Fabio Quagliarella

Birth

1983Jan, 31

Fabio Quagliarella, Italian footballer

Fabio Quagliarella, born on January 31, 1983, is a distinguished Italian professional footballer renowned for his prolific career as a forward. Known for his powerful and accurate shots, audacious long-range efforts, and spectacular goals, Quagliarella has consistently proven to be a formidable presence in the attacking third. He currently serves as the captain for Serie A club Sampdoria, a role that underscores his leadership and enduring influence within the team and Italian football.

A Storied Career Across Italian Football

Quagliarella's career is a testament to his remarkable longevity and adaptability, having traversed numerous clubs across the Italian football landscape. His journey began in the youth ranks of Torino, where he also made his professional debut. Over the years, he has donned the jerseys of various prominent Italian sides, including Fiorentina, Chievo Verona, Ascoli, Udinese, Napoli, Juventus, and two distinct spells with both Torino and Sampdoria. This extensive club career has seen him evolve from a promising young talent into one of Italy's most respected and consistent forwards.

Triumphs with Juventus and Early Success

Among his most notable club achievements, Fabio Quagliarella secured significant silverware during his tenure with Juventus. He was an integral part of the dominant Juventus squad that clinched three consecutive Serie A titles from the 2011–2012 to the 2013–14 season. This period marked a return to glory for the Turin giants, with Quagliarella contributing his attacking prowess to their sustained success. Beyond the league titles, he also celebrated two Supercoppa Italiana victories with Juventus in 2012 and 2013, further cementing his place in the club's trophy-laden history.

Early in his career, Quagliarella gained valuable experience and tasted success in the lower divisions, winning the 2002–03 Serie C2 title with Fiorentina. This victory, while in a lower tier of Italian professional football, was a crucial step in his development, demonstrating his ability to contribute to winning teams from the outset. His subsequent spells in Serie A with clubs like Torino, Ascoli, Udinese, and Napoli further solidified his reputation as a reliable and dangerous forward, each period adding to his rich tapestry of experiences in the top flight.

Representing the Azzurri: International Honours

Fabio Quagliarella's talent was also recognized on the international stage, where he proudly represented Italy. His journey through the national setup began in the youth categories, playing for Italy from the under-18 to under-21 levels, honing his skills before reaching the senior squad. He made his highly anticipated debut for the senior national team in 2007, a significant milestone for any Italian footballer.

Throughout his international career, Quagliarella was a valuable member of the Azzurri squad, competing in major tournaments. He was included in Italy's UEFA Euro 2008 squad, the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup squad, and notably, the 2010 FIFA World Cup squad. His involvement in these prestigious competitions underscores his standing among Italy's elite players during a period of intense competition for places in the national team.

A Legacy of Individual Brilliance and Remarkable Records

Fabio Quagliarella's career is further embellished by a series of impressive individual accolades that highlight his exceptional talent, character, and enduring impact on Italian football. One of his most memorable moments came in 2009 when he was awarded the Serie A Goal of the Year. This spectacular goal, scored during his tenure at Udinese, exemplified his flair for the extraordinary and his ability to produce moments of pure magic on the field.

Beyond his on-field prowess, Quagliarella has also been recognized for his exemplary sportsmanship and career contributions. In 2017, he received the Premio Gentleman Fairplay, and in 2018, the prestigious Scirea Career Award (Premio Gaetano Scirea – Esemplarità nella Carriera). Both awards, received while playing for Sampdoria, acknowledge not only his outstanding playing ability but also his integrity, personality, and dedication throughout his long and distinguished career. The Scirea Award, in particular, is named after the legendary Juventus and Italy defender Gaetano Scirea, honoring players who embody fairness and exemplary conduct.

The 2018–19 season stands out as arguably the pinnacle of Quagliarella's individual achievements, a truly remarkable late-career peak. During this campaign, he captivated fans by scoring in an astonishing eleven consecutive Serie A games. This incredible scoring streak equaled a long-standing record in the league, previously achieved only by the legendary Argentine striker Gabriel Batistuta in the 1994–95 season, underscoring the magnitude of Quagliarella's feat.

He concluded the 2018–19 Serie A season with an impressive tally of 26 goals, a performance that saw him secure the coveted Capocannoniere title, awarded to the league's top scorer. This achievement was particularly extraordinary given his age at the time (36 years old), demonstrating an unparalleled level of consistency and finishing ability late in his career. His stellar performance was further acknowledged when he was named the league's best forward for that season, a testament to his vital contribution and offensive brilliance.