Matteo Gabbia grew up near Milan and came through AC Milan’s academy. His route to the first team included loans at Lucchese and Villarreal.
He was part of the squad that won Serie A in 2021/22 and later established himself as a regular centre-back, known for his reading of the game and his aerial ability. He is now one of the club’s vice-captains.
Gabbia has been capped by Italy.
Playing style
Gabbia is an intelligent centre-back who reads the game well and is strong in the air. He is a reliable, consistent defender who rarely makes mistakes, preferring simple, safe decisions. His career has been one of patience: after years as a squad player, including a short loan at Villarreal, he returned to establish himself as a regular. His leadership and understanding of the club’s culture led to him becoming one of Milan’s vice-captains. He is also dangerous at set pieces, having scored important headed goals, including a late winner in the Milan derby.
International career
Gabbia made his senior Italy debut in 2024 after several call-ups, and has been part of the national team picture since.
Career in numbers
Across 10 seasons of senior club football, beginning in 2017/18, Gabbia has played 188 matches and scored 7 goals for 3 clubs. The 2023/24 season, with 3 goals from 38 matches for Milan and Villarreal, remains his highest tally. So far in 2026/27 he has made 2 appearances for Milan. The full season-by-season record is in the Stats section of this profile.