What Happened to Daniele De Rossi?
Daniele De Rossi is an Italian football legend, renowned for his 18-year playing career as a defensive midfielder with AS Roma and for winning the 2006 FIFA World Cup with Italy. After retiring from playing in 2020, he transitioned into coaching, holding roles with SPAL and his beloved AS Roma, before being appointed head coach of Serie A club Genoa in November 2025, a position he holds as of March 2026.
Quick Answer
Daniele De Rossi, the iconic former AS Roma midfielder and 2006 World Cup winner, is currently the head coach of Serie A club Genoa, a role he took on in November 2025. Prior to this, he had coaching spells with SPAL and a brief but impactful return to AS Roma as manager in 2024. He continues to lead Genoa in their 2025-2026 Serie A campaign, recently commenting on their performance against Inter Milan in February 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Rome, Italy
Daniele De Rossi was born in Rome, Italy, the city where he would become a football icon.
AS Roma First-Team Debut
De Rossi made his professional debut for AS Roma under Fabio Capello in a UEFA Champions League match against Anderlecht.
Italy National Team Debut
He earned his first cap for the Italy national team, marking the beginning of a long and successful international career.
Wins FIFA World Cup with Italy
De Rossi was a key member of the Italian squad that won the FIFA World Cup in Germany, defeating France in the final.
Wins Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana
De Rossi helped AS Roma win the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana, securing his first major club trophies.
Plays Final Match for AS Roma
After 18 seasons, De Rossi played his last game for AS Roma, ending an iconic chapter of his career.
Joins Boca Juniors
De Rossi signed with Argentine club Boca Juniors, fulfilling a long-held dream to play in Argentina.
Retires from Professional Football
Citing family reasons, De Rossi announced his retirement from professional football after a brief stint with Boca Juniors.
Wins Euro 2020 as Italy Coaching Staff Member
As part of Roberto Mancini's coaching staff, De Rossi helped Italy win the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament.
Appointed Head Coach of SPAL
De Rossi took his first senior managerial role with Serie B club SPAL.
Sacked by SPAL
His tenure at SPAL ended after just four months due to poor results.
Appointed Head Coach of AS Roma
De Rossi returned to his beloved AS Roma as head coach, replacing José Mourinho on a short-term contract.
Leaves AS Roma Coaching Role
Despite an initial extension for the 2024-25 season, De Rossi's second spell as Roma coach ended in September 2024.
Appointed Head Coach of Genoa CFC
De Rossi was named the new head coach of Serie A club Genoa, signing a contract until summer 2026.
Manages Genoa in Serie A Match vs. Inter Milan
De Rossi coached Genoa in a Serie A match against Inter Milan, which Genoa lost 2-0, and he commented on the team's performance and relegation battle.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Daniele De Rossi carved out an illustrious playing career primarily with his hometown club, AS Roma. Joining their youth system in 2000, he made his first-team debut in 2001 and went on to become the club's second-most capped player with 616 appearances across all competitions, scoring 63 goals. During his tenure with Roma, he secured two Coppa Italia titles in 2007 and 2008, along with a Supercoppa Italiana in 2007. Internationally, De Rossi was a pivotal member of the Italy national team, earning 117 caps and famously winning the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
After an 18-year career with Roma, De Rossi sought a new challenge, joining Argentine club Boca Juniors in July 2019. His time there was brief and hampered by injuries, limiting him to just five appearances before he announced his retirement from professional football in January 2020, citing family reasons. Following his playing retirement, De Rossi quickly moved into coaching, joining the Italy national team's staff and contributing to their UEFA Euro 2020 victory in 2021.
His first senior managerial role came in October 2022 with Serie B side SPAL, but this spell was short-lived, ending in February 2023 after just four months. De Rossi then made a highly anticipated return to AS Roma, this time as head coach, on January 16, 2024, replacing José Mourinho. Initially, he signed a short-term deal until June 2024. His positive impact led the club to announce in April 2024 that he would continue as head coach for the 2024-25 season, aiming to build a long-term project. However, this extended tenure was cut short, and he was fired in September 2024.
De Rossi's coaching journey continued when he was appointed as the new head coach of fellow Serie A club Genoa on November 6, 2025, succeeding Patrick Vieira. He signed a contract until the summer of 2026, with an option for a one-year extension contingent on the club avoiding relegation. Genoa, who were in the relegation zone at the time of his appointment, entrusted De Rossi with the task of stabilizing the team and building for the future. As of March 1, 2026, De Rossi remains at the helm of Genoa, actively managing the team in their Serie A campaign. He recently commented on Genoa's 2-0 defeat to Inter Milan on February 28, 2026, acknowledging Inter's strength but expressing hope for his team's survival in the league.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Daniele De Rossi made different choices?