{"id":244642,"first_name":"Sandro","last_name":"Tonali","short_name":"S. Tonali","common_name":"Sandro Tonali","place_of_birth":"Lodi","gender":"male","height":181,"weight":78,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-06T09:38:51.507Z","updatedAt":"2025-03-17T12:05:15.340Z","locale":"en","age":24,"stb_id":"sandro-tonali","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Sandro Tonali","top_position":null,"introduction":"Sandro Tonali is a highly regarded Italian professional footballer known for his exceptional skills as a midfielder. Currently playing for Newcastle United in the Premier League, Tonali has proven his significance in football through his impressive performances both at club and international levels. His journey has seen him record significant achievements, including winning Serie A with AC Milan and becoming the most expensive Italian footballer of all time following his transfer to Newcastle United in 2023.","early_life_and_career":"\n## Early Years\nSandro Tonali was born on May 8, 2000, in Italy. His passion for football was evident from a young age, with influences from his family and environment playing a substantial role in nurturing his early interest in the sport. Details about his parents and specific early education are not explicitly covered in the source material; however, his early development suggests a supportive background that facilitated his entry into football.\n\n## Youth Career\nTonali's formative years in football began with his involvement in youth teams, notably with Brescia Calcio. It was at these foundational stages that he honed his skills, preparing him for a successful transition into a professional career. Although specific achievements from this period are not elaborated on in the source, his rise through the ranks is a testament to his potential and talent.","professional_career_and_highlights":"\n## Club Career\n\n### Brescia\nTonali started his professional career at Brescia Calcio, making his debut on August 26, 2017, at just 17 years of age in a Serie B match against Avellino. His breakthrough season was in 2018-19, where he played a crucial role in Brescia's Serie B title win, securing promotion to Serie A. His Serie A debut came against Cagliari on August 25, 2019, where he showcased his ability by assisting a goal against Napoli and scoring his first Serie A goal on October 26, 2019, with a sublime free-kick against Genoa.\n\n### AC Milan\nTonali's move to AC Milan in 2020 marked a new chapter, initially joining on a loan deal before making his stay permanent in 2021. During the 2021-22 season, he was pivotal in Milan's Serie A triumph, scoring crucial goals and establishing himself as a creative and reliable midfielder. Over his tenure, Tonali accumulated 130 appearances for the club and received widespread recognition for his performances from fans and pundits alike.\n\n### Newcastle United\nIn 2023, Tonali made headlines by signing with Newcastle United for a remarkable transfer fee reported at €70 million, making him the most expensive Italian footballer in history. He debuted on July 18, 2023, in a testimonial match and scored during his Premier League debut against Aston Villa on August 12, 2023. In October 2023, he faced a challenging period due to an investigation and subsequent suspension over betting allegations, missing most of the 2023-24 season. He returned to play in August 2024, resuming his career with determination.\n\n## National Team Career\n\n### Youth National Teams\nTonali represented Italy at various youth levels, notably participating in the 2018 European Under-19 Championship, reaching the final before losing to Portugal. His performances highlighted his potential on the international stage.\n\n### Senior National Team\nTonali's senior debut came on October 15, 2019, in a 5-0 victory over Liechtenstein. He solidified his position by earning regular call-ups and further appearances, reflecting his growing importance to the Italian national squad.","playing_style_and_skills":"\n## Player Characteristics\nTonali is recognized for his versatile playing style, capable of functioning effectively as a regista or in various midfield roles. His style bears resemblance to the legendary Andrea Pirlo, featuring excellent vision, technical skills, and tactical intelligence. His play is characterized by strong, fast, and creative movements, with an exceptional ability to dictate the game's flow, especially from a central or defensive midfield position. Tonali's adeptness at set-pieces and his unique ability to perform accurate long passes with either foot further amplifies his influence on the pitch.\n\n## Performance Statistics\nStatistically, Tonali has made significant contributions across his career, with scores and assists reflecting his role as a playmaker. At the club level, he recorded numerous appearances and was instrumental in achieving key victories and titles.\n\n## Records\nTonali's transfer to Newcastle marked him as the most expensive Italian footballer of all time, a testament to his perceived value and potential impact.","notable_achievements":"\n## Achievements\n\n### Team Achievements\n- Serie B title with Brescia in 2018-19\n- Serie A title with AC Milan in 2021-22\n\n### Individual Achievements\n- UEFA European Under-19 Championship Team of the Tournament: 2018\n- Serie B Footballer of the Year: 2018\n- Serie B Best Young Player: 2019\n- Italian Golden Boy Award: 2020\n- IFFHS Men's World Youth (U20) Team: 2020\n\n## Awards and Recognition\nTonali’s recognition extends beyond just statistics, with significant endorsements from prominent figures in football and accolades across his playing career. His influence on and off the pitch showcases his exceptional talent and contribution to the sport.","impact_on_sport":"\n## Career Overview\nSandro Tonali's career has left a significant mark on Italian football, highlighted by his breakthrough performances and pivotal contributions to key victories both domestically and internationally. His evolution from a promising youth to an accomplished professional midfielder underscores his impact on the sport.\n\n## Off the Field\nWhile specific details regarding his activities off the field are limited in the source, Tonali's professional journey and public persona suggest a focus on developing his football career and maintaining a positive image in the sport.\n\n## Personal Life\nKnown to be an AC Milan fan since childhood, Tonali’s personal connections to the clubs he has played for illustrate his passion for the game and personal fulfillment achieved through his professional engagements.","stb_internal_id":"019300d7-50ce-7f47-b1bf-6a0a3ac92cdb","overrides":null,"type_code":"midfielder","position_type_code":"midfielder","detailed_position_type_code":"central-midfied","roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":null,"has_social_media_relations":null,"introduction_html":"

Sandro Tonali is a highly regarded Italian professional footballer known for his exceptional skills as a midfielder. Currently playing for Newcastle United in the Premier League, Tonali has proven his significance in football through his impressive performances both at club and international levels. His journey has seen him record significant achievements, including winning Serie A with AC Milan and becoming the most expensive Italian footballer of all time following his transfer to Newcastle United in 2023.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Early Years

Sandro Tonali was born on May 8, 2000, in Italy. His passion for football was evident from a young age, with influences from his family and environment playing a substantial role in nurturing his early interest in the sport. Details about his parents and specific early education are not explicitly covered in the source material; however, his early development suggests a supportive background that facilitated his entry into football.

Youth Career

Tonali's formative years in football began with his involvement in youth teams, notably with Brescia Calcio. It was at these foundational stages that he honed his skills, preparing him for a successful transition into a professional career. Although specific achievements from this period are not elaborated on in the source, his rise through the ranks is a testament to his potential and talent.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

Club Career

Brescia

Tonali started his professional career at Brescia Calcio, making his debut on August 26, 2017, at just 17 years of age in a Serie B match against Avellino. His breakthrough season was in 2018-19, where he played a crucial role in Brescia's Serie B title win, securing promotion to Serie A. His Serie A debut came against Cagliari on August 25, 2019, where he showcased his ability by assisting a goal against Napoli and scoring his first Serie A goal on October 26, 2019, with a sublime free-kick against Genoa.

AC Milan

Tonali's move to AC Milan in 2020 marked a new chapter, initially joining on a loan deal before making his stay permanent in 2021. During the 2021-22 season, he was pivotal in Milan's Serie A triumph, scoring crucial goals and establishing himself as a creative and reliable midfielder. Over his tenure, Tonali accumulated 130 appearances for the club and received widespread recognition for his performances from fans and pundits alike.

Newcastle United

In 2023, Tonali made headlines by signing with Newcastle United for a remarkable transfer fee reported at €70 million, making him the most expensive Italian footballer in history. He debuted on July 18, 2023, in a testimonial match and scored during his Premier League debut against Aston Villa on August 12, 2023. In October 2023, he faced a challenging period due to an investigation and subsequent suspension over betting allegations, missing most of the 2023-24 season. He returned to play in August 2024, resuming his career with determination.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Tonali represented Italy at various youth levels, notably participating in the 2018 European Under-19 Championship, reaching the final before losing to Portugal. His performances highlighted his potential on the international stage.

Senior National Team

Tonali's senior debut came on October 15, 2019, in a 5-0 victory over Liechtenstein. He solidified his position by earning regular call-ups and further appearances, reflecting his growing importance to the Italian national squad.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Player Characteristics

Tonali is recognized for his versatile playing style, capable of functioning effectively as a regista or in various midfield roles. His style bears resemblance to the legendary Andrea Pirlo, featuring excellent vision, technical skills, and tactical intelligence. His play is characterized by strong, fast, and creative movements, with an exceptional ability to dictate the game's flow, especially from a central or defensive midfield position. Tonali's adeptness at set-pieces and his unique ability to perform accurate long passes with either foot further amplifies his influence on the pitch.

Performance Statistics

Statistically, Tonali has made significant contributions across his career, with scores and assists reflecting his role as a playmaker. At the club level, he recorded numerous appearances and was instrumental in achieving key victories and titles.

Records

Tonali's transfer to Newcastle marked him as the most expensive Italian footballer of all time, a testament to his perceived value and potential impact.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Achievements

Team Achievements

Serie B title with Brescia in 2018-19
Serie A title with AC Milan in 2021-22

Individual Achievements

UEFA European Under-19 Championship Team of the Tournament: 2018
Serie B Footballer of the Year: 2018
Serie B Best Young Player: 2019
Italian Golden Boy Award: 2020
IFFHS Men's World Youth (U20) Team: 2020

Awards and Recognition

Tonali’s recognition extends beyond just statistics, with significant endorsements from prominent figures in football and accolades across his playing career. His influence on and off the pitch showcases his exceptional talent and contribution to the sport.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Career Overview

Sandro Tonali's career has left a significant mark on Italian football, highlighted by his breakthrough performances and pivotal contributions to key victories both domestically and internationally. His evolution from a promising youth to an accomplished professional midfielder underscores his impact on the sport.

Off the Field

While specific details regarding his activities off the field are limited in the source, Tonali's professional journey and public persona suggest a focus on developing his football career and maintaining a positive image in the sport.

Personal Life

Known to be an AC Milan fan since childhood, Tonali’s personal connections to the clubs he has played for illustrate his passion for the game and personal fulfillment achieved through his professional engagements.

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Transfer	Goal	Assists
Newcastle July 2023 - Now	6	3
Italy November 2018 - Now	2	1

Sandro Tonali: Career