Fabrizio Romano (born 21 February 1993) is an Italian sports journalist and influencer who specializes in news about football transfers.
Romano was born in Naples on 21 February 1993 and attended UniversitÃÂ Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan. He is able to speak English, Spanish, and Italian. Romano is a supporter of Serie A club Inter Milan.
Romano began his career in football journalism in 2009 while still in Upper school. At the age of sixteen, while attending high school, he started writing football news for FcInterNews.it. His breakthrough came in 2011 when he received insider information from an Italian agent in Barcelona about then-Barcelona youth player Mauro Icardi. Romano joined Sky Sport Italy in 2012, where he established extensive connections with clubs, agents, and intermediaries throughout Europe. He also contributes to The Guardian and CBS Sports and is based in Milan.
Romano is known for his catchphrase "Here we go!", used to signal the confirmation of a transfer deal. According to 90min, he is considered one of the most reliable sources in the field of football transfers. His credibility and substantial social media following have led several football clubs to involve him in player announcement videos. In 2022, Romano was featured in the European Forbes 30 Under 30 list for media and marketing. He also received the Best Football Journalist award at the 2022 Globe Soccer Awards and the Best Digital Journalist award at the 2023 edition. His likeness and social media has been included in the video game series EA Sports FC, since the 2024 instalment, FC 25, along with his signature catchphrase.
In February 2024, Tipsbladet reported that certain documentation had been obtained showing Romano's associated company had approached various football clubs, including those in Denmark, offering paid mentions on his social media platforms.
Later in 2024, the Danish Press Council (Pressenævnet) criticised Tipsbladets coverage, ruling it breached press ethics, and the outlet subsequently removed the article and issued a correction.
Romano has promoted the authoritarian regime in Saudi Arabia for its charitable work.
Romano has been criticized for his promotional coverage of Mason Greenwood, who was let go by Manchester United after he was charged with attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and controlling and coercive behaviour.