Federico Balzaretti
A stylish and tenacious Italian left-back whose career renaissance at Roma made him a cult hero and a symbol of passionate defending.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Italian footballer·Birthday: December 6·Millennials
Biography
Federico Balzaretti's football journey was one of persistence and late-blooming acclaim. A reliable and attacking full-back, he spent his early career bouncing between clubs like Torino, Juventus, and Fiorentina without ever quite becoming a star. His move to Palermo in 2008, however, unlocked his potential; there, his marauding runs down the flank and committed defending earned him a spot on the Italian national team for Euro 2012. The pinnacle came with his 2012 transfer to AS Roma, where, despite being in his thirties, he became a fan favorite. Balzaretti played with a visible, gritty passion, his distinctive beard and relentless effort embodying the spirit of the Giallorossi. A serious injury in 2014 cut his peak years short, but he retired having left an indelible mark. He transitioned smoothly into a front-office role at Roma, helping shape the club's future as a loan manager.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Federico was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Federico Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Federico's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Earned 16 caps for the Italian national team and was selected for the UEFA Euro 2012 squad, where Italy finished as runners-up.
- Played a key role in Palermo's historic 2010-11 season, helping the club qualify for the UEFA Europa League.
- Made over 50 appearances for AS Roma, becoming a beloved figure among supporters for his dedication.
- Scored a memorable goal for Italy in a 2012 friendly against Uruguay.
Did You Know?
He is known by the nickname 'Bombardino' (little bomber).
Balzaretti is a trained sommelier and co-owned a wine bar in Rome.
After retirement, he took on the role of Loan Manager at AS Roma, overseeing the development of players sent out on loan.
“I gave my soul to Palermo, and the fans gave me theirs in return.”
