Who Is Antonio Cassano? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Antonio Cassano, born on July 12, 1982, is a retired Italian professional footballer renowned for his extraordinary skills and controversial personality on and off the pitch. As of 2025, Cassano is 43 years old, having spent over two decades in the world of football. He began his career at Bari before moving on to play for prestigious clubs such as AS Roma, Real Madrid, and AC Milan. His journey in football is marked by brilliant performances and some turbulent moments, which have shaped his legacy.
| Occupation | Footballer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 12, 1982 |
| Age | 42 Years |
| Birth Place | Bari, Italy |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | Italy |
Popularity
Antonio Cassano's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
At a height of 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in), Cassano had an agile yet robust physique ideal for his forward position. During his playing days, he maintained a weight of around 80 kg (176 lbs). In 2025, he continues to stay active and fit, often sharing workout routines and lifestyle choices that appeal to his fans.
Cassano became the second ever Italian player to sign for Real Madrid after former Roma teammate Christian Panucci. His debut came on 18 January 2006 in a Spanish Cup match against Real Betis, and scored his first goal just three minutes after entering the match in the second half.
Just four months into his tenure with the club, however, he began gaining weight due to poor eating habits, which resulted in Madrid fining him for every gram he remained over his playing weight, and earned him the nickname "Gordito".
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Antonio Cassano is known for his vibrant family life. He is married to his longtime partner, an Italian model and television personality, who often features in his social media interactions. Together, they have two children, further enriching their family dynamic. In the past, Cassano has dated notable figures, but as of 2025, he enjoys a stable and loving relationship, focusing on family and personal growth.
He was raised in poverty by his mother in the San Nicola district of the Bari Vecchia neighbourhood, and began playing football on the streets at an early age. Cassano was spotted by a Bari scout and brought up through the team's youth system, and he made his Serie A debut for Bari against local rivals Lecce on 11 December 1999.
During his time with Bari, he soon emerged as one of Serie A's most promising young Italian players, drawing particular attention to himself after scoring a notable, individual, match-winning goal (his first ever Serie A goal) in a 2–1 home win over Italian giants Inter Milan, on 18 December 1999, at the age of 17: in the 88th minute, after contr
olling a 40-yard lobbed pass on the run with his backheel, he subsequently dribbled past veteran defenders Christian Panucci and Laurent Blanc, wrong-footing goalkeeper Fabrizio Ferron with a dummy, before finishing at the near post.
Cassano's technical skill, precocious talent and impressive performances earned him the nicknames "Fantantonio", due to his flair and creativity, and "El Pibe de Bari" ("The Kid from Bari"), a reference to the legendary Diego Maradona's nickname, "El Pibe de Oro".
During his two seasons with Bari, he scored a total of 6 goals in 48 Serie A matches, scoring 3 goals in 21 appearances during his first season, and 3 goals in 27 league matches during his second season with the club.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Antonio Cassano's net worth is estimated to be around $70 million. This wealth has been accumulated not only from his football career but also through endorsements, media appearances, and personal investments. His successful tenure at major clubs and his ongoing ventures ensure continuous revenue, even in retirement.
On 13 August 2007, Sampdoria took Cassano on a one-year loan, agreeing to pay €1.2 million of his €4.2 million salary. He was presented to approximately 2,500 fans five days later.
In his first press conference, Cassano said that he had chosen to wear the shirt number 99 for several reasons: firstly, as his first-choice, the number 18, was already taken by teammate Vladimir Koman, and because 9 plus 9 equals 18, secondly, because his other teammate Francesco Flachi was already wearing the number 10 shirt, which was his second
choice, and thirdly, as he intended the number to be an homage to Brazilian striker Ronaldo, who was wearing the same number at Milan.
Career, Business, and Investments
Antonio Cassano's career spans over 15 years at the professional level, where he established himself as one of the most talented forwards of his generation. After retiring from professional football, he has ventured into various business activities, including sports commentary and coaching seminars. His investments in youth academies and football clubs indicate his dedication to nurturing the next generation of football stars. Cassano frequently shares insights regarding career choices and mentorship, further engaging with the football community.
Antonio Cassano ( born 12 July 1982) is an Italian former professional footballer who played as a forward. A talented and technically gifted player, he was usually deployed as a supporting forward, but could also play as an attacking midfielder, winger, or as a striker.
Nicknamed Il Gioiello di Bari Vecchia ("the jewel of Old Bari"), and Fantantonio ("fantastic Antonio"), he was known for his short temper as much as his skill and ability on the pitch. Cassano won an Italian and Spanish league title each throughout his career as major honours.
Social Network
Cassano remains active on various social media platforms, including Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, where he engages with millions of fans worldwide. He shares snippets of his family life, workout routines, and football-related content, which keeps his audience entertained and informed. His social media presence is a vital aspect of his brand, serving as a bridge between him and his fans.
Cassano played in all six of Italy's matches and scored one goal against the Republic of Ireland during Euro 2012, where the Italians reached the final, losing 4–0 against Spain. In the semi-final against Germany, Cassano set up Mario Balotelli's first goal of the match. Cassano wore the number 10 shirt for Italy throughout the tournament.
In July 2012, he was fined by UEFA for making a homophobic comment at a press conference during Euro 2012. At the conference, when asked if he thought there were any homosexual players in the Italian team, he replied, "I hope there are none." He later issued a statement saying he had been misinterpreted.
Education
Cassano's football career began at a young age, and while he did not pursue higher education in a traditional sense, his experiences in football have served as valuable life lessons. His focus has primarily been on football training and development, which has been further enriched through various coaching courses he has undertaken post-retirement.
