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Alex Meret

~Meret

Mar 22' 1997

Nationality
Italy

The Exhilarating Story...

Born on March 22, 1997, in Udine, Italy, Alex Meret's journey from a young football enthusiast to a celebrated goalkeeper is a testament to resilience and determination. Raised by his parents, Michele and Manuela, Meret's passion for football was evident early on. His father, Michele, a former amateur footballer, recognized Alex's potential and nurtured his budding talent.​ Meret began his football journey with local club Donatello Calcio before joining Udinese's youth academy in 2012. His dedication and hard work paid off when he made his senior debut for Udinese in 2015. However, the path was not without obstacles. To gain more experience, Meret was loaned to SPAL, where he played a pivotal role in their promotion to Serie A during the 2016-2017 season. Unfortunately, injuries soon plagued his career, sidelining him during crucial periods and testing his mental fortitude.​ Despite these setbacks, Meret's unwavering spirit saw him persevere. In 2018, he secured a move to Napoli, a significant step forward. Yet, challenges persisted. Competing for the starting position with the experienced David Ospina meant limited playing time. Additionally, injuries continued to hinder his progress, making it difficult for him to establish himself as the club's first-choice goalkeeper. Throughout these trials, Meret leaned heavily on his support system. His parents remained his pillars of strength, offering unwavering encouragement. Coaches and teammates also played crucial roles, providing guidance and fostering an environment conducive to growth. Meret's commitment to improvement was evident as he worked diligently to enhance his skills and physical resilience.​ A defining moment in Meret's career came during the 2019-2020 season. With Ospina suspended, Meret started in the Coppa Italia Final against Juventus. His crucial save during the penalty shootout contributed significantly to Napoli's victory, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. Internationally, Meret's talents were recognized early. He represented Italy at various youth levels and was part of the squad that clinched the UEFA Euro 2020 title. Although he didn't feature prominently during the tournament, being part of a championship-winning team added a significant accolade to his career.​ By the 2022-2023 season, Meret had firmly established himself as Napoli's first-choice goalkeeper. His consistent performances were instrumental in Napoli securing their first Serie A title in 33 years. This achievement not only marked a personal triumph for Meret but also solidified his reputation as one of Italy's top goalkeepers.​ Off the field, Meret's journey has been characterized by humility and a continuous desire to improve. His story serves as an inspiration, illustrating that perseverance, coupled with a strong support system, can overcome even the most daunting challenges.​ As of early 2025, Meret's future with Napoli has been a topic of discussion. Reports indicate that Napoli's Sporting Director, Giovanni Manna, is optimistic about extending Meret's contract, emphasizing that both the club and the player are keen on continuing their association. This potential extension reflects the mutual respect and trust between Meret and Napoli.​ Alex Meret's journey underscores the importance of resilience, support, and unwavering dedication. His story is a beacon for aspiring athletes, demonstrating that with perseverance and the right support, overcoming obstacles and achieving greatness is within reach.

We are a group that sacrifices itself for 90 minutes and that is aware that the goal can be found at any moment.

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Career

Last updated: Apr 02' 2025
Club

Udinese FC

  • Career: 2015–2018
Club

SPAL

  • Career: 2016–2017 (Loan)
  • Appearances: 30
  • Saves: 106
Club

SPAL

  • Career: 2017–2018 (Loan)
  • Appearances: 13
  • Saves: 44
Club

Napoli

  • Career: 2018–Present
  • Appearances: 155
  • Saves: 340
Club

Italy Football Team

  • Career: 2019–Present
  • Appearances: 3

Achievements

SPAL

  • 1× Serie B

Napoli

  • 1× Serie A
  • 1× Coppa Italia

Italy U19

  • 1× UEFA European Under-19 Championship runner-up

Italy

  • 1× UEFA European Championship
  • 2× UEFA Nations League third place

Individual

  • 1× Primavera Girone B Goalkeeper of the Year
  • 1× UEFA European Under-19 Championship Team of the Tournament
  • 1× Serie B Goalkeeper of the Year
  • 1× UEFA Champions League Breakthrough XI

Orders

  • 1× Cavaliere Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana (5th Class / Knight)

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