Michael Phelps is rated as one of the greatest swimmers of all-time and one of the most successful Olympian to ever compete in a sport that was the first love for Arsenal defender, Riccardo Calafiori, Softfootball reports.
The 23-year-old, who left the Italian camp today due to injury will not be part of the Azurri’s final match against Norway in their 2026 World Cup qualifier as he returns to London to recover ahead of the premier league restart after the international break.
Calafiori has enjoyed a successful short career since he came through AS Roma to Swiss side Basel before moving to Bologna and joining Arsenal last season and has been outstanding for Mikel Arteta’s Gunners ever since.
Interestingly, the football world would’ve not enjoyed his talent had he followed his earlier passion as a swimmer. Perhaps, he would’ve been looking at chasing down Olympic record titles like Michael Phelps.
During one of Arsenal’s mini-interview series tagged ‘my first’ and shared on the Gunners official X handle, the Italian international gave an insight into his early life. He said:
My first team was Petriana when I was a kid, then it went to AS Roma…..My first hobby was swimming, I was a swimmer. …AS Roma vs Inter Milan. It was the final of the Italian Cup.
Calafori can comfortably play as a centerback, left back and central midfielder. He is strong in the air and in one-on-one situations. The former Bologna star is good in possession and often described as a ballplaying defender and he is calm under pressure.
Calafiori has been a super regular for Mikel Arteta’s side this season as they look to win the premier league for the first time simce 2004. Before going for the international break with Italy, Calafiori was involved as Arsenal played out a 2-2 draw against Sunderland at the stadium of Light.
Below is the video of the Calafiori interview as shared on Arsenal’s official X handle.
🏊♂️ First hobby?
🎤 First concert?
🚀 First goal?
Introducing My Firsts, with Riccardo Calafiori ☝️ pic.twitter.com/Hv11Tu8mEd
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 14, 2025The North London club will be hoping Calafiori recovers in time from his injury to be part of the squad that would face Tottenham Hotspur in the London derby on November, 23 at the Emirates stadium.
