Overview
Mateo Retegui is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for Genoa CFC and the Italy national football team. Born on April 29, 1999, in San Fernando, Argentina, Retegui possesses dual Argentine and Italian nationality, choosing to represent Italy internationally. Standing at 1.86 meters, he is recognized for his physical presence, goal-scoring ability, and work rate off the ball. His career has seen him develop through the Argentine club system before making a move to European football.
Position
Retegui primarily operates as a central forward or striker. His role often involves leading the line, holding up play, and providing a focal point for attacking movements. He is adept at playing with his back to goal, linking up with midfielders, and making runs into the penalty area to convert chances. While not typically a wide player, his versatility allows him to adapt to various attacking formations, often spearheading a single-striker system or playing alongside another forward.
Identity
Mateo Retegui's identity on the pitch can be characterized as a 'poacher with power'. He combines traditional striker attributes—such as intelligent movement in the box and clinical finishing—with a robust physical presence. This allows him to contend with defenders in aerial duels and hold-up situations. His ability to consistently find goal-scoring positions and convert chances has been a defining feature of his game, earning him a call-up to the Italian national team despite having spent the majority of his early career in South America.
Career path
Mateo Retegui's footballing journey began in Argentina, progressing through the youth ranks before making a significant move to European football.
Boca Juniors & Loan Spells (2017–2023)
Retegui joined the youth academy of Boca Juniors, one of Argentina's most storied clubs. He made his senior debut for Boca Juniors on November 17, 2018, in a league match against Patronato, coming on as a substitute. Despite being part of the Boca Juniors setup, Retegui spent several seasons out on loan to gain first-team experience. His first loan spell was with Estudiantes de La Plata, where he played from 2019 to 2020. This was followed by a move to Talleres, where he featured throughout 2021.
His most prolific loan spell came at Tigre, where he played from 2022 to 2023. During his time at Tigre, Retegui established himself as one of the most promising strikers in Argentina. In the 2022 Primera División season, he scored 19 goals in 27 appearances, making him the league's top scorer. He continued this form into the 2023 season, netting 11 goals in 14 league games before his eventual transfer to Europe. This consistent goal-scoring record at Tigre brought him to international attention, culminating in his call-up to the Italian national team while still playing in Argentina [Transfermarkt].
Genoa CFC (2023–present)
In July 2023, Mateo Retegui completed a permanent transfer to Genoa CFC in Italy's Serie A. The move marked his first venture into European club football. He quickly adapted to the demands of Italian football, making his Serie A debut on August 19, 2023, against Fiorentina. His initial performances for Genoa included crucial goals, underscoring his ability to translate his goal-scoring prowess to a top European league. As of May 2026, he remains a key attacking player for Genoa, contributing significantly to their attacking output [Transfermarkt].
Playing style
Mateo Retegui's playing style is characterized by his effectiveness as a classic number nine, combining physical attributes with intelligent attacking movement and clinical finishing. He is often deployed as the focal point of his team's attack, tasked with leading the line and converting chances.
Key Attributes
- Finishing: Retegui possesses a natural ability to score goals. He demonstrates composure in front of goal and a variety of finishes, capable of scoring with both feet and his head. His goal-scoring record in Argentina, particularly at Tigre, highlights this core strength [FBref].
- Aerial Ability: Standing at 1.86 meters, Retegui is strong in the air. He uses his height and power effectively in aerial duels, both from set pieces and crosses, making him a significant threat in the box.
- Hold-up Play: He excels at holding up the ball, allowing teammates to join the attack. His strength enables him to fend off defenders and retain possession in tight areas, providing valuable link-up play for his team.
- Off-the-ball Movement: Retegui displays intelligent movement, particularly within the penalty area. He often makes well-timed runs to exploit gaps in defensive lines, creating space for himself and goal-scoring opportunities.
- Work Rate: Beyond his attacking duties, Retegui also contributes defensively, pressing defenders and tracking back when necessary. This work rate adds another dimension to his game, making him a more complete forward.
Comparisons have been drawn to traditional center-forwards known for their goal-scoring instinct and physical presence. His ability to operate effectively as a lone striker, battling defenders and creating chances, aligns him with players who thrive on direct attacking play and clinical execution in the final third.
Achievements & honours
Mateo Retegui has accumulated several individual and team honors throughout his career, particularly during his impactful spells in Argentine football.
Individual Honours
- Argentine Primera División Top Scorer: In the 2022 season, while on loan at Tigre, Retegui emerged as the leading goalscorer in the Argentine Primera División, netting 19 goals. This achievement was a significant milestone in his career, establishing him as one of the most potent strikers in the league [Wikipedia].
Club Honours
While his individual goalscoring exploits have been notable, Retegui's club career has also seen him contribute to team successes, particularly during his time with Boca Juniors, even if those involvements were often from the periphery due to loan spells.
| Competition | Club | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Argentine Primera División | Boca Juniors | 2020 |
| Copa de la Liga Profesional | Boca Juniors | 2020 |
These team honors reflect his presence within successful squads, even as he was often gaining experience through various loan spells. His most significant contributions to date have been his individual goal-scoring feats, which directly led to his international recognition and subsequent move to European football.
International career
Mateo Retegui's international career is notable for his decision to represent Italy, despite being born and raised in Argentina. This choice led to a rapid ascent to the senior national team, making an immediate impact.
Italy National Team Debut
Retegui was eligible to play for Italy through his maternal grandfather, who was Italian. His impressive goal-scoring form for Tigre in Argentina caught the attention of Italy national team manager Roberto Mancini. He received his first call-up to the Italy national football team in March 2023 for UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying matches [FIFA.com].
He made his senior international debut for Italy on March 23, 2023, starting in a Euro 2024 qualifier against England. In this match, Retegui scored his first international goal, demonstrating his immediate impact on the team. He followed this with another goal in his second appearance for Italy, against Malta, just three days later. As of May 2026, Retegui has accumulated 6 caps for Italy and has scored 4 goals, establishing himself as a key option in attack for the Azzurri [UEFA.com].
Role for Italy
Retegui has quickly become an important player for Italy, providing a much-needed focal point in attack. His physical presence, hold-up play, and clinical finishing offer a different dimension to Italy's attacking options. He has been regularly included in squads for UEFA Euro qualifiers and friendly matches, solidifying his position within the national team setup. His ability to score crucial goals in competitive fixtures has underscored his value to the squad as they aim for qualification for major international tournaments.
What makes Mateo Retegui stand out
Mateo Retegui stands out primarily due to his exceptional goal-scoring instinct and his rapid adaptation to both international football and a new league in Europe. His ability to consistently find the back of the net, regardless of the league or competition, is a defining trait.
One key aspect that distinguishes him is his composure in crucial moments. Whether it's a tight angle or a high-pressure situation, Retegui often demonstrates a calm finish. His physical attributes, particularly his strength and aerial prowess, allow him to thrive against robust defenders, making him a difficult opponent to mark in the penalty area. Furthermore, his swift transition from the Argentine league to scoring for the Italian national team just months later highlights his mental fortitude and inherent talent.
"He's a modern striker. He presses, he helps the team, he scores goals, he knows how to play with the ball and without it. He has everything to be a great centre-forward." - Roberto Mancini, former Italy manager.