Argentine · Rosario, Argentina · Born 19 February 1993Prolific but controversial Argentine striker who was one of Serie A's deadliest goalscorers before an acrimonious departure from Inter Milan.
Mauro Emanuel Icardi was born on 19 February 1993 in Rosario, Argentina — the same city that produced Lionel Messi — and moved to Spain's Canary Islands with his family at age nine, joining the youth academy of Barcelona before eventually signing with Sampdoria in Italy. He made his professional debut for Sampdoria in 2011 and quickly developed a reputation as one of Serie A's most clinical young strikers. Icardi moved to Inter Milan in 2013, and over six seasons became the club's talismanic forward, being appointed captain in 2015 despite his relative youth — a decision that proved contentious among some supporters given the presence of more experienced players in the squad. He was Serie A's top scorer in the 2018-19 season, cementing his status as one of Italian football's most productive strikers of his generation. A public falling out with Inter's hierarchy, compounded by a highly publicised feud involving his wife and agent Wanda Nara, led to Icardi's departure in 2019. He joined Paris Saint-Germain on an initial loan, winning a domestic treble in his first season, before the move was made permanent for €50 million. Icardi later spent a productive loan season at Galatasaray, leading the Turkish club to the Süper Lig title, before signing permanently in 2023 for €10 million. He has earned caps for Argentina, though his opportunities with the national team have been limited compared to his prolific club form, playing sparingly since his 2013 debut and scoring just once in eight appearances.
Being Inter Milan's captain and top scorer during their revival period
He was stripped of the captaincy at Inter Milan after one of the most acrimonious disputes between a player and club in modern football.
Did You Know?How They Played
Clinical finisher with excellent positioning in the penalty area
Lasting Impact
Icardi established himself as one of the most consistent goalscorers in European football during the 2010s, particularly in Serie A where he regularly finished among the top scorers.
Career Honours
- Ligue 1 3x
- Türkiye Süper Lig 2x
- Ligue 1 2019-20
- Ligue 1 2021-22
- Ligue 1 2022-23
- Türkiye Süper Lig 2022-23
- Türkiye Süper Lig 2023-24
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sampdoria | 2012–2013 | — | 31 | 10 |
| Inter Milan | 2013–2020 | — | 188 | 111 |
| Paris Saint-Germain | 2019–2020 | loan | 20 | 12 |
| Paris Saint-Germain | 2020–2023 | — | 64 | 23 |
| Galatasaray | 2022–2023 | loan | 24 | 22 |
| Galatasaray | 2023–Present | — | — | — |
 Argentina | — | — | 8 | 1 |
Argentine Athletes