Roman Celentano Bio
Roman Marcello Celentano is an American professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for Major League Soccer club FC Cincinnati. Celentano began his career at the Chicago Sockers before proceeding to play for the Indiana Hoosiers at the collegiate level. He was drafted second overall by FC Cincinnati in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft, marking a significant milestone as the highest-drafted goalkeeper since 2014. Known for his impressive performances, including multiple clean sheets and accolades like the MLS Save of the Year, Celentano has quickly made a name for himself in the MLS.
Early Life and Background
Roman Celentano was born on September 14, 2000, to Marcello and Manuela Celentano in Naperville, Illinois. He attended Neuqua Valley High School, where he likely developed his passion for soccer. Growing up in a supportive family, Celentano was encouraged to pursue his athletic interests, which laid the foundation for his future career in soccer.
Path to Soccer
Celentano’s soccer journey began with the Chicago Sockers, where he honed his skills in youth soccer. He later enrolled at Indiana University in 2019, joining the Indiana Hoosiers men’s soccer team. During his time with the Hoosiers, he played for three seasons and contributed to the team’s success as they became Big Ten Conference regular season champions and tournament champions. His outstanding performances earned him the title of Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year twice, showcasing his talent and potential in the sport.
Roman Celentano Career
Early Career (2022)
Celentano’s professional career began when he decided to forgo his senior year at Indiana University to sign a Generation Adidas contract with Major League Soccer. This decision made him eligible for the 2022 MLS SuperDraft, where he was drafted second overall by FC Cincinnati, becoming the highest-drafted goalkeeper in the SuperDraft since Andre Blake in 2014. He made his professional debut on March 27, 2022, while on loan with FC Cincinnati 2 in MLS Next Pro.
Breakthrough (2022-2023)
Celentano made his first-team debut for FC Cincinnati on April 19, 2022, in a U.S. Open Cup match against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Just a few days later, on April 24, 2022, he made his MLS debut, starting and playing the full match in a 2–1 loss to Los Angeles FC. He quickly made an impact in the league, achieving his first clean sheet in a victory against Toronto FC on May 4, 2022. This performance earned him a spot in the MLS Team of the Week for Week 10 of the 2022 season.
Notable Works and Milestones
Celentano’s remarkable performances continued into 2023, where he gained recognition for his exceptional saves. On May 20, 2023, he made a crucial save against Columbus Crew, which was later named the 2023 MLS Save of the Year. His ability to perform under pressure and make game-changing saves has solidified his reputation as a top goalkeeper in the league.
Roman Celentano Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Roman Celentano has received several nominations, particularly for his outstanding performances in the MLS.
Roman Celentano Awards Won
Roman Celentano has won notable awards, including the Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year in both 2020 and 2021, and the MLS Save of the Year in 2023 and 2025. These accolades highlight his skill and contributions to the sport.
Roman Celentano Family
Roman Celentano was born to Marcello and Manuela Celentano. He has two siblings, Julian and Remi, who have likely been a source of support throughout his life and career.
Personal Life
Details about Roman Celentano’s personal life are limited, as he tends to keep his private life away from the public eye. However, his focus on soccer and dedication to his craft remain evident in his professional journey.
