Riccardo Calafiori

QUICK FACTS

• ·Born May 19, 2002 in Rome, Italy
• ·Breakthrough tournament: Euro 2024 — named in Team of the Tournament
• ·Joined Arsenal from Bologna in August 2024 for a reported €45M+
• ·Dating Megghi Galo, an Italian model and social media influencer
• ·Known for his unusual defensive style — comfortable carrying the ball from deep
• ·Wears No. 33 at Arsenal; No. 13 for Italy
• ·Left-footed centre-back — a rare profile in modern European football
• ·Regarded as the leading figure of Italy's new defensive generation

Is Riccardo Calafiori single, dating or married?

Yes, Riccardo Calafiori is in a relationship with Megghi Galo.

Last verified: May 2026.

Who is Megghi Galo?

Megghi Galo is a Milan-based model and regular presence at fashion weeks across Europe, known for her bold, high-fashion sensibility and vibrant social media presence. With over 370,000 Instagram followers, she has become a notable name in Italian fashion circles. Her relationship with Arsenal and Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori began in early 2025, and the couple's six-year age gap and contrasting worlds have made them one of Italian football's most talked-about new couples.

ABOUT

Riccardo Calafiori is Italy's most exciting young defender and one of the best left-sided centre-backs in European football. His breakout tournament at Euro 2024 announced him to the world, and his subsequent move to Arsenal at a record fee confirmed his elite status. Equally comfortable defending or driving forward with the ball, Calafiori embodies the modern libero for a new Italian generation.

WORLD CUP 2026 OUTLOOK

Riccardo Calafiori arrives at the 2026 World Cup as the most exciting young defender in international football and the cornerstone of Italy's defensive rebuild. At 24, he embodies the modern libero — a defender who initiates attacks with the ball rather than simply clearing it — and gives Italy a distinctive identity at the back. Italy, who failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, are returning with renewed energy and a squad full of young talent. If Calafiori can stay fit and perform at his club-level best, he could announce himself as one of the tournament's defining defensive stars.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who is Riccardo Calafiori's girlfriend?

Riccardo Calafiori is dating Megghi Galo, an Italian model and social media influencer. The couple have been photographed together at events in London and Italy since his move to Arsenal in 2024.

How old is Calafiori at the 2026 World Cup?

Riccardo Calafiori will be 24 years old during the 2026 FIFA World Cup (born May 19, 2002). He turns 24 just weeks before the tournament begins.

Why did Italy miss the 2022 World Cup?

Italy failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup — a shocking embarrassment for the defending European champions — after losing their World Cup qualifying play-off to North Macedonia 1-0 in March 2022. It was the second consecutive World Cup Italy had failed to reach after also missing the 2018 tournament.

What is Calafiori's Instagram?

His official Instagram handle is @richycala.

Last verified: May 2026