Paulo Dybala
Argentine footballer.
Paulo Bruno Exequiel Dybala, born on November 15, 1993, in Laguna Larga, Argentina, is an internationally renowned footballer known for his creativity, technical skills, and goal-scoring ability. Dybala began his professional career with Instituto de Córdoba in Argentina's second division, where his performances quickly attracted attention. In 2012, Dybala moved to Europe, signing with Palermo in Serie A. During his three-year stint with Palermo, Dybala's talent flourished, and he became one of the league's standout players. His performances were pivotal in Palermo's promotion to Serie A and their subsequent campaigns in Italy's top flight. Dybala's breakthrough led to a high-profile transfer to Juventus in 2015. At Juventus, he quickly established himself as a key player, contributing significantly to the team's domestic and European successes.
Known for his dribbling, vision, and clinical finishing, Dybala played a crucial role in Juventus winning multiple Serie A titles, Coppa Italia, and Supercoppa Italiana trophies. His performances earned him numerous individual accolades and recognition as one of the best forwards in the world. Internationally, Dybala made his debut for Argentina in 2015. Although competition for places in the national team has been fierce, he has represented Argentina in major tournaments, including the Copa America and the FIFA World Cup, contributing to the team's attacking prowess. In 2022, Dybala transferred to Roma, continuing to showcase his skills in Serie A. His versatility allows him to play as a forward, attacking midfielder, or second striker, making him a valuable asset to any team.
Early life & youth football
Paulo Dybala was born in Laguna Larga, Córdoba, Argentina, where he began his footballing journey. His talent was evident from a young age, and he joined the youth academy of Instituto de Córdoba, a club known for nurturing young talent. Dybala's time at Instituto was marked by rapid progression through the ranks, and he made his professional debut for the club at just 17 years old in the Primera B Nacional, Argentina's second division. His debut season was impressive, as he scored 17 goals in 38 matches, breaking several records, including becoming the youngest player to score a hat-trick and the first to score in six consecutive games. These performances quickly caught the eye of scouts from Europe, leading to his transfer to Palermo in 2012.
Dybala's move to Italy at the age of 18 marked the beginning of his European career, where he continued to develop his skills and adapt to a more competitive environment. At Palermo, Dybala's potential blossomed, and he played a crucial role in the team's promotion to Serie A in his second season. His technical ability, vision, and knack for scoring goals established him as one of the most promising young talents in European football, setting the stage for his subsequent success at Juventus and beyond.
Career beginnings
Paulo Dybala's 2011/12 club season was a significant period in his early career. At just 18 years old, Dybala was playing for Instituto de Córdoba in the Argentine second division. This season marked his breakthrough as a professional footballer. During the 2011/12 campaign, Dybala showcased his exceptional talent and potential. He became a key player for Instituto, featuring regularly in the starting lineup. His performances were characterized by his technical skills, close ball control, and eye for goal. Dybala's impact was substantial, as he scored 17 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions. This impressive tally made him the youngest player to score that many goals in a single season in the club's history.
His performances not only helped Instituto in their league campaign but also attracted attention from bigger clubs. The young Argentine's form during this season laid the foundation for his future success. His displays caught the eye of European scouts, particularly from Italy. Shortly after this breakout season, Dybala secured a move to Palermo in Serie A, marking the beginning of his European journey. This 2011/12 season was crucial in Dybala's development, establishing him as one of Argentina's most promising young talents and setting the stage for his future stardom.
Paulo Dybala's 2012/13 season marked his first year in European football following his transfer to Palermo in Italy's Serie A. Dybala joined Palermo in July 2012 for a reported fee of €12 million. At just 18 years old, he faced the challenge of adapting to a new country, language, and a much higher level of competition. He made his Serie A debut on September 2, 2012, coming on as a substitute against Lazio. Throughout the season, Dybala gradually integrated into the team, making 27 league appearances, though many were as a substitute.
In total, Dybala scored 3 goals and provided 3 assists across all competitions. While these numbers weren't spectacular, they were respectable for a young player in his first season abroad. Palermo struggled as a team, finishing 18th in Serie A and getting relegated to Serie B. Despite this setback, Dybala showed flashes of his potential and began to adjust to Italian football.
Paulo Dybala's 2013/14 season was spent with Palermo in Serie B, following the club's relegation from Serie A the previous year. This campaign proved to be a crucial one for both Dybala and Palermo. At 20 years old, Dybala had now had a full year to adapt to Italian football and culture. This increased comfort, combined with playing in a slightly less competitive league, allowed him to flourish. Dybala became a key player for Palermo during this season, forming an effective partnership with fellow forward Kyle Lafferty. He made 30 appearances in Serie B, scoring 5 goals and providing 6 assists.
His performances were characterized by improved tactical understanding, creative playmaking, and clinical finishing. Palermo had a successful season overall, winning Serie B and securing immediate promotion back to Serie A. Dybala's contributions were significant in achieving this goal, as he played a vital role in the team's attacking play. One of the highlights of Dybala's season was a brace he scored in a 3-0 victory over Cesena in April 2014, which essentially secured Palermo's promotion. These goals showcased his growing confidence and ability to perform in crucial moments. The 2013/14 season was also important for Dybala's development as it saw him begin to play in a more withdrawn role, often operating as a second striker or attacking midfielder. This positional evolution would become a key feature of his play in subsequent years.
By the end of the season, Dybala had established himself as one of the most promising young talents in Italian football. His performances in Serie B set the stage for his breakout season in Serie A the following year, which would ultimately lead to his high-profile transfer to Juventus.
Dybala's 2014/15 season with Palermo in Serie A was his breakout year, establishing him as one of the most exciting young talents in European football. Back in Italy's top flight, Dybala flourished, forming a potent attacking partnership with Franco Vázquez. He made 34 appearances in Serie A, starting 30 games, and his impact was significant. Dybala scored 13 goals and provided 10 assists in the league, finishing as Palermo's top scorer and one of Serie A's standout performers. His ability to both create and finish chances made him a constant threat to opposing defenses. Key performances included a brace against Sampdoria in September and crucial goals against top teams like Inter Milan and Napoli.
Dybala's playing style continued to evolve, with his vision, dribbling skills, and ability to play in tight spaces coming to the fore. Palermo finished the season in 11th place, comfortably avoiding relegation, with Dybala's contributions being crucial to this achievement. His performances didn't go unnoticed, attracting interest from several top European clubs. By the end of the season, it was clear that Dybala had outgrown Palermo. In June 2015, Juventus secured his signature for €32 million plus €8 million in add-ons, marking the end of his time at Palermo and the beginning of his tenure with one of Italy's biggest clubs. This season was pivotal in Dybala's career, transforming him from a promising youngster to one of the most sought-after attackers in Europe. His performances in 2014/15 set the stage for his move to Juventus and his subsequent rise to stardom.
Development and breakthrough
For his 2015/16 season marked his first year with Juventus, following his high-profile transfer from Palermo. This campaign solidified his status as one of the top young talents in world football. Dybala quickly adapted to life at Juventus, becoming an integral part of the team under manager Massimiliano Allegri. He made 46 appearances across all competitions, showcasing his versatility by playing as a second striker, attacking midfielder, and even as a false nine. In Serie A, Dybala was outstanding, scoring 19 goals and providing 9 assists in 34 appearances. His performances were crucial in helping Juventus secure their fifth consecutive Serie A title. He finished as the club's top scorer in the league. Dybala also made his Champions League debut this season, scoring 3 goals in 7 appearances as Juventus reached the Round of 16. Some of his standout performances included a brace against Udinese, a crucial goal in a 1-0 win over Roma, and a spectacular free-kick against Lazio. His ability to create chances, his close ball control, and his clinical finishing made him a fan favorite at the Juventus Stadium.
The Argentine formed an effective partnership with compatriot Gonzalo Higuaín and showed great understanding with midfielders Paul Pogba and Claudio Marchisio. Dybala's impressive first season at Juventus culminated in him being awarded the Serie A Best Young Player award. He also earned his first call-up to the Argentine national team during this season. This 2015/16 campaign established Dybala as one of Juventus' key players and set the stage for his continued success with the club in the following years.
Paulo Dybala's 2016/17 season with Juventus further cemented his status as one of the world's top young players. Dybala made 48 appearances across all competitions, scoring 19 goals and providing 9 assists. In Serie A, he netted 11 goals and provided 7 assists in 31 matches. He played a crucial role in Juventus winning their sixth consecutive Serie A title and third consecutive Coppa Italia. Dybala scored in the Coppa Italia final against Lazio, helping secure a 2-0 victory. In the Champions League, Dybala had a standout performance in the quarter-finals against Barcelona, scoring two goals in a 3-0 first leg victory. Juventus reached the final but lost to Real Madrid. Dybala's versatility was on display as he played various attacking roles, often operating behind the striker Gonzalo Higuaín.
He signed a new five-year contract with Juventus in April 2017, demonstrating the club's faith in him. Dybala inherited the prestigious number 10 shirt from Paul Pogba, highlighting his growing importance to the team. While his goal tally was slightly lower than the previous season, his overall play and influence on the team continued to grow, with manager Massimiliano Allegri praising his development. This season solidified Dybala's reputation as one of Juventus' key players and one of the most talented young forwards in world football.
Paulo Dybala's 2017/18 season with Juventus was another successful campaign, further establishing him as one of the club's most important players. Dybala made 46 appearances across all competitions, scoring 26 goals and providing 7 assists. In Serie A, he netted 22 goals in 33 matches, finishing as Juventus' top scorer in the league and third overall in Serie A. The season started spectacularly for Dybala, as he scored two hat-tricks in the first four league games. This included a memorable performance against Sassuolo, where he scored all three goals in a 3-1 victory. Juventus secured their seventh consecutive Serie A title and fourth consecutive Coppa Italia, with Dybala playing a crucial role in both triumphs. He scored in the Coppa Italia final, helping Juventus to a 4-0 victory over AC Milan. In the Champions League, Dybala contributed 3 goals in 8 appearances.
However, Juventus was eliminated in a dramatic quarter-final against Real Madrid, despite Dybala's efforts. Throughout the season, Dybala continued to showcase his versatility, playing as a second striker, false nine, and attacking midfielder. His partnership with Gonzalo Higuaín remained effective, and he also linked well with newcomer Douglas Costa. Dybala's performances earned him a place in the Serie A Team of the Year for the third consecutive season. He also finished 15th in the Ballon d'Or voting, recognition of his growing status in world football. Despite some tactical changes and the increasing competition for places in the team, Dybala maintained his importance to Juventus, contributing significantly to their domestic double.
His 2018/19 season with Juventus was a period of transition and adaptation, marked by the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo and subsequent tactical changes. Dybala made 42 appearances across all competitions, scoring 10 goals and providing 5 assists. This represented a significant decrease in his goal output compared to previous seasons. In Serie A, he netted 5 goals in 30 matches, often playing in a deeper role to accommodate Ronaldo. Juventus won their eighth consecutive Serie A title, with Dybala contributing to this success despite his reduced scoring. Dybala's Champions League campaign was more productive, scoring 5 goals in 9 appearances. This included a hat-trick against Young Boys in the group stage.
The arrival of Ronaldo and manager Massimiliano Allegri's tactical adjustments meant Dybala often played in a less familiar role. He was frequently deployed as a right-sided attacker or deeper-lying playmaker, moving away from his preferred second striker position. Despite the challenges, Dybala showed his versatility and team-first attitude, adapting his game to complement Ronaldo and support the team's overall strategy. He added another Supercoppa Italiana to his trophy collection, as Juventus defeated AC Milan. While his goal tally decreased, Dybala's technical skills, vision, and work rate remained valuable to the team. He continued to be a key player, even if his role had evolved.
This season marked a period of adjustment for Dybala, as he worked to redefine his role within a changing Juventus team dynamic.
Becoming an established player
Dybala had an outstanding 2019/20 season with Juventus, reestablishing himself as one of the club's key players. Despite speculation about his future at the start of the season, he stayed with the Turin giants and became instrumental in their successful Serie A campaign. Dybala appeared in 33 Serie A matches, contributing 11 goals and 11 assists. His performances were marked by creativity, technical skill, and decisive moments. He often played as a second striker or attacking midfielder, linking play and providing a crucial outlet for the team's offensive movements. His vision and ability to find teammates in advantageous positions were vital, particularly in tight matches. One of Dybala's most memorable performances came in the critical stages of the league, where his goals and assists helped Juventus secure important victories.
His skill in set-pieces and his knack for scoring from long-range added an extra dimension to Juventus' attacking threats. Dybala's versatility allowed him to adapt to different tactical setups employed by coach Maurizio Sarri, who often relied on Dybala to unlock defenses with his dribbling and passing. In the UEFA Champions League, Dybala made 8 appearances, scoring 3 goals. Although Juventus were eliminated by Lyon in the Round of 16, Dybala's contributions were significant, and his performances were one of the highlights for the team in a largely underwhelming European campaign. Dybala's efforts did not go unrecognized, as he was awarded the Serie A MVP for the 2019/20 season. This accolade underscored his influence and consistency throughout the season, reinforcing his status as one of Serie A's top talents.
Overall, the 2019/20 season was a testament to Paulo Dybala's resilience and quality, as he played a pivotal role in Juventus' ninth consecutive league title, showcasing his importance to the team and his ability to perform at the highest level.
Dybala’s 2020/21 season with Juventus was challenging and marred by injuries, which significantly impacted his contributions and overall performance. Unlike the previous season, Dybala struggled to maintain his form and consistency due to these physical setbacks. Dybala made 20 appearances in Serie A, scoring 4 goals and providing 3 assists. His playing time was severely limited by a series of injuries, including a significant knee injury that kept him out of action for several months. When he was on the pitch, he showed glimpses of his talent and creativity but was unable to replicate the influence he had in the 2019/20 season.
Juventus missed his presence and flair in many crucial games, which contributed to their inconsistent league performances. In the UEFA Champions League, Dybala's impact was similarly restricted. He played in 5 matches but did not score, and his influence was less pronounced as Juventus struggled to find their rhythm in the competition. They were knocked out by Porto in the Round of 16, a disappointing result for a club with high expectations in Europe. Despite his difficulties, Dybala had moments where he showcased his technical skill and vision. However, the persistent injuries disrupted his rhythm and made it challenging for him to build momentum throughout the season. Juventus finished fourth in Serie A, narrowly securing a Champions League spot on the final day of the season. They also won the Coppa Italia, a small consolation in an otherwise difficult season.
Dybala's limited availability highlighted Juventus' reliance on him and underscored the challenges they faced without their talisman in top form. Overall, the 2020/21 season was a tough period for Paulo Dybala, as injuries overshadowed his contributions, and he struggled to find consistency. Nonetheless, his talent remained evident, and his return to full fitness was eagerly anticipated for the following season.
Paulo Dybala's 2021/22 season with Juventus was a campaign marked by moments of brilliance, but also challenges with injuries and inconsistency. It was his seventh and final season with the Turin-based club before his departure to Roma. Dybala made 39 appearances across all competitions, scoring 15 goals and providing 6 assists. While these numbers were respectable, they fell short of his peak performances from earlier seasons. In Serie A, Dybala featured in 29 matches, contributing 10 goals and 5 assists. Juventus struggled in the league, finishing fourth and well behind champions AC Milan. This marked the second consecutive season where Juventus failed to win the Scudetto after a nine-year reign at the top of Italian football.
Despite the team's underwhelming league performance, Dybala had several standout moments. He scored crucial goals against Udinese, Sampdoria, and Venezia, often showcasing his technical skills and creativity. In the Champions League, Dybala played in 5 matches as Juventus reached the Round of 16, where they were eliminated by Villarreal. He scored 3 goals in the group stage, including a brace against Malmö FF. Dybala also contributed to Juventus' Coppa Italia campaign, where they reached the final but lost to Inter Milan. He scored in the semi-final second leg against Fiorentina, helping secure Juventus' place in the final. Throughout the season, Dybala continued to display his excellent close control, vision, and ability to create chances. His left foot remained a potent weapon, capable of producing spectacular goals and assists. However, his impact was somewhat limited by recurring injury issues, which caused him to miss several matches and struggle for consistent form. Off the field, this season was marked by uncertainty about Dybala's future. Contract negotiations with Juventus broke down, and it became clear that he would leave the club at the end of the season. This situation may have affected his performances and relationship with the club. Despite the challenges, Dybala still finished as Juventus' top scorer for the season across all competitions. His performances, while not at the level of his best years at Juventus, still demonstrated his quality and importance to the team.
The 2021/22 season was a bittersweet end to Dybala's Juventus career. While it showcased his enduring talent, it also highlighted the challenges he faced in his final years with the club, setting the stage for his move to Roma in the following season.
His 2022/23 season with Roma marked a new chapter in his career and a return to impressive form after his departure from Juventus. Dybala made 39 appearances across all competitions for Roma, scoring 18 goals and providing 8 assists. His impact was immediate and significant, quickly becoming a key player for José Mourinho's side. In Serie A, Dybala featured in 25 matches, contributing 12 goals and 6 assists. His performances were crucial in Roma's push for European qualification, with the team ultimately finishing sixth in the league. Dybala's creativity, technical skills, and goal-scoring ability added a new dimension to Roma's attack.
One of the highlights of Dybala's season came in the UEFA Europa League. He played a pivotal role in Roma's run to the final, scoring 5 goals in 13 appearances in the competition. Although Roma lost the final to Sevilla on penalties, Dybala scored in the match and in the shootout, underlining his importance in big games. Dybala also contributed to Roma's Coppa Italia campaign, though the team was eliminated in the quarter-finals. Throughout the season, Dybala showcased his excellent close control, vision, and ability to create chances. His partnership with Tammy Abraham in attack was particularly effective, and he seemed to thrive under Mourinho's management. Despite missing some matches due to injuries, a recurring issue from his Juventus days, Dybala's impact when fit was undeniable. He finished as Roma's top scorer for the season across all competitions.
Dybala's performances earned him widespread praise and reignited discussions about his status as one of Serie A's top players. He seemed rejuvenated by the move to Roma, playing with a freedom and joy that was sometimes lacking in his final seasons at Juventus. The 2022/23 season was a successful one for Dybala, as he quickly established himself as a fan favorite at Roma and proved that he could still perform at an elite level. His contributions were crucial in Roma's European run and their push for domestic success, setting a strong foundation for his future with the club.
Late twenties
Dybala's 2023/24 season with Roma marked a significant chapter in his career, showcasing his continued excellence and adaptability in a new environment. After joining Roma from Juventus, Dybala quickly established himself as a pivotal player for the team. In Serie A, Dybala made a substantial impact with his performances. He appeared in 31 league matches, scoring 12 goals and providing 8 assists. His ability to influence games through his dribbling, creativity, and goal-scoring prowess was crucial for Roma, who were looking to compete for a top-four finish and secure a Champions League spot.
Dybala often played as an attacking midfielder or second striker, linking up effectively with his teammates and providing a consistent attacking threat. In the UEFA Europa League, Dybala's experience and quality were vital for Roma's ambitions. He played in 9 matches, scoring 4 goals and assisting 3 times. His performances in the knockout stages were particularly noteworthy, helping Roma progress deep into the competition and bolstering their chances of winning silverware. Dybala's influence extended beyond just his on-field contributions. His leadership and experience were invaluable for a relatively young Roma squad. He often took on the responsibility of leading the team's attacking efforts, especially in high-pressure situations. Despite some injury concerns that intermittently affected his season, Dybala managed to maintain a high level of performance whenever he was fit.
His technical skills, vision, and knack for scoring crucial goals were on full display throughout the season. Overall, Paulo Dybala's 2023/24 season with Roma was a testament to his resilience and enduring quality as a top-level footballer. His ability to adapt to a new team and consistently deliver key performances highlighted his importance to Roma and reaffirmed his status as one of Serie A's premier talents.
Youth Internationals
Dybala's youth international career began with Argentina's Under-17 and Under-20 teams. Although he was not extensively involved at these levels, his talent was evident early on. Dybala made his debut for the Argentina U17 team in 2011, but he did not feature prominently. His time with the U20 squad was similarly limited; he was called up for the 2015 South American Youth Football Championship but did not make the final squad. Despite these limited appearances, Dybala's potential was clear from his performances at the club level, which eventually earned him a call-up to the senior national team. Dybala’s early international career was marked by stiff competition from a host of established Argentine forwards, which limited his opportunities to shine on the youth stage.
However, his impressive displays for Instituto in Argentina and later for Palermo in Italy caught the attention of national team selectors, paving the way for his eventual senior debut in 2015. While his youth international career might not have been as illustrious as some of his peers, it laid the groundwork for Dybala to develop into a significant player for Argentina's senior team, where he has since made notable contributions.
Senior international
Dybala’s senior international career with Argentina has been a journey of sporadic brilliance interspersed with challenges, mainly due to stiff competition and tactical adjustments. Dybala made his debut for the Argentina senior team on October 13, 2015, in a World Cup qualifying match against Paraguay. Since then, his international career has seen moments of both frustration and triumph. Initially, Dybala struggled to find a regular spot in the national team due to the presence of established forwards like Lionel Messi, Sergio Agüero, and Gonzalo Higuaín. His style of play, somewhat similar to Messi’s, often led to tactical dilemmas for coaches trying to fit him into the squad without disrupting the team’s balance. One of Dybala’s significant early moments came during the qualifiers for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
However, he faced a major setback when he was not included in the squad for the Copa América Centenario in 2016. Despite this, he continued to work hard and made it to Argentina’s squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Unfortunately, his participation was limited, and he didn’t have the opportunity to make a substantial impact during the tournament. Dybala’s perseverance paid off in subsequent years. He was part of the squad for the 2019 Copa América, where Argentina finished third. Although his playing time was again limited, he made notable contributions, including scoring in the third-place playoff against Chile. This goal was particularly important as it showcased his ability to deliver in crucial moments. The turning point in Dybala’s international career came with the appointment of Lionel Scaloni as Argentina’s head coach.
Scaloni’s tactical flexibility and willingness to experiment allowed Dybala more opportunities. He was part of the squad that won the 2021 Copa América, a historic victory for Argentina as it ended their 28-year trophy drought. Although Dybala’s role was not central, being part of the winning squad added a significant achievement to his international resume. Dybala continued to feature in Argentina’s squads for World Cup qualifiers and friendlies, often contributing with important goals and assists. His versatility allowed him to play in various attacking roles, either supporting Messi or taking on the mantle of a playmaker. In the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Dybala’s experience and talent were crucial as Argentina sought to win their first World Cup since 1986. Though he did not start regularly, his presence added depth to the squad, and he played a role in the knockout stages, including scoring in the penalty shootout in the final against France, helping Argentina clinch the title.
Overall, Paulo Dybala’s senior international career has been marked by resilience and adaptation. Despite the initial struggles and limited playing time, he has managed to carve out a significant role in Argentina’s national team, contributing to their recent successes and establishing himself as a valuable squad member.
Playing style
Dybala is known for his versatile and creative style of play. Primarily an attacking midfielder or second striker, he can also operate as a center-forward or winger when needed. Dybala's most notable attribute is his exceptional technical skill. He possesses excellent close control, able to dribble past defenders in tight spaces with quick feet and body feints. His low center of gravity and agility allow him to change direction rapidly, making him elusive to defenders. Vision and passing ability are key components of Dybala's game. He excels at creating chances for teammates with through balls and clever passes. His ability to read the game allows him to find space between the lines of defense and midfield.
Dybala is also known for his clinical finishing. He can score with both feet and is particularly adept at curling shots from outside the box. His free-kick ability adds another dimension to his goal-scoring threat. Tactically intelligent, Dybala adapts well to different systems and positions. He often drops deep to collect the ball, linking midfield and attack effectively. While not physically imposing, Dybala compensates with his work rate and tactical understanding. His style of play has drawn comparisons to compatriot Lionel Messi, earning him the nickname "La Joya" (The Jewel).