Defender 15
Leoni has already established himself as one of the most exciting young defenders in European football. The centre back earned a huge recognition as he made a move to Liverpool FC in 2025.
Giovanni Leoni was born of the 21 December 2006 in Rome Italy, where at a young age he began developing his skills at local football clubs. His early football education came through youth systems which includes; Vigontina San Paolo, and Cittadella before joining the academy of Padova.
During his time playing for youth systems, his coaches recognised that Leoni have the ability to combine size advantage, athleticism, and technical ability in his game play style which is rare in many defenders that rely more on physical strength.
These abilities made him standout, and he made rapid progress in the youth system, it did not take so long before he caught the attention of Italian scouts.
Leoni made his senior debut in March 2023 for Padova when he was just 16 years old, an achievement that immediately placed him among Italy’s brightest defensive prospects. He showed real confidence in his performance that can only be seen in senior players.
He spent the second half of the 2023/2024 season on a loan move at UC Sampdoria in the Seria B, where he gained an open access to the first team, made 12 appearances for the club, and even scored his first professional goal.
Palma Calcio 1913 secured his signature in 2024 after the club was convinced about his performance. The 2024/2025 season defined his career, as he quickly adapted to Seria A football. Leoni made 17 league appearance, and scored once, which made him the youngest defender in Palma history to score in Seria A.
In the Summer of 2025, his performance attracted the interest of many European clubs, but Liverpool FC secured his signature from Palma on a long term contract worth around £26 million plus add ons. The move reflected Liverpool’s interest in building a strong defensive squad, that is centered around young talents.
The move to Liverpool positioned him around senior defenders, the likes of Virgil Van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez, creating the grounds for his continued growth.
Leoni made his debut in the Carabao cup game against Southampton at Anfield where he impressed the fans with his performance. Unfortunately he tore his ACL towards the end of the game, an injury that kept him out throughout the remaining of the 2025/2026 season.
CLUB TROPHIES
Currently Giovanni Leoni have no trophy with Liverpool.
