Giorgio Chiellini, an iconic figure in football, not only made notable achievements on the pitch but also carved a successful path off it. Written by Lorenzo Borghero and Anna Mulassano, FISU Young Reporters from Italy, this summation of Chiellini’s journey highlights his dual commitment to sports and academics. The veteran defender achieved significant success with Italy’s national team during the 2021 European Championship, but his triumphs extend far beyond the realm of clubs and international tournaments.
Chiellini’s educational journey began with a solid foundation at the Liceo Scientifico before he pursued higher education at the University of Turin. This commitment to academics culminated in a graduation with honors in Economics in 2010, followed by a degree in Business Administration seven years later. Today, Chiellini is not just a football player; he serves as the Head of Football Institutional Relations at Juventus, alongside his entrepreneurial ventures as a co-founder of Akka, an investment club that channels resources into startups. Furthermore, he is a partner at the Mate communications agency, where he collaborates with fellow former Juventus player Claudio Marchisio.
The unique experience of balancing rigorous sports training with scholarly pursuits resonates with Chiellini, particularly during his participation in the opening ceremony of the Torino 2025 FISU World University Games, where he had the honor of being the last torchbearer. In an Instagram post, he encouraged young athletes to immerse themselves in this unique experience, emphasizing the importance of passion and the enduring values of sport. The question arises: how does one navigate the complexities of being both a student and a professional athlete? Chiellini reflects on this balance, mentioning that the demanding nature of professional sports often consumes substantial time and energy. However, he credits reading and studying as key elements in maintaining mental health, allowing him to strike a balance between academic and athletic commitments.
When Chiellini illuminated his experience as the last torchbearer, he described it as a profound emotional moment that encapsulated the spirit of sportsmanship. The fervor of witnessing over 2,500 student-athletes brought back memories of his aspirations as a young footballer, instilling hope that their dreams could also become reality. Despite the inevitable challenges, Chiellini shares that he never considered relinquishing either aspect of his life. Reacting to queries about balancing football and study, he affirms that both have been crucial to his identity, underscoring the importance of harmony between these two pursuits.
Further addressing young individuals attempting the same balance, Chiellini stresses the necessity of active engagement in both sports and academics. He believes that consistency is key in managing these dimensions of life, as academia can contribute positively to one’s athletic endeavors, and vice versa. The skills honed in sports, such as handling pressure and maintaining focus, have been invaluable in his academic career.
Chiellini’s belief in the significance of education is unwavering. He has continuously pursued his studies because it felt natural to him. His choice to study Economics was driven by a fascination with the subject, which he believed could provide diverse career opportunities post-retirement from football. Recently, as he co-founded Akka—an investment firm focusing on startups—and worked with Mate alongside Marchisio, Chiellini’s academic experiences have proven critical in his entrepreneurial pursuits and managerial role at Juventus.
Reflecting on the evolutionary processes of his aspirations, Chiellini recognizes that while most of his projects came to fruition in subsequent years after his academic training, his educational background equipped him with the tools to transition effectively into different domains after a distinguished football career.
Chiellini, a long-time resident of Turin, also has an appreciation for winter sports, although he had to postpone skiing during his football career. He enjoyed a return to skiing post-retirement and cherishes occasional retreats to the beautiful landscapes of Sestriere.
The narrative shared by Chiellini embodies more than just a blend of sports and academia; it reflects a commitment to lifelong learning. This story underlines the FISU Young Reporters Programme’s objective, exemplifying FISU’s dedication not only to athletic competitions but also to the comprehensive development of student-athletes. This initiative allows aspiring sports journalists to cover events while gaining insights into the significance of balancing education with sports, ensuring the legacy of champions like Chiellini endures through inspiration and guidance for the next generation.
