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Mateo Retegui

Mateo Retegui is a professional footballer who plays as a striker for Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah and the Italy national team.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Mateo Retegui is a professional footballer who plays as a striker for Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah and the Italy national team. Born in Argentina, he represents Italy internationally through his family heritage. He became known in Italian football after spells with Boca Juniors, Tigre, Genoa and Atalanta before moving to Al-Qadsiah in 2025.

Early life and background

Retegui was born in San Fernando, Argentina, in 1999. He is eligible for Italy through his family and chose to represent Italy at senior international level.

Club career

He played in Argentina before moving to Italy, where he had spells with Genoa and Atalanta. His 2024–25 season at Atalanta established him as one of Serie A's leading forwards before his transfer to Al-Qadsiah.

International career

Retegui made his Italy debut in 2023 and scored in that match against England. He has since become part of Italy's attacking options.

Transfer to Al-Qadsiah

In 2025, Retegui joined Al-Qadsiah from Atalanta in a high-value move reported at roughly €65–70 million. The transfer made him one of the most expensive Italian-linked players ever sold abroad.

Key facts

  • Retegui is a striker for Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League.
  • He was born in Argentina and plays internationally for Italy.
  • He joined Al-Qadsiah from Atalanta in 2025 after one season in Bergamo.
  • He was the top scorer in Serie A in the 2024–25 season with 25 league goals.
  • He scored on his debut for Italy in a 2–1 loss to England in 2023.
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Canadian context

No direct Canada-specific connection is identified in the provided sources.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Mateo Retegui?
Mateo Retegui is an Argentine-born professional footballer who plays as a striker for Al-Qadsiah and the Italy national team.
What position does Retegui play?
He plays as a striker, also described as a forward or centre-forward.
Which club does Retegui play for now?
He plays for Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League.
Which national team does Retegui represent?
He represents Italy at senior international level.
When was Retegui born?
He was born on 29 April 1999.
Why is Retegui eligible for Italy?
He was born in Argentina but qualifies for Italy through his grandparents.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mateo_Retegui
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, position, current club, and Italy national team status.
  2. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/45789102/italy-striker-mateo-retegui-al-qadsiah-atalanta
    Supports: Transfer to Al-Qadsiah, Italy eligibility through grandparents, debut goal for Italy, and international appearances.
  3. The National — https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2025/07/22/mateo-retegui-al-qadsiah-spl/
    Supports: 2025 Al-Qadsiah transfer and 2024–25 Serie A top-scorer season at Atalanta.
  4. BBC Sport — https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c8xp9wy142vo
    Supports: Atalanta signing context and discussion of his rise in Italian football.