Who is Guglielmo Vicario? Guglielmo Vicario is an Italian professional footballer known for his exceptional goalkeeping skills. Born on October 7, 1996, in Udine, Italy, Vicario's journey from playing on the streets to becoming a key player for Tottenham Hotspur and the Italy national team is nothing short of inspiring. Starting as a midfielder, he found his true calling as a goalkeeper, inspired by his idols. His career has seen him play for various youth teams, make significant contributions to clubs like Udinese, Venezia, Cagliari, and Empoli, and earn recognition at the international level. Vicario's mental toughness, agility, and dedication have made him a standout player in the football world.
Key Takeaways:
- Guglielmo Vicario's journey from playing football on the streets of Udine to becoming a top goalkeeper showcases the importance of early experiences and youth team stints in shaping a successful professional career.
- Vicario's rise from Serie D to the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur highlights the impact of perseverance, mental toughness, and exceptional goalkeeping skills in achieving international recognition and success.
Early Life and Youth Career
Guglielmo Vicario's journey to becoming a top goalkeeper started in the streets of Udine, Italy. His early experiences and youth team stints laid the foundation for his professional career.
- Guglielmo Vicario began his football career at the age of 10, playing goalkeeper with his friends on the streets.
- Before becoming a goalkeeper, he was a midfielder, inspired by his idols who were goalkeepers.
- Vicario played for various youth teams, including Donatello Calcio Udine, ASD Bearzi Calcio, ASD Cormor Calcio Amatori, and ASD Ancona Udine.
- He eventually joined Udinese's Primavera squad in 2013.
Professional Beginnings
Vicario's professional career took off with several loan spells and permanent moves that helped him gain valuable experience.
- At Udinese, Vicario was primarily a third-choice goalkeeper behind Alex Meret and Simone Scuffet.
- He joined Serie D side Fontanafredda on loan for the 2014–2015 season to gain more experience.
- During his loan spell at Fontanafredda, Vicario made over 25 appearances, which helped him develop his skills further.
- In 2015, Vicario moved to Venezia on loan from Udinese.
- He became a regular starter for Venezia and helped them achieve promotion twice.
- On July 5, 2016, he signed a permanent contract with Venezia.
Rise in the Italian Leagues
Vicario's performances in Serie C and Serie B showcased his talent and resilience, leading to more significant opportunities.
- Vicario made his Serie C debut for Venezia on March 5, 2017, starting in a 4–1 away win over Teramo.
- During the 2017–2018 season, Venezia was promoted to Serie B.
- Vicario continued to play a crucial role, becoming the team's starting goalkeeper in the 2018–2019 campaign.
- Despite almost being relegated, he remained a key player for Venezia.
- On July 17, 2019, Vicario signed a five-year contract with Cagliari.
- He was loaned out to Perugia for the 2019–2020 season to gain more experience in Serie A.
Breakthrough and Serie A Debut
Vicario's return to Cagliari and subsequent moves marked his breakthrough into Serie A, where he proved his mettle.
- At Perugia, Vicario became a regular starter and played a significant role in the team's performances.
- In July 2020, Vicario returned to Cagliari and made his Serie A debut on April 11, 2021, starting in a 1–0 away loss to Inter Milan.
- On July 9, 2021, Vicario joined Empoli on loan with an option to purchase.
- He played a crucial role for Empoli, helping the team achieve stability in Serie A.
- On June 18, 2022, Empoli exercised their purchase option, making Vicario a permanent member of the team.
Move to Tottenham Hotspur
Vicario's move to the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur marked a significant step in his career, showcasing his talent on an international stage.
- On June 27, 2023, Tottenham Hotspur announced the signing of Vicario on a five-year contract.
- This move marked a significant step in his career as he transitioned from Serie A to the Premier League.
- Vicario's annual salary at Tottenham Hotspur is estimated to be around €3 million.
- His net worth is over $4.5 million, making him one of the highest-paid goalkeepers in the Premier League.
International Career and Recognition
Vicario's performances have not gone unnoticed at the international level, earning him recognition and accolades.
- Vicario has represented Italy at the international level, making two appearances for the Italy national team as of August 2024.
- In the 2022–2023 UEFA Nations League, Italy secured a third-place finish, with Vicario part of the team.
- In 2024, Vicario was awarded the Goalkeeper of the Year at the London Football Awards.
- According to FIFA, Vicario has a potential rating of over 82%.
Goalkeeping Skills and Mental Toughness
Vicario's exceptional goalkeeping skills and mental toughness have been key to his success on the field.
- Vicario is known for his ability to make crucial saves, including a notable triple save in a league match against Roma in February 2023.
- He is praised for his mental toughness and ability to perform under pressure.
- His comments about being prepared to sign for Tottenham with his own blood reflect his determination and resilience.
- Vicario's arrival at Tottenham Hotspur has been seen as a significant addition to the team.
- His unique personality and goalkeeping skills have contributed to a more dynamic and aggressive team culture.
Teammates' Praise and Comparisons
Vicario's impact on his teammates and comparisons to other top goalkeepers highlight his influence and talent.
- Vicario has been compared to Tottenham's former goalkeeper, Hugo Lloris, for his ability to perform after following a World Cup-winning captain.
- Teammate Romero has described him as a mentality monster, reflecting Vicario's fearless attitude and determination to succeed.
- Another teammate, Porro, has praised Vicario, describing him as someone who is not afraid to take risks.
- Vicario's ethnic background is Italian, and he is among the over 70% of Italians who are Catholics.
- His early career inspiration came from watching his idols who were goalkeepers.
- Vicario's experience in various youth teams helped him develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed at the professional level.
Guglielmo Vicario: A Rising Star in Football
Guglielmo Vicario's journey from the streets of Udine to the Premier League is nothing short of inspiring. His early days playing for youth teams like Donatello Calcio Udine and ASD Bearzi Calcio laid the foundation for his stellar career. Vicario's time at clubs like Venezia, Cagliari, and Empoli showcased his growth and resilience. His move to Tottenham Hotspur in 2023 marked a significant milestone, proving his ability to adapt and excel in different leagues.
Known for his exceptional goalkeeping skills and mental toughness, Vicario has earned accolades like the Goalkeeper of the Year at the London Football Awards. His contributions to the Italy national team further highlight his talent. With a net worth of over $4.5 million and a promising future ahead, Vicario is undoubtedly a rising star in football, inspiring many with his dedication and hard work.
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