Samuele Inácio: Who is Borussia Dortmund’s latest Italian starlet?
After being handed his Bundesliga debut against Bayern Munich on Matchday 24, Italian-Brazilian prodigy Samuele Inácio made his first Bundesliga start on Matchday 31 against Freiburg. Find out more about Borussia Dortmund’s latest rising star…
Stats correct as of 26 April 2026
Age: 18 (born 2 April 2008)
Club: Borussia Dortmund
Position: Attacking midfielder
Country: Italy (40 youth caps, 24 goals)
Key stats
The son of Brazilian footballer Piá, Inácio was born in Bergamo, Italy, and is a product of the Atalanta youth set-up. Rising through the ranks at his hometown club, Dortmund won the race to sign the talented playmaker in 2024, reportedly ahead of Bundesliga rivals Bayern.
Quickly adapting to his new life in Germany, Inácio - other than a handful of U17 appearances - was thrust into Dortmund’s U19 squad, where the teenager returned eight goals and five assists across 36 games, whilst representing his new club in the UEFA Youth League, striking twice and creating three goals in 11 outings.
Holding dual nationality, it was on the international stage where Inácio garnered worldwide attention, finishing top scorer at this year’s UEFA European U17 Championship in Albania. Plundering five goals in four games including strikes against England and Portugal, what the teenager lacks in physicality, more than makes up for it in his nimble footwork, unique dribbling ability and clinical finishing.
Favouring a No.10 role, BVB’s technically gifted playmaker possesses excellent close control and change of direction but also offers versatility with an ability to play anywhere across the front-line. His performances for Die Schwarzgelben’s youth teams as well as the aforementioned Euros earned him a call from Niko Kovač, who took the youngster stateside for last summer’s FIFA Club World Cup, where he gained invaluable experience.
Clearly impressing Dortmund’s head coach, Inácio - having completed two training camps - returned to the youth team but found himself amongst the senior squad in the new year.
Named among the substitutes for Dortmund’s Matchday 21 triumph over Wolfsburg, more was to come from the youngster, who, at 17 years, 10 months and 26 days, was handed his Bundesliga debut against none other than Germany’s record champions. “It was a crazy moment, the best in my life,” said Inácio, who replaced Maximilian Beier in the 75th minute.
Operating on the left, the youngster soon found that the physicality between Germany’s top flight and the fourth-tier Regionalliga was stark when he came up against Dayot Upamecano but with his fearless dribbling, the Italian shone. Later, he was awarded his first start, after successive substitute appearances, on Matchday 31 against Freiburg, playing a role in BVB's second goal in a 4-0 victory which secured Champions League football for 2026/27.
Labelled a “fantastic footballer” by his coach, who often takes a cautious approach with youngsters, Inácio is the latest player off Dortmund’s infamous conveyor belt of talent.
Plays a bit like: Robert Baggio
Inácio’s style of play closely resembles that of Italian legend Baggio. Dortmund’s protégé makes late runs into the penalty area, proving a goal threat and with his close control in tight areas, controls games during the transitional phase with an ability to turn defence into attack. Lauded by his peers, the Black-Yellows’ new debutant has the ability to play at the highest level.
Did you know?
Inácio’s role models are former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attacker Neymar, and former Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, who was made in the Bundesliga.
What they’re saying
“Samu is a very creative player who sees spaces and is very good at judging how often and how long he can hold onto the ball.”- Mathias Schiele, Dortmund’s head of player development
"If he stays healthy, he'll have a really great career." - Niko Kovač, Dortmund head coach
“Samuele has a great understanding of the game. He has excellent vision and plays passes that some players don’t expect.” - Mike Tullberg, former Dortmund U19s coach
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