SSC Napoli Squad 2024/25
The 2024/25 season marks an exciting chapter for SSC Napoli as the club continues to build on its rich history and recent successes. Known for their attacking flair and passionate fanbase, Napoli has meticulously assembled a squad brimming with talent, experience, and youthful exuberance. This season’s roster reflects a blend of homegrown stars, shrewd acquisitions, and marquee signings, all aimed at competing for domestic and European glory. Below, we delve into the squad, breaking it down into goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, with detailed profiles of each player.
Goalkeepers
1. Alex Meret
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Udinese, SPAL (loan)
Transfer Fee: €22 million (2018)
Alex Meret remains Napoli’s first-choice goalkeeper, renowned for his reflexes and composure under pressure. Since joining from Udinese, Meret has established himself as one of Serie A’s most reliable shot-stoppers. His ability to read the game and command his area has been pivotal in Napoli’s defensive solidity. At 27, he is entering his prime, and his leadership at the back is invaluable.
2. Pierluigi Gollini
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Atalanta, Tottenham Hotspur (loan), Fiorentina (loan)
Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (2023)
Gollini provides experienced backup to Meret, having joined Napoli in 2023. Known for his distribution and shot-stopping abilities, Gollini brings a wealth of Serie A experience. His time at Atalanta and loan spells in England and Florence have honed his skills, making him a dependable option between the sticks.
3. Nicola Contini
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Napoli Youth Academy
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
A product of Napoli’s youth system, Contini is the third-choice goalkeeper. While he has yet to make a senior appearance, his potential is highly regarded within the club. Contini’s agility and work ethic make him a promising prospect for the future.
Defenders
1. Giovanni Di Lorenzo
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Empoli, Reggina
Transfer Fee: €8 million (2019)
Di Lorenzo is Napoli’s captain and a mainstay at right-back. His versatility allows him to contribute both defensively and offensively, with his overlapping runs and precise crosses being a key feature of Napoli’s play. A consistent performer, Di Lorenzo’s leadership and experience are crucial to the squad.
2. Kim Min-jae
Nationality: South Korean
Former Clubs: Fenerbahçe, Beijing Guoan
Transfer Fee: €18 million (2022)
Kim Min-jae, affectionately known as “The Monster,” is a dominant presence in central defense. His physicality, aerial prowess, and ability to read the game have made him one of the best defenders in Europe. Since joining from Fenerbahçe, Kim has been a revelation, earning plaudits for his consistency and tenacity.
3. Amir Rrahmani
Nationality: Kosovan
Former Clubs: Verona, Dinamo Zagreb
Transfer Fee: €14 million (2020)
Rrahmani partners Kim in the heart of Napoli’s defense. Known for his calmness on the ball and tactical intelligence, the Kosovan defender has become a fan favorite. His ability to play out from the back and his strong tackling make him an integral part of the team.
4. Mathías Olivera
Nationality: Uruguayan
Former Clubs: Getafe, Nacional
Transfer Fee: €11 million (2022)
Olivera is Napoli’s first-choice left-back, offering balance with his defensive discipline and attacking contributions. The Uruguayan’s work rate and ability to deliver dangerous crosses have been key to Napoli’s wide play. His experience in La Liga has also added a layer of maturity to his game.
5. Leo Østigård
Nationality: Norwegian
Former Clubs: Brighton & Hove Albion, Stoke City (loan), Genoa (loan)
Transfer Fee: €5 million (2022)
Østigård provides depth in central defense. The Norwegian’s aggressive style and aerial ability make him a reliable option off the bench. His time in England and Italy has helped him adapt to different tactical systems, making him a versatile asset.
6. Alessandro Zanoli
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Napoli Youth Academy
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
Zanoli is a promising young right-back who has risen through Napoli’s ranks. Known for his pace and crossing ability, he is seen as a long-term successor to Di Lorenzo. His development has been closely monitored, and he is expected to feature more prominently this season.
Midfielders
1. Stanislav Lobotka
Nationality: Slovakian
Former Clubs: Celta Vigo, Copenhagen
Transfer Fee: €20 million (2020)
Lobotka is the linchpin of Napoli’s midfield, dictating play with his vision and passing range. The Slovakian’s ability to break lines and retain possession under pressure has earned him comparisons to some of the best deep-lying playmakers in the game. His consistency and intelligence make him indispensable.
2. André-Frank Zambo Anguissa
Nationality: Cameroonian
Former Clubs: Fulham, Marseille
Transfer Fee: €15 million (2021)
Anguissa is a dynamic box-to-box midfielder whose physicality and energy are vital to Napoli’s engine room. The Cameroonian’s ability to drive forward with the ball and break up opposition play has made him a key figure in the squad. His versatility allows him to play multiple roles in midfield.
3. Piotr Zieliński
Nationality: Polish
Former Clubs: Udinese, Empoli
Transfer Fee: €16 million (2016)
Zieliński is Napoli’s creative hub, known for his technical skills and goal-scoring ability. The Polish midfielder has been a consistent performer since joining from Udinese, contributing with assists and crucial goals. His ability to operate in tight spaces and his vision make him a constant threat.
4. Eljif Elmas
Nationality: North Macedonian
Former Clubs: Fenerbahçe, Rabotnički
Transfer Fee: €16 million (2019)
Elmas is a versatile midfielder capable of playing in multiple positions. His work rate, technical ability, and eye for goal have made him a valuable squad player. The North Macedonian’s adaptability and commitment have endeared him to the Napoli faithful.
5. Gianluca Gaetano
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Cremonese (loan), Napoli Youth Academy
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
Gaetano is a homegrown talent who has impressed with his creativity and passing range. The young Italian is seen as a future star, and his development has been a priority for the club. His ability to dictate tempo and create chances makes him an exciting prospect.
Forwards
1. Victor Osimhen
Nationality: Nigerian
Former Clubs: Lille, Wolfsburg, Charleroi
Transfer Fee: €70 million (2020)
Osimhen is Napoli’s talismanic striker, known for his blistering pace, aerial ability, and clinical finishing. The Nigerian has been a revelation since joining from Lille, breaking records and winning the Serie A Golden Boot. His work ethic and determination make him a fan favorite and one of the most feared strikers in Europe.
2. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Nationality: Georgian
Former Clubs: Rubin Kazan, Dinamo Batumi
Transfer Fee: €10 million (2022)
Kvaratskhelia, affectionately known as “Kvaradona,” is Napoli’s electrifying winger. The Georgian’s dribbling skills, creativity, and eye for goal have made him a standout performer. His ability to change games single-handedly has drawn comparisons to Diego Maradona, and he is a key figure in Napoli’s attack.
3. Hirving Lozano
Nationality: Mexican
Former Clubs: PSV Eindhoven, Pachuca
Transfer Fee: €42 million (2019)
Lozano is a versatile forward who can play on either wing or as a secondary striker. The Mexican’s pace and directness have been crucial to Napoli’s attacking play. Despite facing competition for places, Lozano remains a valuable asset with his experience and goal-scoring ability.
4. Giacomo Raspadori
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Sassuolo, Genoa (loan)
Transfer Fee: €25 million (2022)
Raspadori is a technically gifted forward who can operate as a striker or in deeper roles. The Italian’s intelligence, movement, and finishing make him a constant threat. His versatility and ability to link play have been key to Napoli’s tactical flexibility.
5. Matteo Politano
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Inter Milan, Sassuolo
Transfer Fee: €19 million (2020)
Politano is a reliable winger known for his crossing and set-piece delivery. The Italian’s experience and consistency have made him a dependable option in attack. His ability to cut inside and score from distance adds another dimension to Napoli’s play.
Conclusion
The 2024/25 SSC Napoli squad is a perfect blend of youth and experience, with world-class talent in every department. From the commanding presence of Alex Meret in goal to the attacking brilliance of Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, this team is built to compete at the highest level. With a mix of homegrown stars and shrewd signings, Napoli is poised to challenge for silverware both domestically and in Europe. The passion of the fans and the ambition of the club make this an exciting time to be a part of the Napoli family.