Leonardo Julián Balerdi Rosa is an Argentine professional footballer born on January 26, 1999, in Villa Mercedes, San Luis. The central defender developed at Boca Juniors before moving to Europe, where he represented Borussia Dortmund and Olympique de Marseille. In August 2026, he joined Roma on an initial loan agreement.
Balerdi’s parents are Flavio Balerdi and María Marta Rosa. He has two siblings named Bernarda and Luciano, while his girlfriend is Italian model Giulia Ciancio. As of now, there is no reliable public information indicating that Balerdi is married or has children.
Who Are Leonardo Balerdi’s Parents?
Leonardo Balerdi’s parents are Flavio Balerdi and María Marta Rosa. They raised him alongside his siblings in Villa Mercedes, a city in Argentina’s San Luis Province.
Flavio and María Marta played fundamental roles in their son’s development. They supported his early years at Sportivo Pueyrredón and later allowed him to leave home at 14 to enter Boca Juniors’ academy in Buenos Aires.
The move required considerable sacrifices from the entire family. Balerdi lived far from home, while his parents travelled long distances to visit him and remained in regular contact whenever he needed emotional support.
Who Is Leonardo Balerdi’s Father?
Leonardo Balerdi’s father is Flavio Balerdi. He was involved in football when he was younger and reportedly played wearing the number nine shirt, a detail remembered by Leonardo’s mother when her son received the same number during his early Boca Juniors career.
Flavio supported Leonardo’s decision to pursue professional football. When Borussia Dortmund approached the defender in 2019, Leonardo reportedly told his parents that he wanted them to accompany him to Germany. Flavio and María Marta subsequently moved closer to their son in Europe, helping him adapt to life in a new country.
Their presence became especially important because Balerdi had left Argentina at a young age and needed to adjust to a different language, culture and style of football.
Who Is Leonardo Balerdi’s Mother?
Leonardo Balerdi’s mother is María Marta Rosa. She introduced him to organized football when he was approximately six years old by enrolling him at Sportivo Pueyrredón.
The club was conveniently located near her workplace in Villa Mercedes. María Marta could watch her son from a distance, and she later recalled how the young footballer would wave to her while training.
When Boca Juniors invited Leonardo to join its academy shortly before his 14th birthday, María Marta received the important telephone call. Although allowing her son to leave home was difficult, she and Flavio understood how much the opportunity meant to him.
In an interview with El Chorrillero, María Marta explained that the family also insisted that Leonardo complete his education. He eventually finished secondary school while living and training in Buenos Aires.
Does Leonardo Balerdi Have Siblings?
Leonardo Balerdi has two siblings named Bernarda and Luciano. Local reports from Villa Mercedes have identified them as important members of the close family behind the Argentine defender’s career.
Bernarda maintains a private life, and little reliable information about her occupation is publicly available. Luciano Balerdi has pursued an interest in music and previously participated in an Argentine children’s singing program.
Leonardo has shared photographs with his siblings during visits to Argentina. Despite spending much of his career in Europe, he remains closely connected to Bernarda, Luciano and the rest of his family.
Who Is Leonardo Balerdi’s Girlfriend?
Leonardo Balerdi’s girlfriend is Giulia Ciancio. She is an Italian model who has worked with international fashion brands and participated in professional campaigns and magazine productions.
The relationship attracted wider public attention in 2026 when Giulia appeared in photographs with the Argentine defender. The couple also shared moments from trips together, including visits to Argentina and holidays in the United States.
La Nación identified Ciancio as Balerdi’s partner and reported that she was 26 years old in 2026. She developed her modeling career in Italy and other international markets.
How Did Leonardo Balerdi and Giulia Ciancio Meet?
Leonardo Balerdi and Giulia Ciancio have not publicly explained exactly when or how they met. Their European careers may have placed them in similar social circles, but any specific account of their first meeting would be speculation.
Giulia has accompanied Balerdi during important periods of his life and has shown an interest in his Argentine background. Reports about the couple noted that she visited Argentina and developed a particular affection for the country’s scenery and culture.
Is Leonardo Balerdi Married?
As of now, Leonardo Balerdi is not publicly known to be married. Giulia Ciancio has consistently been described by established Argentine and Italian publications as his girlfriend or partner rather than his wife.
The couple has not announced an engagement or wedding. Any online claim that they are already married should therefore be considered unconfirmed.
Does Leonardo Balerdi Have Children?
There is no reliable public information indicating that Leonardo Balerdi has children. Neither the footballer nor Giulia Ciancio has announced becoming a parent, and established sports publications do not report that he has a son or daughter.
How Did Leonardo Balerdi’s Family Support His Career?
The Balerdi family supported Leonardo through every major stage of his development. His mother introduced him to club football, while both parents agreed to let him move to Buenos Aires after Boca Juniors selected him at the age of 14.
Supporting their son required financial planning, frequent journeys between Villa Mercedes and Buenos Aires, and many conversations from a distance. When Balerdi moved to Borussia Dortmund in 2019, his parents again helped him manage the transition by settling closer to him in Europe.
His grandparents, Rodolfo and Graciela, were also influential during his childhood. Graciela frequently transported him from school to training, while Rodolfo has described Leonardo as a thoughtful grandson who regularly calls to check on his relatives.
The defender’s bond with Villa Mercedes remains strong. During breaks from European football, he has returned to spend time with his parents, siblings, grandparents and childhood friends.
Where Is Leonardo Balerdi’s Family From?
Leonardo Balerdi’s immediate family is from Villa Mercedes in San Luis Province, Argentina. The city is central to his identity because it is where he was born, attended school and took his first steps in football.
His surname reflects Italian ancestry. That heritage allowed Balerdi to hold Italian citizenship, although he was born in Argentina and represents the Argentine national team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Leonardo Balerdi’s girlfriend?
Leonardo Balerdi is in a relationship with Italian model Giulia Ciancio.
Is Leonardo Balerdi married?
No marriage has been publicly confirmed. Giulia Ciancio is described as his girlfriend or partner.
Does Leonardo Balerdi have children?
As of now, there is no reliable evidence that Leonardo Balerdi has any children.
Who are Leonardo Balerdi’s parents?
His parents are Flavio Balerdi and María Marta Rosa.
What are Leonardo Balerdi’s siblings’ names?
Leonardo Balerdi has two siblings named Bernarda and Luciano.
What does Leonardo Balerdi’s brother do?
His brother, Luciano Balerdi, has shown an interest in singing and previously appeared on a children’s musical television program in Argentina.
Where was Leonardo Balerdi born?
He was born in Villa Mercedes, San Luis Province, Argentina, on January 26, 1999.
Where does Leonardo Balerdi play?
Balerdi joined Roma from Olympique de Marseille in August 2026 on an initial loan with an option to make the transfer permanent, according to the official Roma announcement.
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
