In a world where football often feels like a game of numbers and headlines, some players stand out for their authenticity, resilience, and sheer passion.
Meet Irene Santi, the Italian midfielder who is not just a key player for Inter Women, but also a rising voice in women’s football.
Born in Milan in 1999, Irene grew up kicking a ball around with her brother and cousins before making her professional debut in Serie A with Inter Women in 2019, after a formative spell in Serie B and a loan at Hellas Verona.
She has also represented Italy at the U17, U19, and U23 levels, showing from an early age that her talent and determination set her apart.
Known for her grit, composure, and leadership on the field, Irene has faced injuries and challenges with unwavering perseverance. Off the pitch, she’s passionate about maintaining authenticity — on social media and in life — showing the person behind the player.
In this interview, Irene opens up about her journey from childhood football to professional Serie A, the moments that defined her career, the philosophy she brings to the game, and the lessons she hopes to pass on to the next generation.
It’s a story about resilience, identity, and the pure love of football — one that inspires both on and off the pitch.
“Sports do not build character. They reveal it.”
I’ve always found journalist Heywood Broun’s definition of sport compelling and coherent.
How much of yourself do you read into his words?
I see myself in it a lot. When you play sports, you always end up revealing who you really are, deep down, because you can’t fully control yourself or filter your emotions. Every challenge you face and every goal you chase is shaped by your character. Sport strips you down to your truth.
Instead, what is your personal definition of sport?
Sport is everything. It started as my biggest passion and then became my job. It’s my ‘safe harbour’.
Italy has a long soccer tradition; is its national sport.
How did your passion for this sport begin? When did you take your first steps on the green rug?
My passion for football started when I was really young. I didn’t have other passions, honestly. It all came from playing with my brother and my cousins—we were always kicking a ball around. I joined my first football team in first grade, at five years old, playing with boys for my hometown club, AC Cernusco.
In May 2025, you joined Inter, one of the most important teams on the international scene.
How did you turn this sport into your profession?
When I was 16, I started to realize it couldn’t be just a passion anymore—it was turning into a job. Officially, it became my profession when I started playing in Italy’s top division, especially in 2022, when Italy finally recognized female footballers as professionals…
The match you played that you will never forget?
My first match after my ACL injury: Inter vs. Sassuolo, December 2023. There’s a beautiful photo of my teammates throwing me up in the air. That moment says everything.
The hardest moment and how you overcame it.
Definitely the ACL and meniscus injury. After already having meniscus surgery on the same knee, I tore my ACL in Naples. And honestly—I didn’t even cry. Maybe once in ten months.
I accepted that when you choose this profession, these things can happen. I got through it day by day, without setting a return date, just working, working, working—listening to my body and trusting my willpower.
Your point of reference, your inspiration.
Patri from Barcelona and Rodri from Manchester City.
Your bio reads: “Allergic to clichés – on and off the rug.”
What are the clichés you’re most allergic to?
The clichés about women footballers. We do the same job men do, so there’s no need to label us as some separate category of “girls who play football.”
Like many of your colleagues, you’re quite well-known on social media. What’s the most important message you want to convey through your stories and photos (and reels)?
The most important message — especially lately — is showing who you
really are, if you feel like it. No excessive filters, no barriers, no creating a character that doesn’t actually represent you.
“Never give up!” I exclaim when I hear your life story.
What advice would you give to generations of people about to embark on a career in sports?
Don’t get too far ahead in your head. Be patient. Work hard on yourself. Difficulties exist and always will—but if you want to stay in this world, you have to be ready to push past them.
A letter to your future self.
To my future self: keep playing for as long as possible. Hopefully become a point of reference for future teammates and manage to pass something on to younger players. And most importantly, build a strong identity outside of football too.
CREDITS
TALENT: Irene Santi
AGENCY: The Source
PHOTOGRAPHER: Claudia Frizzera
STYLIST: Chiara De Giorgi
HAIR AND MAKE UP ARTIST: Gaia Pensabene
PHOTOGRAPHER ASSISTANT: Marco Arici
STYLIST ASSISTANT: Camilla Perucchio
STYLIST ASSISTANT: Vincenzo Vitello
STYLIST ASSISTANT: Linda Menegoz
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