Elena Linari
Elena Linari: A Rising Star in Women’s Football
Elena Linari, born on April 15, 1994, is a prominent Italian professional footballer who has made significant strides in both club and international football. As a centre back, she currently plays for the Women’s Super League club London City Lionesses and represents the Italy women’s national team. Linari’s journey through various esteemed clubs and her contributions to the Italian national team highlight her talent and dedication to the sport.
Early Life and Youth Career
Linari’s passion for football began at a young age. Growing up in Italy, she initially trained with Atletica Castello, participating in inter-gender training matches. At the age of fourteen, she transitioned to Claudio Desolati’s football academy in Florence, where she honed her skills further. Linari joined the regional club Firenze in the 2008-2009 season and quickly made an impact, debuting in Serie A at just sixteen years old. Over five seasons with Firenze, she accumulated a total of 107 appearances and was instrumental in winning the Primavera title during the 2012-2013 season.
Professional Club Career
Brescia
In the summer of 2013, Linari made a pivotal move to Brescia. Her first season with the club was remarkable as she helped them secure the Serie A league title. Moreover, she made her UEFA Champions League debut on October 9, 2014. Linari continued to build on her success by winning the Coppa Italia in the 2014-2015 season and clinching two Supercoppa trophies in consecutive years (2014 and 2015).
Fiorentina
After her successful stint at Brescia, Linari returned to her roots by signing with Fiorentina in the summer of 2016. This move was particularly meaningful for her as Fiorentina was the club she had supported since childhood. During her two seasons with Fiorentina, she contributed to winning another league title and two Coppa Italia trophies, further solidifying her status as a key player in Italian women’s football.
Atlético Madrid
In a groundbreaking move, Linari became the first female Italian football player to sign a professional contract when she joined Atlético Madrid in 2018. Her time in Spain lasted two years and was marked by significant achievements including winning a league title and reaching the cup final.
Bordeaux and Return to Italy
Following her tenure at Atlético Madrid, Linari signed with Girondins de Bordeaux in 2020. However, her time in France was relatively short-lived due to limited success. Subsequently, she seized the opportunity to return to Italy by joining AS Roma on January 14, 2021. Her arrival at Roma proved transformative; within six months of her signing, the team’s defensive statistics improved significantly. Under her influence, Roma not only regained confidence but also captured their first major trophy in women’s football.
Achievements with Roma
On May 30, 2021, Linari played a crucial role in Roma’s Coppa Italia final victory against AC Milan. She delivered an impressive performance with 16 ball recoveries and completing 111 passes during that match. This victory marked Linari’s fourth Coppa Italia winner’s medal throughout her career.
London City Lionesses
On August 1, 2025, Linari took another step in her career by signing with London City Lionesses in the Women’s Super League. This move reflects her continuous ambition to compete at high levels internationally while contributing to women’s football development.
International Career
Linari’s international career began when she was called up to represent Italy at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2017. She has since become a vital member of the national team, participating in major tournaments such as the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2019 and UEFA Women’s Euro 2022. Her consistent performances earned her a spot on the roster for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 and UEFA Women’s Euro 2025.
Statistics and Honors
Club Statistics
As of June 4, 2023, Linari has made substantial contributions across various clubs including Fiorentina, Brescia, Atlético Madrid, Bordeaux, and AS Roma. Her career statistics reflect her effectiveness as a defender and playmaker.
International Performance
Linari’s international appearances have been equally impressive. As of June 3, 2025, she continues to be an essential figure for Italy’s women’s national team.
Acknowledgments
Throughout her career, Linari has received numerous honors including multiple league titles and cups with various clubs. Notably, during her time at Roma she won the Serie A title for the season 2022-23 and claimed the Supercoppa Italiana in 2022. Additionally, she has been recognized individually as part of Serie A Women’s Team of the Year for three consecutive seasons (2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23), underscoring her exceptional performance on the field.
Conclusion
Elena Linari is not only a talented athlete but also a trailblazer for women’s football in Italy. Her journey from local youth leagues to becoming an international star exemplifies determination and skill. As she continues to break barriers both domestically and internationally through her gameplay and professional choices, Linari serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes around the world. With each match played for club or country, she reaffirms her commitment to excellence in women’s football.
Artykuł sporządzony na podstawie: Wikipedia (EN).