2026, there are reports linking him with a summer move to Inter Milan, particularly if they sell Alessandro Bastoni. Reports suggest Arsenal could sell him for around £50 million. However, no official transfer has been confirmed.

19. What injury did Riccardo Calafiori have early in his career?

As a young player at Roma, Calafiori suffered a serious knee injury that ruptured every ligament in his right knee. It was a potentially career-ending setback, but he made a full recovery and went on to become one of Europe's most highly-rated defenders.

20. What endorsements does Riccardo Calafiori have?

As of 2026, Calafiori's endorsement portfolio is still growing. He has not yet signed any widely publicised global brand deals, but his rising profile in the Premier League and social media presence make him an increasingly attractive figure for sponsorships. Icon Polls expects his commercial income to grow significantly over the next two to three years as his name becomes more widely recognised outside of Italy.