Caleb Okoli

Caleb Okoli was born on July 13, 2001, in Vicenza, Italy. He was born to Nigerian parents and grew up with a passion for football. From a young age, he demonstrated remarkable talent on the football field, which would later drive him to pursue a professional career in the sport. Growing up, Caleb was inspired by players such as Thiago Silva and focused on developing his skills as a central defender.

In June 2015, Caleb Okoli joined the Atalanta Youth Academy. Atalanta is known for having one of the best youth academies in Italy, and they have produced many top-level players. Joining Atalanta's academy was a significant step for Caleb in pursuing a professional football career, as it provided him with high-level training and development opportunities, enabling him to harness his potential as a central defender.

Caleb Okoli made his debut for the Atalanta Under-19 team on May 11, 2019. This debut marked an important milestone in his youth career, allowing him to showcase his abilities at a higher competitive level within the youth league. Playing for the U-19 team, Caleb further established himself as a promising central defender, attracting attention from coaches and scouts alike.

On September 25, 2020, Caleb Okoli made his professional debut for Atalanta Calcio in the Serie A, Italy's top football league. His debut in a match against Torino marked the beginning of his professional career, and he played as a central defender. This event was a crucial turning point, affirming his transition from a youth prospect to a professional football player.

Caleb Okoli was loaned to S.P.A.L. (Società Polisportiva Ars et Labor), an Italian football club, on July 1, 2021. Playing in Serie B, the second tier of Italian football, the loan move was instrumental for his development, giving him regular first-team opportunities. This experience allowed him to sharpen his skills and gain valuable match experience, contributing significantly to his professional growth.

On July 22, 2022, Caleb Okoli extended his contract with Atalanta B.C., committing his future to the club for several more years. The contract extension was a testament to Atalanta's belief in his potential as a central defender and their trust in his capability to contribute significantly to the team's success. This move also cemented his status as a key player in the club's defensive lineup.

Caleb Okoli earned his first cap for the Italy U-21 national team on February 2, 2023. Representing Italy at this level was a major achievement and reflected his impressive performances at the club level. His inclusion in the squad highlighted his defensive prowess and underscored his potential to become an integral part of the national team setup in the future.

Caleb Okoli received his first call-up to the Italy national senior team on April 19, 2023. This call-up was a major milestone in his career, indicating his rise as one of the promising defenders in Italian football. Joining the senior squad not only recognized his talent and hard work but also provided him the platform to train and potentially compete at the highest international level.

On June 9, 2023, Caleb Okoli made his debut for the Italy senior national team in a friendly match against Switzerland. His first senior cap was an important moment, marking his entry into the elite ranks of Italian football. Playing against high-level international competition, Caleb showcased his skills and further solidified his reputation as an upcoming key player for the national team.