Daniel Caligiuri


Daniel Caligiuri is a former professional footballer who played as a midfielder.

Club career

Born in Germany to an Italian father and a German mother, Caligiuri began his professional career with SC Freiburg. Caligiuri made his Bundesliga debut for Freiburg on 7 November 2009, starting against VfL Bochum. He joined VfL Wolfsburg in 2013 after a solid season with Freiburg. On 19 March 2015, Caligiuri scored in the second leg of the round of 16 in the Europa League against Inter Milan.
On 30 May 2015, he played as Wolfsburg won the German Cup for the first time defeating Borussia Dortmund 3–1 at the Olympic Stadium, Berlin.
On 25 January 2017, Caligiuri was announced as joining Bundesliga rivals Schalke 04 on a three-and-a-half-year deal.
On 29 June 2020, Caligiuri joined FC Augsburg on a free transfer at the end of the 2019–20 season. He signed a three-year contract.
On 2 February 2025, Caligiuri announced his retirement from professional football.

International career

Caligiuri was eligible to represent both Germany through being born there, as well as Italy through having an Italian father. On 22 May 2015, Caligiuri expressed his desire to play for the country of his father's heritage, stating "I have always said that I will play for the national team which invites me first. And I have big hopes now to be part of the Italy squad."
On 31 May 2015, it was announced that Antonio Conte named Caligiuri alongside fellow débutant Nicola Sansone in his preliminary squad for the upcoming UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying match against Croatia, but he was dropped from the squad on 6 June.

Personal life

Caligiuri is of Italian Arbereshë descent. His older brother Marco is a former professional footballer, who last played for Greuther Fürth.

Honours

SC Freiburg
VfL Wolfsburg