Mateo Retegui

Mateo Retegui received his foundational football education at the youth academies of River Plate and Boca Juniors, where he was meticulously trained in the technical and physical demands of top-tier football.

Mateo Retegui began his professional journey at Boca Juniors, but it was during several productive loan spells that he truly found his goal-scoring form. He gained valuable experience at Estudiantes and Talleres before his career-defining stint at Tigre in 2022. At Tigre, he became the top scorer of the Argentine Primera División, attracting the attention of European scouts and the Italian national team coaching staff. His breakout year in Argentina proved he was ready for the absolute highest level.

In early 2023, Italy manager Roberto Mancini handed Retegui a surprise call-up to the national team. He responded by scoring in his first two matches against England and Malta, becoming an overnight sensation in Italy. Following his international success, he secured a major transfer to Genoa in Serie A. In his debut season in Italy, he became a fan favorite, consistently scoring crucial goals that helped the club establish its position in the top flight. His physicality and link-up play were central to Genoa's tactical system.

In July 2025, Retegui completed a blockbuster transfer to Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League for a reported fee of nearly $40 million. His arrival in the Middle East was part of a major investment by the club to compete with the league's established giants. During the 2025-2026 season, he has been one of the most prolific strikers in Saudi Arabia, consistently leading his team in goals. His presence has elevated the competitive level of the squad.

On the international stage, he continues to lead the line for Italy as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His ability to perform against top-tier international defenses has made him an undroppable starter for the Azzurri. He played a vital role in their successful European qualifying campaign and remains their primary offensive threat. His unique path of representing Italy while playing in various continents has made him a global footballing figure.

By May 2026, Retegui has surpassed 100 professional goals and is recognized as a premier international striker. His market value remains high as he continues to deliver consistent performances in both club and international competitions. His career trajectory highlights the global nature of modern football and his own personal resilience in achieving success across the globe.

Mateo Retegui comes from a family with a deep sports heritage; his father, Carlos Retegui, is a legendary Argentine field hockey player and coach. This sporting background instilled in him a rigorous professional mindset and a competitive spirit from a very young age. Despite his success in football, he remains close to his family and frequently credits them for his grounded personality.

He holds dual Argentine and Italian citizenship, a heritage he takes great pride in. Since moving to Saudi Arabia, he has adapted to a new culture while maintaining his strong Argentine and Italian traditions. He is known for his quiet and professional demeanor off the pitch, preferring to focus entirely on his training and physical conditioning. He is frequently seen spending time with his fellow international teammates in Saudi Arabia.

Off the field, Mateo is an avid fan of various sports, including field hockey and tennis. He is involved in several charitable initiatives in both Argentina and Italy, focusing on youth sports development. His humble nature and dedication to his profession have made him a respected figure among his peers. He remains committed to his personal growth and achieving further success on the international stage.