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Giorgio Chiellini played more than 800 games in his career
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Former defender has moved into coaching after retiring in December 2023
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The captain of Italy’s EURO 2020-winning side spoke at length to FIFA
After hanging up his boots in December of 2023, legendary defender Giorgio Chiellini has started a new life off pitch with former side Los Angeles FC.
During a distinguished 23-year career, Chiellini found incredible success with LAFC, Juventus – lifting more than 15 trophies with the Turin club – and the Italian national team, captaining the Azzurri to victory over England at UEFA EURO 2020, the nation’s first major title since winning FIFA World Cup Germany 2006™.
Chiellini spoke to FIFA about his career, living in LA, the city’s preparations for FIFA World Cup 26™, the current Italy side and more.
How have you found being in Los Angeles both on and off the field?
I fell in love with Los Angeles. There’s an incredible sporting culture here. Basketball, baseball, football… there’s a competition for everything and this is a city that demands success. [It’s the spiritual home of] Kobe Bryant, who is an icon here, and even more so since his death. I arrived [in 2022] and we won [the league championship] that first year. In my second season, we finished runners-up, so my overall balance as a player here is certainly a positive one.
From a more personal standpoint, I had the opportunity to get to know a different culture, which is very important. At a family level, things are also great. I’ve learnt the language well and have two girls aged nine and five who have also learnt English and have come to terms with a new culture. My wife and I have made new friendships that will last a lifetime.
How is LA preparing for its upcoming sporting events, such as FIFA World Cup 26™?
The World Cup is not that far away: in 2024 there’ll be Copa America fixtures here, in 2025 the FIFA Mundial de Clubes, in 2026 the FIFA World Cup and in 2028 the Olympics. It’s a city that’s really buzzing with sport and football in particular. People, particularly those of Latino culture, are playing more and more football in schools, so there’s a lot of enthusiasm around it and a lot of hype, both in the men’s and women’s game. It’s clearly a growing phenomenon and very nice to see.