Francesco Acerbi in 2026: Net worth and Salary, Contract, Sickness, Religion, Wife and FAQs

Francesco Acerbi’s football story is bigger than trophies, contracts and appearances. He built a long career as a strong, intelligent centre-back, but his most important victories happened away from the pitch. Acerbi survived testicular cancer, faced the illness twice and returned to professional football with a different view of life. He later became a trusted defender for Lazio, Inter and the Italian national team, winning Serie A and the European Championship. In 2026, his four-season spell with Inter ended when his contract expired. At 38, he was without a club but had not publicly announced his retirement. This profile looks at his estimated net worth, final Inter salary, contract position, cancer battle, faith, family life and the questions fans most often search about him.

Francesco Acerbi Profile

Who is Francesco Acerbi?

Francesco Acerbi is an Italian professional centre-back who most recently played for Inter Milan. He was born on 10 February 1988 in Vizzolo Predabissi, near Milan, and developed through the youth systems of Voluntas Brescia, Brescia and Pavia.

His career did not follow a simple path. Acerbi played in Italy’s lower divisions before reaching Serie A. He represented clubs including Reggina, Chievo Verona, AC Milan, Genoa, Sassuolo, Lazio and Inter. His best football came later than many expected, especially after he had overcome serious illness.

Acerbi became known for physical strength, concentration and the confidence to defend against elite strikers. At 1.92 metres tall, he was strong in the air and difficult to move in one-on-one battles. He also understood how to organise a defensive line and pass calmly from the back.

He joined Inter on loan from Lazio in 2022 before the move became permanent. During four seasons in Milan, he won six trophies and became an important figure in the club’s defence.

Francesco Acerbi Net Worth and Salary in 2026

Icon Polls estimates Francesco Acerbi’s net worth in 2026 at between £25 million and £28 million. This is an editorial estimate based on his long career earnings, club contracts, bonuses, international football and commercial activity. His private financial records have not been published.

During his final season at Inter, Acerbi’s estimated gross salary was about €2.78 million per year. That worked out to roughly €53,000 per week before tax and bonuses. Another salary estimate placed his annual earnings close to €2.9 million, showing that publicly available wage figures are not exact.

His Inter contract expired on 30 June 2026. Because he became a free agent, he no longer had a confirmed club salary after that date. Any earnings later in the year would depend on whether he signed another contract.

Acerbi’s financial position reflects a career lasting almost two decades. He played for several major Italian clubs, won domestic titles and earned international bonuses with Italy.

Francesco Acerbi Contract and Current Status

Acerbi’s Inter contract ended on 30 June 2026. The club officially thanked him for four seasons and six trophies, confirming that his time with the Nerazzurri had ended.

He first joined Inter in September 2022 on loan from Lazio. The move reunited him with Simone Inzaghi, a coach who already trusted him from their time together in Rome. Inter later completed a permanent transfer.

Acerbi became a regular in the middle of Inter’s three-man defence. He helped the club win Serie A, the Coppa Italia and multiple Italian Super Cups. He also played in two Champions League finals during his Inter period.

As of August 2026, Acerbi was listed as being without a club. He had not announced a formal retirement, so a short-term move remained possible. However, his age, recent workload and the physical demands of top-level football meant any new contract would need to suit both the player and the club.

Francesco Acerbi Sickness and Cancer Battle

Acerbi was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2013 while playing for Sassuolo. The illness was discovered after a medical examination connected to an unusual result during routine testing.

He underwent surgery to remove the tumour and began working toward a return to football. A few months later, further tests showed that the cancer had returned. He then received chemotherapy before eventually being declared clear of the disease.

The experience changed his life. Acerbi has spoken openly about losing his father, struggling with depression and relying too heavily on alcohol during an earlier period of his career. Cancer forced him to confront those problems and rebuild his habits.

He later said that the illness gave him a new purpose and made him appreciate football and life more deeply. His return to Serie A became one of Italian football’s most powerful stories of recovery.

Acerbi did not simply return to play. He became an Italy international, won Euro 2020 and played at the highest level well into his late thirties.

Francesco Acerbi Religion

Francesco Acerbi is publicly associated with the Christian faith. He has spoken about praying twice a day, usually in the morning and evening, and has explained that faith helped him through the most difficult periods of his life.

Before matches, he has often been seen looking upward and placing his hands together in prayer. Inter also referred to his prayer before kick-off when the club published its farewell message in June 2026.

His faith became stronger after his cancer experience. Acerbi has described prayer as a source of calm, gratitude and strength rather than something he uses only when football is going badly.

It is safest to describe him as Christian without assigning a more specific denomination unless he clearly states one. His public comments confirm belief in God and a regular prayer routine.

Francesco Acerbi Wife and Family

Francesco Acerbi’s long-term partner is Claudia Scarpari, a lawyer from Mantua. She is often described online as his wife, but a legally confirmed marriage has not been widely documented. For accuracy, long-term partner is the clearest description.

Acerbi and Claudia have a daughter named Vittoria, who was born in September 2022. The couple shared their happiness publicly after her birth and described themselves as deeply in love with their child.

Claudia also has two children from a previous relationship. The family has generally kept its private life away from daily football attention, although Acerbi has occasionally shared important family moments.

The stability of his relationship and the arrival of his daughter came during a successful period in his career. Acerbi has repeatedly spoken about how difficult experiences changed his priorities, and family life appears to have become an important part of that new perspective.

Francesco Acerbi Height and Playing Style

Acerbi stands 1.92 metres tall, which is about 6 feet 4 inches. His size helped him dominate aerial duels and compete physically with powerful centre-forwards.

He was not known for dramatic skills or flashy defending. His strength was reliability. Acerbi read danger early, stayed close to attackers and used his body well without diving into unnecessary tackles.

In a three-man defence, he was comfortable playing in the centre and taking responsibility for organisation. He also passed the ball calmly and could step forward when opponents allowed him space.

One of his most famous late-career moments came in the 2025 Champions League semi-final against Barcelona. Acerbi moved into the penalty area like a striker and scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser, helping Inter force extra time and reach the final.

That goal showed the determination that defined his career. Even at 37, he continued running, competing and believing until the final whistle.

Francesco Acerbi Career Journey

Acerbi began his senior career with Pavia and spent time on loan at Renate and Spezia. He later reached Serie A with Reggina and moved through Chievo, AC Milan and Genoa.

His time at Sassuolo became the turning point. He returned there after cancer treatment and developed into one of the league’s most consistent defenders. In 2018, Lazio signed him.

At Lazio, Acerbi won the Coppa Italia and Italian Super Cup. He also broke a long run of consecutive Serie A appearances that showed his remarkable durability.

Inter signed him in 2022. Many people saw the transfer as a short-term move for an ageing defender, but Acerbi became far more important than expected. He helped Inter reach Champions League finals and win the 2023/24 Serie A title.

For Italy, he earned 34 senior caps and scored one goal. He was part of the squad that won Euro 2020. In 2025, he declined a national-team recall after feeling that he was no longer truly part of the coach’s plans.

Frequently Asked Questions About Francesco Acerbi

1. How old is Francesco Acerbi in 2026?

He is 38 years old. He was born on 10 February 1988.

2. What is Francesco Acerbi’s net worth in 2026?

Icon Polls estimates his net worth at between £25 million and £28 million.

3. What was Francesco Acerbi’s salary at Inter?

His final estimated gross salary was about €2.78 million per year before bonuses.

4. How much did Francesco Acerbi earn per week?

He earned an estimated €53,000 gross per week during his final Inter season.

5. Which club does Francesco Acerbi play for in 2026?

He became a free agent after leaving Inter on 30 June 2026.

6. When did Francesco Acerbi’s Inter contract expire?

His contract expired on 30 June 2026.

7. Has Francesco Acerbi retired?

He had not publicly announced a formal retirement as of early August 2026.

8. What sickness did Francesco Acerbi have?

He was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

9. Did Francesco Acerbi have cancer twice?

Yes. The cancer returned after his first operation, and he later underwent chemotherapy.

10. Is Francesco Acerbi cancer-free?

He recovered from the illness and returned to professional football.

11. How did cancer change Francesco Acerbi?

He said the experience changed his priorities, improved his discipline and gave him a stronger appreciation of life.

12. What religion is Francesco Acerbi?

He is publicly associated with Christianity and has spoken about praying twice every day.

13. Does Francesco Acerbi pray before matches?

Yes. He is often seen praying and looking toward the sky before kick-off.

14. Is Francesco Acerbi married?

A legally confirmed marriage is not widely documented. Claudia Scarpari is his long-term partner.

15. Who is Francesco Acerbi’s wife or partner?

His long-term partner is Claudia Scarpari, a lawyer from Mantua.

16. Does Francesco Acerbi have children?

Yes. He and Claudia have a daughter named Vittoria.

17. How tall is Francesco Acerbi?

He is 1.92 metres tall, which is about 6 feet 4 inches.

18. What position does Francesco Acerbi play?

He plays as a centre-back.

19. What nationality is Francesco Acerbi?

He is Italian.

20. Did Francesco Acerbi play for AC Milan?

Yes. He had a short spell with AC Milan during the 2012/13 season.

21. Did Francesco Acerbi play for Lazio?

Yes. He played for Lazio from 2018 until joining Inter on loan in 2022.

22. Did Francesco Acerbi win Serie A?

Yes. He won the Serie A title with Inter in the 2023/24 season.

23. Did Francesco Acerbi win the European Championship?

Yes. He was part of Italy’s Euro 2020-winning squad.

24. How many Italy appearances did Francesco Acerbi make?

He earned 34 senior caps and scored one goal for Italy.

Francesco Acerbi’s career cannot be understood only through appearances and trophies. His greatest achievement was returning from cancer and rebuilding his life when football seemed less important than survival. That recovery gave him the strength to play for Italy, win Euro 2020 and become a leading defender for Lazio and Inter. His Inter chapter ended in June 2026, leaving him without a club at 38, but his story had already secured a lasting place in Italian football. Icon Polls will continue to follow any decision about his next club or retirement.