Sandro Tonali: Biography, Salary, Net Worth, Career, And Transfer History

Football has a way of producing players who seem destined for greatness from the very first touch of the ball. Sandro Tonali is one of those players. Often compared to Italian football legend Andrea Pirlo because of his looks, composure, and playing style, Tonali is already carving his own identity as one of the most exciting midfielders of his generation.

In this post, we’ll dive into Tonali’s full story—his early life, rise to stardom, career highlights, jaw-dropping salary details, net worth, and his transfer history that has kept fans and analysts talking. So, sit tight, because this is going to be an exciting ride through the life of one of Italy’s brightest football talents.

Early Life and Background

Sandro Tonali was born on May 8, 2000, in Lodi, Italy, a small city near Milan. Like many young boys in Italy, Tonali fell in love with football at a very young age. His parents noticed his passion early on, as he would spend hours with the ball, practicing in his backyard, parks, and school playgrounds.

Unlike some players who needed years to find their rhythm, Tonali had that natural spark—sharp vision, calmness on the ball, and the ability to dictate play. People around him began to whisper: “He plays like Pirlo.” And as fate would have it, those comparisons grew louder as his career developed.

Tonali’s childhood dream was simple: to play professional football and represent Italy. But nobody could have imagined how quickly he would rise through the ranks.

Youth Career

Tonali started his football journey at a very young age. His earliest footballing years were spent playing for local sides before being spotted by scouts. He eventually joined the youth setup at Piacenza, a small club in Italy. His performances there caught attention because even as a kid, he played with the maturity of an experienced midfielder.

But his real breakthrough came when Brescia Calcio picked him up for their youth academy. At Brescia, Tonali’s talent exploded. He didn’t just play the role of a midfielder—he owned it. Coaches marveled at how he could read the game, pick out passes others couldn’t see, and control the tempo like a seasoned pro.

By his late teens, everyone knew: this boy wasn’t just good, he was special.

Professional Career

Brescia Calcio (2017–2020)

Tonali made his professional debut for Brescia at just 17 years old in 2017. He quickly became a central figure in the team, helping them secure promotion to Serie A in the 2018–19 season.

That year, Tonali became the youngest player in Italy to complete the most passes in a season—proving that he wasn’t just about hype; he had the stats to back it up. Italian media began calling him the “new Pirlo,” and Europe’s biggest clubs started watching him closely.

Despite Brescia struggling in Serie A, Tonali stood out as their brightest star. His ability to deliver set pieces, his composure in tight spaces, and his commanding presence in midfield made him a hot prospect.

AC Milan (2020–2023)

In 2020, after heavy interest from clubs like Inter Milan and Juventus, Tonali made the switch to AC Milan, initially on loan. For Tonali, it was a dream come true—he grew up as a Milan fan and idolized their great midfielders.

At Milan, his first season had ups and downs as he adjusted to the higher pressure. But by the 2021–22 season, Tonali had found his rhythm. He became one of Milan’s most important players, forming a dynamic midfield partnership that helped guide the club to their Serie A title in 2022—their first in over a decade.

Fans fell in love with Tonali’s passion for the club. He didn’t just play like a Milan player—he lived it. He wore his heart on his sleeve, and his grit made him a fan favorite.

Newcastle United (2023–Present)

In the summer of 2023, Tonali made headlines when Newcastle United secured his signature for around €70 million—a record transfer fee for the English club. This move sent shockwaves across Europe, as Newcastle’s new financial muscle began to show in the transfer market.

For Tonali, it was both a huge opportunity and a fresh challenge. Playing in the Premier League meant facing some of the toughest competition in the world, and fans were excited to see how his Italian flair would fit into the English game.

He made an immediate impression on Newcastle supporters with his work ethic, tactical intelligence, and technical skills. Despite facing challenges off the pitch, Tonali remains a vital piece of the club’s ambitious project.

International Career

Tonali’s rise in club football earned him a place in the Italian national team. He represented Italy in various youth levels before making his senior debut in 2019.

Though competition for midfield spots in Italy is fierce, Tonali has continued to grow in importance. Many see him as the future backbone of the Azzurri midfield, someone who can carry the torch left by legends like Pirlo, De Rossi, and Verratti.

His international journey is still young, but the expectations are sky-high.

Playing Style

If you’ve watched Tonali, you know why he’s compared to Andrea Pirlo. But while Pirlo was more of a deep-lying playmaker, Tonali has a more aggressive edge to his game. He blends creativity with physicality.

Here are some of his strengths:

• Passing Range: Can pick out short and long passes with surgical accuracy.

• Set Pieces: Deadly from free-kicks and corners.

• Vision: Reads the game like a chess master.

• Work Rate: Relentless in chasing down the ball and pressing opponents.

• Leadership: At a young age, he already plays like a captain.

Tonali isn’t just a “Pirlo 2.0.” He’s carving out his own style—one that mixes elegance with grit.

Salary and Net Worth

Money talk, right? Let’s break it down.

At Newcastle, Tonali reportedly earns a salary of around £7 million annually, making him one of the highest-paid players at the club. That’s roughly £130,000 per week—not bad for someone who’s only in his early 20s.

As for his net worth, estimates place it between £10 million and £15 million. Most of this comes from his football contracts, endorsement deals, and bonuses. And considering he’s still at the start of what could be a long and successful career, this number is bound to rise significantly.

Transfer History

Here’s a quick breakdown of Tonali’s transfer journey so far:

• Youth Career: Piacenza → Brescia

• 2017–2020: Professional debut with Brescia Calcio

• 2020–2021: Loan move to AC Milan with an option to buy

• 2021–2023: Permanent transfer to AC Milan (approx. €15 million)

• 2023–Present: Record transfer to Newcastle United (€70 million)

From a teenager at Brescia to a record signing in the Premier League—Tonali’s transfer history tells the story of a player in constant demand.

Personal Life

Off the pitch, Tonali is known for being humble and down-to-earth. Unlike many footballers who live flashy lifestyles, Tonali keeps things relatively private. He is close to his family and has a long-term partner who has supported him through his journey.

Fans admire him not just for his football, but for his character. He’s often described as someone who plays for the love of the game rather than fame or money.

Legacy and Future Prospects

At just 25 (as of 2025), Tonali has already achieved what many players only dream of—winning trophies, playing for top clubs, and becoming a record signing in the Premier League.

But his story is still being written. If he continues on this path, he could become one of Italy’s greatest midfielders of the modern era. Newcastle fans hope he’ll lead their club to silverware, while Italians hope he’ll anchor the Azzurri midfield for years to come.

One thing is certain: Tonali is not just living up to the hype—he’s surpassing it.

Conclusion

Sandro Tonali’s journey is the perfect blend of talent, hard work, and determination. From a young boy in Lodi with a dream, to a record-breaking midfielder in the Premier League, his story inspires millions.

His biography shows us his roots, his career tells us about his growth, his salary and net worth reflect his success, and his transfer history proves just how valuable he is in today’s football market.

The best part? He’s only getting started.

So, the next time you watch Newcastle or Italy play, keep an eye on that No. 8 shirt. Sandro Tonali isn’t just the future—he’s already the present.