Today in Football History: The Birth of Paulo Dybala on November 15, 1993
On this day in 1993, Paulo Exequiel Dybala entered the world in Laguna Larga, Argentina—a date now etched into football lore as the origin of one of Serie A’s most elegant talents. Dubbed “La Joya” (The Jewel) for his luminous skills, Dybala’s career has traversed trophy-laden highs at Juventus, a transformative rebirth at Roma, and a World Cup triumph with Argentina, embodying the rare fusion of artistry and resilience.
1. Juventus Era: Forging a Dynasty with 115 Goals and 5 Scudetti
Dybala’s defining years came at Juventus (2015–2022), where he emerged as the heir to Alessandro Del Piero’s attacking mantle. Across 293 appearances, he amassed 115 goals and 48 assists , playing a pivotal role in five consecutive Serie A titles (2015–2020). His 2017/18 season stood out: 22 league goals and 5 assists, including a memorable hat-trick against Sassuolo that showcased his clinical finishing and ability to orchestrate attacks from the half-spaces.
What set Dybala apart was his tactical versatility. Under Massimiliano Allegri, he seamlessly shifted between a false nine, attacking midfielder, and wide forward, complementing teammates like Gonzalo Higuaín and later Cristiano Ronaldo. His low centre of gravity (1.77m) and “velcro-like ball control” made him a nightmare for defenders—ranked in Europe’s top 7% for progressive carries (5.79 per 90) and top 12% for completed dribbles (1.59 per 90) among attacking midfielders .
2. Roma Rebirth: Proving His Worth Beyond Juventus
When Dybala joined Roma on a free transfer in 2022, some questioned if his best days were behind him. Three seasons later, he has silenced doubters with 43 goal involvements (28 goals, 15 assists) in 114 appearances , including 18 goals and 7 assists in the 2024/25 campaign alone. His partnership with José Mourinho proved transformative: the Portuguese manager unlocked Dybala’s playmaking potential, allowing him to dictate tempo with “eagle-eye vision” and expansive passes .
The fans’ adoration has mirrored his on-pitch impact. At his 2022 presentation at the Stadio Olimpico, 60,000 supporters chanted his name—a moment he described as “giving me goosebumps” . This connection has translated to clutch performances: in the 2023/24 Europa League, he scored 5 goals in 11 games, guiding Roma to the quarter-finals.
3. World Cup Glory: The Penalty That Cemented Legacy
Dybala’s 29th birthday in 2022 preceded the defining moment of his career: Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar. Though limited by injury to substitute appearances, he stepped up in the final against France, converting Argentina’s second penalty in the shootout to help secure a 4–2 victory . This made him the 17th Roma player to win a World Cup while at the club—extending Roma’s record of having a player in nine winning World Cup squads, more than any other club .
His contribution underscored his mental fortitude. As teammate Lionel Messi noted post-tournament: “Paulo’s calm under pressure is extraordinary. He didn’t play much, but when we needed him most, he delivered.”
4. Technical DNA: The Art of Being “La Joya”
Dybala’s brilliance stems from a rare blend of skills:
- Ball Control: His first touch and ability to ride challenges make him “press-resistant” , often drawing multiple defenders and creating space for teammates.
- Finishing: A 0.41 goals-per-90 ratio in Serie A (2015–2025) reflects his precision, whether from long-range strikes or poacher’s finishes.
- Creativity: His 0.21 assists-per-90 in Europe’s top five leagues highlights his role as a dual threat.
Now 31, he remains a defensive nightmare. In 2024/25, he completed 1.8 dribbles per 90 and created 2.3 chances per game for Roma , stats comparable to his Juventus prime.
5. Legacy: More Than Trophies
Beyond 5 Serie A titles, 4 Coppa Italia wins, and a World Cup, Dybala’s legacy lies in redefining attacking midfield play. He represents the bridge between old-school virtuosity and modern tactical flexibility—able to score, create, and press. For young Argentine talents like Julián Álvarez, he is a role model: “Paulo shows you can be elegant and effective.”
As he celebrates his 32nd birthday in 2025, Dybala’s journey is far from over. With Roma targeting a Serie A title and Argentina defending their World Cup crown in 2026, “La Joya” continues to shine.
