Only one defender in Europe’s top 5 leagues has more goal contributions than Calafiori

Following his goal for Arsenal against Leeds in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, Italy’s Riccardo Calafiori now ranks second among defenders in Europe’s top five leagues for goal contributions provided between league and international fixtures.

Calafiori up to five goal contributions already in 2026-27

Calafiori scored the equalising goal in an eventual 2-1 victory for Arsenal at home against Leeds on Saturday: His first Premier League goal of the 2026-27 season and his first scored at The Emirates.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 10: No.33 of Arsenal scores his team’s first goal past James Trafford of Leeds United during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Arsenal FC and Leeds United at Emirates Stadium on October 10, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

It has been a great week on a personal level for Calafiori, who scored his first goal for the Italy national team during a 3-1 victory over Turkey in the Nations League on Monday night.

Calafiori also scored for Arsenal in their Community Shield victory over Manchester City back in August, which means that he is now up to three goals and two assists for club and country this season.

Only one other defender in Europe’s top five leagues has more goal contributions than Calafiori for club and country this season, and that is Brighton and Hove Albion’s Maxim De Cuyper, who has largely played as a left winger at the beginning of the 2026-27 season.