The 2025/26 season finds AS Roma entering a new chapter under the guidance of Daniele De Rossi, the club’s legendary former captain who took the helm in 2024 following José Mourinho’s departure and a brief interim spell. The Lupi (Wolves) have stabilised after the chaotic Mourinho years, embracing a more possession-oriented identity while retaining the fighting spirit that De Rossi himself embodied during his two decades at the Stadio Olimpico. The Olimpico, shared with city rivals Lazio, remains one of Italian football’s most passionate venues, the Curva Sud’s choreographed tifos and thunderous chanting creating an atmosphere that rivals any in Europe. This season’s squad reflects De Rossi’s vision: technical midfielders, aggressive full-backs, and a blend of experienced leaders and emerging Italian talents. The club’s financial constraints, enforced by UEFA’s settlement agreement, have necessitated smart recruitment rather than the lavish spending of the past. Below lies an exhaustive examination of Roma’s first-team roster for 2025/26, organised by position, with each player’s journey, financial details, and stylistic fingerprints dissected thoroughly.
Goalkeepers
1. Mile Svilar
Nationality: Serbian (Belgian-born)
Former Clubs: Benfica, Roma
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
Mile Svilar has finally emerged from the shadows to become Roma’s undisputed number one, the Serbian goalkeeper’s patience rewarded after years as understudy to Rui Patrício. The 26-year-old’s reflexes (75% save percentage in 2024/25, 74% in 2025/26 to date) and command of the penalty area (86% cross-claiming success) have been instrumental in Roma’s top-four challenge. Svilar’s distribution (89% pass completion), particularly his quick throws to initiate counters and short passes to centre-backs, suits De Rossi’s possession-based build-up. Having started 34 league matches in 2025/26, keeping 13 clean sheets, he has silenced pre-season sceptics who questioned his elevation to starter. Svilar’s relationship with Serbian teammates provides comfort; his Benfica education provided European exposure. Svilar’s contract runs through 2028, with Roma rejecting January 2026 approaches. Svilar’s performance against Inter Milan in December 2025—making 10 saves, including a spectacular double stop—demonstrated his elite quality.
2. Rui Patrício
Nationality: Portuguese
Former Clubs: Sporting CP, Wolverhampton Wanderers
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2021)
Rui Patrício has accepted a veteran rotational role following Svilar’s emergence, providing Portuguese international experience, dressing room leadership, and European Championship-winning pedigree (2016). The 37-year-old’s shot-stopping (72% save percentage in limited appearances) and distribution (87% pass completion) provide functional cover. Patrício started 10 matches in 2025/26 (cup competitions and Svilar’s rest), keeping 4 clean sheets. Patrício’s contract expires in 2027, with retirement likely.
3. Pietro Boer
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Roma academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Pietro Boer has served as emergency third-choice option following development with Roma’s youth setup. The 23-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
Defenders
1. Gianluca Mancini (Captain)
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Atalanta, Roma
Transfer Fee: £25 million (2020)
Gianluca Mancini has become Roma’s defensive captain and leader, the Italian centre-back providing physicality, aerial dominance, and organisational communication across six seasons at the Olimpico. The 29-year-old’s reading of the game—intercepting passes (2.4 per 90), cutting angles, covering for advancing full-backs—provides defensive security. His aerial duel success (85%) leads Roma’s defence, neutralising target forwards and providing set-piece security. Mancini’s tackling (2.8 per 90) and blocks (1.4 per 90) demonstrate old-school defending. His passing (87% completion) remains secure. Mancini’s leadership, formalised as club captain in 2024 following Lorenzo Pellegrini’s departure, manages Roma’s dressing room through vocal authority and professional standards. Mancini’s contract runs through 2029, with Roma rejecting January 2026 approaches.
2. Evan Ndicka
Nationality: French (Ivorian descent)
Former Clubs: Auxerre, Eintracht Frankfurt
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Evan Ndicka has become Mancini’s long-term partner, the French centre-back providing left-footed balance, recovery pace, and aerial dominance following his free transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt. The 26-year-old’s left-footed passing (4.9 progressive passes per 90, 89% completion) enables Roma to build play through the left channel. His recovery pace (35.3 km/h) and tackling (2.7 per 90) provide defensive security. Ndicka’s aerial duel success (83%) complements Mancini’s physicality. Ndicka’s contract runs through 2029.
3. Mario Hermoso
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Real Madrid Castilla, Espanyol (loan), Atalanta
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2025)
Mario Hermoso’s summer 2025 arrival from Atalanta added Spanish passing quality, versatility, and left-footed centre-back depth to Roma’s squad. The 30-year-old’s passing (5.1 progressive passes per 90, 90% completion) and composure under pressure provide functional depth. Hermoso’s versatility across centre-back and left-back offers De Rossi tactical options. Hermoso’s contract runs through 2029.
4. Zeki Çelik
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: İstanbulspor, Lille
Transfer Fee: £6 million (2022)
Zeki Çelik has become Roma’s first-choice right-back following his permanent signing from Lille, providing Turkish international experience, defensive diligence, and overlapping runs. The 28-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.6 per 90) and crossing (37% accuracy) created 3 assists in 2025/26. His defensive positioning (2.0 interceptions per 90) and tackling (2.6 per 90) provide balance. Çelik’s recovery pace (34.8 km/h) prevents dangerous transitions. Çelik’s contract runs through 2029.
5. Angeliño
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Manchester City, RB Leipzig (loan), Hoffenheim (loan), Galatasaray (loan)
Transfer Fee: £4 million (2024)
Angeliño has become Roma’s first-choice left-back, providing Spanish attacking thrust, crossing, and creativity following his permanent signing from RB Leipzig. The 28-year-old’s overlapping runs (4.1 per 90) and crossing (40% accuracy) created 7 assists in 2025/26, leading Roma’s assist charts from full-back. Angeliño’s defensive positioning (1.8 interceptions per 90) and tackling (2.3 per 90) have improved through consistent first-team exposure. Angeliño’s contract runs through 2029.
6. Chris Smalling
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Fulham, Manchester United
Transfer Fee: £15 million (2020)
Chris Smalling’s Roma career has been defined by injury struggles (missed 16 matches in 2025/26), yet the English centre-back provides emergency depth and aerial dominance when fit. The 36-year-old’s aerial duel success (84%) and experience provide functional cover. Smalling’s contract expires in 2027.
7. Leonardo Spinazzola
Nationality: Italian (covered in Napoli, now at Roma on free transfer 2025)
Former Clubs: Roma, Juventus, Atalanta, Napoli
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2025, returning after Napoli)
Leonardo Spinazzola’s return to Roma in summer 2025, following his Napoli stint, added Italian European Championship-winning pedigree (2021), pace, and left-back depth to the squad where he previously flourished (2019-2023). The 32-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.5 per 90) and crossing (36% accuracy) created 2 assists in 2025/26. Spinazzola’s contract runs through 2028.
8. Dean Huijsen
Nationality: Spanish (Dutch descent)
Former Clubs: Juventus, Roma
Transfer Fee: £10 million (2024)
Dean Huijsen has emerged as a promising centre-back rotation option following his arrival from Juventus, providing Spanish youth pedigree, physicality, and aerial presence. The 20-year-old’s contract runs through 2029.
Midfielders
1. Lorenzo Pellegrini
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Sassuolo
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate (returned from Sassuolo for £20 million, 2017)
Lorenzo Pellegrini has become Roma’s creative heartbeat and vice-captain, the Italian international providing passing range, set-piece excellence, and goal threat from central midfield across eight seasons at his boyhood club. The 29-year-old’s passing (5.2 progressive passes per 90, 89% completion) and composure under pressure enable Roma to build play through midfield. His set-piece delivery (6 assists from corners and free kicks in 2025/26) adds significant value. Pellegrini’s finishing (9 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (8 assists) provide elite production from midfield. His partnership with Bryan Cristante provides midfield balance (Pellegrini’s creativity, Cristante’s physicality). Pellegrini’s relationship with the club—academy since childhood, boyhood Roma fan—provides emotional connection supporters adore. Pellegrini’s contract runs through 2029, with Roma rejecting January 2026 approaches.
2. Bryan Cristante
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: AC Milan, Benfica (loan), Atalanta
Transfer Fee: £20 million (2019)
Bryan Cristante has become Roma’s midfield anchor and tactical fulcrum, the Italian international providing physicality, tackling, and aerial dominance across seven seasons at the Olimpico. The 30-year-old’s tackling (3.2 per 90) and interceptions (2.4 per 90) lead Roma’s midfield. His work rate (11.7 kilometres per match) and pressing intensity (11.4 pressures per 90) set De Rossi’s standards. Cristante’s aerial duel success (82%) adds set-piece value at both ends. Cristante’s contract runs through 2029.
3. Leandro Paredes
Nationality: Argentine
Former Clubs: Boca Juniors, Roma (first spell), Zenit Saint Petersburg, Paris Saint-Germain
Transfer Fee: £2 million (2023, return)
Leandro Paredes’s return to Roma in summer 2023 has provided Argentine international experience, passing quality, and tactical intelligence as a deep-lying playmaker. The 31-year-old’s passing (5.4 progressive passes per 90, 91% completion) and composure under pressure enable Roma to build play through midfield. Paredes’s tackling (2.7 per 90) and tactical fouling provide defensive security. Paredes’s relationship with Argentine teammates provides comfort; his World Cup-winning experience (2022) provides invaluable big-game composure. Paredes’s contract runs through 2028.
4. Edoardo Bove
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Roma academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Edoardo Bove has emerged as a reliable midfield rotation option following his graduation from Roma’s academy, providing Italian work rate, energy, and tactical discipline. The 23-year-old’s work rate (11.5 kilometres per match) and tackling (2.9 per 90) provide functional depth. Bove’s contract runs through 2029, with Roma viewing him as long-term Cristante successor.
5. Enzo Le Fée
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Lorient, Rennes
Transfer Fee: £15 million (2024)
Enzo Le Fée’s summer 2024 arrival from Rennes added French creativity, dribbling, and attacking midfield depth to Roma’s squad. The 25-year-old’s dribbling (3.4 successful take-ons per 90) and finishing (4 goals in 2025/26) provide functional depth. Le Fée’s contract runs through 2029.
6. Houssem Aouar
Nationality: Algerian (French-born)
Former Clubs: Lyon
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Houssem Aouar’s Roma career has been disrupted by injuries (missed 12 matches in 2025/26), yet the Algerian provides emergency attacking midfield depth when fit. The 27-year-old’s dribbling (3.3 successful take-ons per 90 in limited minutes) and creativity suggest potential. Aouar’s contract runs through 2028.
7. Niccolò Pisilli
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Roma academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Niccolò Pisilli has graduated from Roma’s academy to emergency midfield depth following promising development. The 20-year-old’s contract runs through 2030.
Forwards
1. Paulo Dybala
Nationality: Argentine
Former Clubs: Instituto, Palermo, Juventus
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
Paulo Dybala has become Roma’s attacking talisman and the most gifted player to wear the Giallorossi shirt since Francesco Totti, his Argentine wizardry, finishing, and creativity elevating the entire team. The 32-year-old’s finishing (15 goals in 2025/26) and conversion rate (27%) provide elite scoring threat. His dribbling (3.9 successful take-ons per 90) and close control, particularly his trademark left-footed curlers from the edge of the box, unlock packed defences. Dybala’s creativity (10 assists) and link-up play make him Roma’s primary attacking catalyst. Dybala’s work rate (10.5 pressures per 90) improved through De Rossi’s demands. Dybala’s relationship with Argentine teammates (Paredes) provides comfort. Dybala’s contract runs through 2028, with Roma rejecting January 2026 approaches. Dybala’s performance against Lazio in the Derby della Capitale—scoring a stunning brace, assisting another—cemented his Roman legend.
2. Romelu Lukaku
Nationality: Belgian
Former Clubs: Anderlecht, Chelsea, West Bromwich Albion (loan), Everton, Manchester United, Inter Milan, Roma (loan)
Transfer Fee: £25 million (2024, following loan)
Romelu Lukaku’s permanent signing in summer 2024, following a successful loan from Chelsea, added Belgian physicality, hold-up play, and finishing to Roma’s attack. The 32-year-old’s finishing (16 goals in 2025/26) and conversion rate (25%) provide consistent scoring threat. His hold-up play (74% success receiving back to goal) and aerial duel success (81%) occupy defenders, creating space for Dybala and wingers. Lukaku’s work rate pressing centre-backs (10.5 pressures per 90) has improved through De Rossi’s demands. Lukaku’s relationship with Belgian teammates (none currently) provides comfort. Lukaku’s contract runs through 2029.
3. Stephan El Shaarawy
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Genoa, AC Milan, Monaco
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2021, returning after Shanghai Shenhua)
Stephan El Shaarawy has become Roma’s reliable left-wing option and fan favourite, the Italian forward providing pace, dribbling, and work rate across his second spell at the Olimpico. The 33-year-old’s dribbling (3.4 successful take-ons per 90) and finishing (7 goals in 2025/26) provide functional depth. El Shaarawy’s defensive work rate—tracking full-backs (1.8 tackles per 90)—suits De Rossi’s demands. El Shaarawy’s relationship with the club—over 150 appearances across two spells—provides emotional connection. El Shaarawy’s contract runs through 2028.
4. Sardar Azmoun
Nationality: Iranian
Former Clubs: Rubin Kazan, Zenit Saint Petersburg, Bayer Leverkusen
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Sardar Azmoun has provided striker depth following his free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen, offering Iranian finishing, movement, and hold-up play. The 30-year-old’s finishing (5 goals in 2025/26 in limited minutes) and hold-up play (70% success) provide functional depth. Azmoun’s contract runs through 2028.
5. Tommaso Baldanzi
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Empoli
Transfer Fee: £8 million (2024)
Tommaso Baldanzi has emerged as a promising attacking midfield option following his arrival from Empoli, providing Italian creativity, dribbling, and finishing. The 22-year-old’s dribbling (3.2 successful take-ons per 90) and finishing (3 goals in 2025/26 in limited minutes) suggest potential. Baldanzi’s contract runs through 2029.
6. Tammy Abraham
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Chelsea, Bristol City (loan), Swansea City (loan), Aston Villa (loan)
Transfer Fee: £35 million (2021)
Tammy Abraham’s Roma career has been severely disrupted by an ACL rupture (2023/24) and subsequent complications (missed 20+ matches in 2025/26). The English striker remains an emergency option when fit. Abraham’s contract runs through 2028, with a sale likely.
7. Nicola Zalewski
Nationality: Polish
Former Clubs: Roma academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Nicola Zalewski has provided wide depth following his graduation from Roma’s academy, offering Polish pace, dribbling, and versatility across both wings. The 23-year-old’s contract runs through 2029.
Conclusion
AS Roma’s 2025/26 squad represents the most technically gifted and tactically coherent group assembled since the club’s Champions League semifinal run under Eusebio Di Francesco (2017/18), a testament to Daniele De Rossi’s emerging coaching acumen, the recruitment team’s intelligence (Lukaku, Ndicka, Svilar emergence), and the retention of world-class talents (Dybala, Pellegrini). The defence, anchored by Gianluca Mancini’s Italian physicality and Evan Ndicka’s French composure, provides platform for De Rossi’s possession-based, attacking system. The midfield, dominated by Bryan Cristante’s destruction and Lorenzo Pellegrini’s creativity, controls matches through pressing, physicality, and technical quality. The attack, headlined by Paulo Dybala’s Argentine wizardry and Romelu Lukaku’s Belgian physicality, carries genuine goal threat against any opponent. Crucially, Roma has balanced immediate competitiveness with financial sustainability; Pellegrini, Bove, and Zalewski represent the club’s Italian core while contributing immediately. The looming challenge involves finally breaking Juventus, Inter, and Napoli’s stranglehold on Champions League qualification—and ending a trophy drought stretching back to 2008 (Coppa Italia). Yet the Stadio Olimpico’s legendary, passionate atmosphere—amplified by the Curva Sud’s relentless support—provides emotional fuel. Roma no longer hopes merely to compete; they expect to challenge for the top four and deliver silverware to a starving fanbase. This squad appears equipped to deliver a Champions League return. Forza Roma. Daje Roma.
