LAFC defender Giorgio Chiellini announced his retirement from professional football today after a remarkable 22-year career, leaving the game as one of the most decorated and respected defenders the sport has ever seen, and ending his career winning 27 titles.
“Firstly, we would like to congratulate Giorgio on his legendary career,” LAFC Co-President & GM John Thorrington said. “We consider ourselves grateful that Giorgio, Carolina, Nina, and Olivia chose to spend the last 18 months of Giorgio’s playing days at LAFC. Giorgio is the best defender of his generation and an even better person. Giorgio exceeded the incredibly high expectations we had for him both on and off the field. His leadership, professionalism, and character will leave a lasting legacy at LAFC, and we trust that our relationship with Giorgio will continue.”
Chiellini, 39, joined LAFC on June 13, 2022, after an illustrious career with Serie A side Juventus FC, where he spent nearly 18 years leading the Club in an unprecedented run that included nine consecutive Serie A titles from 2011-2020. A three-time Serie A Defender of the Year, Chiellini was named to the Italian League’s Team of the Year five straight times from 2012-2018, in addition to winning five Italian Cups and five Italian Super Cups.
During his time in Los Angeles, Chiellini made 45 appearances (38 starts) across all competitions, including seven MLS Cup Playoff appearances, and three appearances in the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2023 Concacaf Champions League.
Chiellini helped lead the Black & Gold to the 2022 Supporters’ Shield, two Western Conference titles (2022 & 2023), the 2022 MLS Cup, and runner-up finishes in the 2023 Concacaf Champions League, 2023 Campeones Cup, and 2023 MLS Cup.
Under Chiellini’s leadership, LAFC’s proved to be a fortress in defense, registering 18 shutouts across all competitions, including three clean sheets in the 2023 MLS Cup playoffs and contributing to seven straight MLS Cup Playoff wins between 2022 and 2023.
Chiellini played 117 times for Italy, helping lead the Azzurri to the 2020 European Championship where he was recognized as the Defender of the Tournament. Chiellini appeared for Italy in the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup and registered a total of eight goals and four assists in his time with the National Team.
Chiellini began his career at his local club AS Livorno at the age of six, working his way through the youth ranks of Livorno and the Youth National Teams. He made his professional debut at 16 in 2001 and made 62 overall appearances for Livorno before joining ACF Fiorentina in 2004, making his Serie A debut on Sept. 12, 2004. Chiellini played one season with Fiorentina before moving to Juventus where he would go on to make history.
