Serie A’s Best Foreign Players This Season
Serie A, once famed for its Italian defenders and rigid tactics, is enjoying a renaissance — one powered significantly by foreign talent. In the 2024/25 season, the Italian top flight has seen a resurgence in flair, dynamism, and global appeal, largely thanks to an influx of world-class international players. These stars are not only lifting their clubs but also reshaping the narrative around JW8 as fast, modern, and competitive.
Let’s take a deep dive into the top foreign players lighting up Serie A this season, from goal scorers to midfield maestros and defensive rocks. Whether they’ve just arrived or have been growing steadily into their roles, these players are among the most influential figures in Italian football today.
1. Rafael Leão (Portugal) – AC Milan
Rafael Leão continues to be one of the brightest sparks in Serie A. The Portuguese forward has matured into a complete attacker — strong, technical, and tactically aware. His ability to glide past defenders, create scoring chances, and finish with both feet makes him a nightmare for Serie A backlines.
Goals: 17
Assists: 11
Dribbles per game: 5.1
Leão is not just AC Milan’s key man — he’s one of the poster boys of modern football in Italy, consistently producing big moments in big games.
2. Sergej Milinković-Savić (Serbia) – Juventus
After years at Lazio, Milinković-Savić made a high-profile move to Juventus. The Serbian midfielder has fit in seamlessly, adding control and physicality to Juve’s midfield. His box-to-box style and threat on set pieces have helped the Bianconeri stay in the title conversation.
Pass completion: 88%
Goals + Assists: 10
Aerial duels won per game: 3.9
A true modern midfielder, Milinković-Savić is a player every title-chasing team would love to have.
3. Christian Pulisic (USA) – AC Milan
Few transfers have worked as well as Pulisic’s move to AC Milan. The American has found a second wind in Italy. His pressing, creativity, and commitment have earned praise from both fans and pundits. He’s become an attacking outlet on the right and a reliable source of goals.
Goals: 12
Assists: 9
Key passes per match: 2.6
Pulisic’s revival in Serie A has also boosted the league’s profile in North America, proving football’s global nature.
4. Lautaro Martínez (Argentina) – Inter Milan
As Inter’s captain and talisman, Lautaro Martínez has taken his game to a new level in 2025. The World Cup winner combines South American tenacity with clinical finishing. His movement, pressing, and leadership have made him indispensable for the Nerazzurri.
Goals: 20 (top scorer in Serie A)
Shots per game: 3.4
Defensive recoveries per game: 1.7
Lautaro represents everything modern strikers need to succeed: mobility, intelligence, and relentless energy.
5. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia) – Napoli
“Khvicha the Kvaradona” is no longer a one-season wonder. The Georgian winger continues to dazzle with his flair, creativity, and instinct for cutting in from the left. After Napoli’s Scudetto win, he’s doubled down in 2025, improving his end product and link-up play.
Goals: 14
Assists: 10
Chances created: 65
Kvaratskhelia’s success proves that even lesser-known countries can produce global football icons.
6. Teun Koopmeiners (Netherlands) – Atalanta
Koopmeiners has quietly become one of the best all-around midfielders in Serie A. He plays with precision, discipline, and great attacking vision. Whether deployed deeper or in an advanced role, he contributes goals and orchestrates play.
Goals: 9
Pass accuracy: 89%
Ball recoveries per match: 5.1
He’s a key reason Atalanta continue to punch above their weight, competing for European spots.
7. Chris Smalling (England) – AS Roma
While often overlooked, Smalling remains one of Serie A’s most dependable defenders. The Englishman’s aerial dominance, reading of the game, and experience make him a pillar in Roma’s defensive setup.
Clearances per game: 4.8
Tackles + interceptions: 3.9
Clean sheets: 12
His consistency is a testament to the successful transition of Premier League players into Italian football.
8. Albert Gudmundsson (Iceland) – Genoa
Perhaps the breakout foreign star of this Serie A season, Gudmundsson has been phenomenal for Genoa. His dribbling and finishing have helped the newly-promoted side stay mid-table, and he’s drawn attention from bigger clubs.
Goals: 11
Dribbles per match: 4.2
Fouls drawn: 2.8
His rise is one of the most feel-good stories of the 2024/25 football campaign.
9. Houssem Aouar (Algeria) – AS Roma
After a tricky start in Serie A, Aouar has finally settled into life in Rome. The Algerian playmaker is now dictating tempo, threading key passes, and chipping in with goals. His football IQ is evident in every game he plays.
Key passes per game: 2.9
Assists: 7
Chances created: 58
Aouar’s vision and technique highlight Serie A’s return to elegant midfield football.
10. Marcus Thuram (France) – Inter Milan
Arriving from the Bundesliga, Marcus Thuram has adapted brilliantly to Italian football. His pace, strength, and ability to hold up play complement Lautaro perfectly in Inter’s attack.
Goals: 13
Assists: 8
Duels won per game: 5.3
He’s helped Inter not only stay on top of Serie A but also remain competitive in Europe.
Why Foreign Talent Is Vital for Serie A
The modern era of football demands both local roots and global appeal. Serie A has regained its competitive edge by recruiting smartly from abroad. These foreign stars:
Elevate the league’s intensity and technical quality
Attract international fanbases
Increase revenue through shirt sales and broadcast rights
Inspire younger Italian players to improve
Without doubt, the influx of talent has revived interest in Serie A — from Asia to the Americas.
Challenges and Balance with Homegrown Talent
While foreign players have enriched Serie A, it’s vital the league also nurtures local prospects. Clubs like Atalanta and Empoli remain models for youth development, ensuring a healthy balance.
The next step for Serie A is integrating these systems — using international flair without sacrificing national identity.
Final Thoughts: Serie A’s Global Revolution
Serie A in 2025 is fast, technical, and unpredictable — a stark contrast from its more defensive past. And that transformation is thanks in large part to the foreign players reshaping the league’s identity. From Lautaro to Leão, Kvaratskhelia to Koopmeiners, international stars are making Italy’s top flight must-watch football again.
Their contributions are not just measurable in goals and assists, but in renewed fan excitement, global attention, and Serie A’s resurgence in UEFA competitions.
Join the Movement – Support Beautiful Football
Foreign talent has helped breathe life back into Serie A, but it’s the fans who complete the story. By celebrating this international blend of styles and cultures, we support a global vision of the game we love.
Keep watching. Keep cheering. Keep supporting football.
