Paulo Dybala

Executive Summary

Paulo Exequiel Dybala, born on 15 November 1993, is an Argentine second striker playing left-footed at 177 cm for AS Roma. He enters the 2026-27 campaign as the Giallorossi attacking focal point under Gian Piero Gasperini, coming off a strong Serie A start and a Champions League return.

Playing Style and Key Attributes

Gasperini has highlighted extraordinary consistency and physical reliability early this season. Dybala is described as the focal point of Roma's attack, elevating the squad around him. Recent match evidence shows a participative profile: three assists in a 4-0 win over Fiorentina, linking play from the start and feeding a teammate's hat-trick. The manager frames his current level as the best seen in recent seasons.

Career and Recent Context

Dybala came through Instituto in Córdoba, stepping up to the senior side in January 2011 before moving to Palermo in July 2012 for €11.9m. Since arriving in summer 2022 he has become a technical pillar and leader inside and outside the pitch, with 139 appearances and 45 goals recorded for the club. The renewal in July 2026 was agreed on reduced terms, with salary tied to appearances, to keep him for the Champions League.

Transfers and Outlook

Speculation about a free exit and a return to Argentina faded after the renewal. Boca Juniors interest was persistent, fuelled by Leandro Paredes, but never became a concrete negotiation. Press from Arabia also existed. Dybala accepted a significant pay cut from around 8 million euros annually to roughly 3 million with performance bonuses to stay in Europe.