If you follow football, you have likely heard the name Mateo Retegui quite a bit lately. This talented striker has taken the sports world by storm with his incredible goal-scoring ability. Born in Argentina but now a key player for the Italy national team, his journey is nothing short of a movie script. He recently made a massive move to the Saudi Pro League, joining Al-Qadsiah for a staggering fee.
Mateo Retegui is known for being a “pressing forward.” This means he doesn’t just wait for the ball; he works hard to win it back from the other team. Whether he is playing in Europe or the Middle East, he always finds a way to put the ball in the back of the net. In this article, we will dive deep into his life, his family’s sporting history, and how he became one of the most talked-about strikers in 2026.
Quick Facts: Mateo Retegui Biography Table
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Mateo Retegui |
| Date of Birth | April 29, 1999 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 26 Years Old |
| Place of Birth | San Fernando, Argentina |
| Height | 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) |
| Position | Striker / Centre-Forward |
| Current Club | Al-Qadsiah (Saudi Pro League) |
| International Team | Italy |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Market Value | Approx. €40M – €65M |
Early Life and Family Sporting Roots
Mateo Retegui was born into a family that loves sports. His father, Carlos Retegui, is a famous field hockey coach and player who won Olympic gold for Argentina. Even his sister, Micaela, is an Olympic medalist in hockey! With such strong genes, it is no surprise that Mateo became a professional athlete. Interestingly, he actually played field hockey as a kid before deciding to focus entirely on football.
Because of his maternal grandfather, Mateo Retegui holds an Italian passport. This dual citizenship eventually allowed him to play for the Italian national team. Even though he grew up in San Fernando, near Buenos Aires, his Italian roots are very deep. This connection changed his career forever when the Italian coach called him up for the first time in 2023.
Beginning the Career in Argentina
The professional journey of Mateo Retegui started at two of the biggest clubs in South America: River Plate and Boca Juniors. He moved to Boca Juniors in 2016 and made his professional debut in late 2018. However, breaking into the first team at a club like Boca is very hard for a young player. To get more playing time, he went on a series of loans to clubs like Estudiantes and Talleres.
His big “breakthrough” happened when he joined Tigre on loan. During the 2022 season, he became the top scorer in the Argentine Primera División. He was scoring goals almost every week! This amazing form caught the eyes of scouts across the ocean in Europe. It was clear that Mateo Retegui was ready for a much bigger stage.
Making an Impact in the Italian National Team
In a surprise move in 2023, the Italian national team manager, Roberto Mancini, called up Mateo Retegui. Many people were shocked because Mateo had never lived in Italy at that point. However, he silenced the doubters immediately. In his very first game against England, he scored a beautiful goal. He followed that up with another goal in his second game against Malta.
Since then, he has become a regular for the “Azzurri.” By early 2026, he has earned over 26 caps and scored 11 goals for the national team. His presence gives Italy a physical and clinical striker that they had been missing for years. Fans in Italy now love him and see him as a vital part of their future World Cup plans.
The European Adventure: Genoa and Atalanta
After his success in Argentina, Mateo Retegui moved to Genoa in Serie A for €15 million in 2023. He adapted to Italian football very quickly, proving he could score against world-class defenders. His strength and positioning made him a nightmare for opponents. After just one year, the bigger Italian clubs came calling.
In 2024, he joined Atalanta for €28 million. This was a massive step up. At Atalanta, he played in the Champions League and became the “Capocannoniere” (the top scorer in Serie A) for the 2024-25 season with 25 goals. He even scored a first-half hat-trick against Hellas Verona! His time at Atalanta proved that Mateo Retegui belonged among the elite strikers in Europe.
Moving to Al-Qadsiah: A New Chapter in Saudi Arabia
In July 2025, the football world was stunned when Mateo Retegui signed with Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League. The transfer fee was reported to be around €65 million. This was one of the biggest moves of the summer. He joined a team with other stars like Nacho and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (whom he eventually replaced as the main man).
Since arriving in Saudi Arabia, he has continued to do what he does best: score. In the 2025-26 season, he has already netted 12 goals in his first 20 matches. He is currently competing for the Golden Boot against legends like Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite moving away from Europe, his form remains top-tier, and he continues to be the starting striker for the Italian national team.
Playing Style: What Makes Him Special?
What makes Mateo Retegui so good? First, he is a “fox in the box.” He always seems to be in the right place at the right time. He is also very strong in the air, winning many headers against tall defenders. Because he is a “pressing forward,” he runs a lot and makes it difficult for the other team to pass the ball comfortably.
His right foot is his strongest weapon, but he is also capable of scoring with his left. Coaches love him because he is a “team player.” He doesn’t just care about his own goals; he works hard to create space for his teammates. This combination of physical power and a high work rate is why Mateo Retegui has succeeded in every league he has played in.
Career Statistics and Achievements
- Argentine Primera División Top Scorer: 2022 (with Tigre)
- Serie A Capocannoniere: 2024-25 (with Atalanta)
- Serie A Best Striker: 2024-25
- International Goals: 11 goals in 26 appearances for Italy (as of Feb 2026)
- Current Season (2025-26): 12 goals for Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League
What the Future Holds for Mateo Retegui
As we look toward the rest of 2026, Mateo Retegui is at the peak of his powers. He is only 26 years old, which means his best years might still be ahead of him. With the World Cup qualifiers ongoing, he is the main hope for Italy’s attack. Fans are excited to see if he can lead his country to glory while continuing to dominate the league in Saudi Arabia.
His market value remains high, and there are always rumors of him returning to a top European club in the future. For now, he seems happy and successful at Al-Qadsiah. One thing is certain: wherever Mateo Retegui goes, goals are sure to follow. He is a true modern-day number nine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Mateo Retegui Argentine or Italian?
He was born and raised in Argentina, but he plays for the Italy national team. He has dual citizenship because of his Italian grandfather.
2. Which club does Mateo Retegui play for now?
As of 2026, he plays for Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League.
3. How many goals has he scored for Italy?
He has scored 11 goals for the Italy national team in 26 matches.
4. Who is Mateo Retegui’s father?
His father is Carlos Retegui, a famous Olympic field hockey coach from Argentina.
5. What is his playing position?
He is a striker, also known as a centre-forward or a pressing forward.
6. Why did he choose to play for Italy instead of Argentina?
Italy invited him to play when Argentina had not yet called him up. He felt proud to represent his family’s heritage and accepted the offer.
Conclusion: A Striker on Top of the World
The story of Mateo Retegui is an inspiration for many young athletes. He showed that with hard work and the right opportunities, you can achieve greatness on a global scale. From the stadiums of Argentina to the top of the scoring charts in Italy and now Saudi Arabia, he has proven his worth everywhere.
Mateo Retegui is more than just a goal-scorer; he is a symbol of the modern, global game of football. We can’t wait to see what he does next!
