Federico Barba

Federico Barba (born 1 September 1993) is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for club Palermo.

Club career Early career Born in Rome, Italy, Barba was a six-year-old boy when began to play for AS Axa. Playing as a left or central defender, in 2007 he was sold to Cisco Roma (formerly Lodigiani), the third most popular soccer team in Rome, and at the age of 15 he was transferred to AS Roma where he played in the youth teams, coached, at first, by Andrea Stramaccioni and then by Alberto De Rossi. Barba won U17 national championship with Roma in 2010.; U20 "Primavera" reserve league in 2011 and Coppa Italia Primavera in 2012. In 2012, Federico Barba got the Italian award as the best young defender.

Grosseto In July 2012 he was loaned to Serie B club Grosseto, partially due to the age restriction of Primavera had changed to U19 and partially by Barba had ready for professional league. Barba made his debut as starting defender in 2012–13 Coppa Italia. In 2012–13 Serie B, Barba made successive appearances since from 20 October 2012, becoming the regular central defender of Grosseto team. In June 2013, Grosseto acquired half of the registration rights of Barba for €200,000. However, Roma re-acquired Barba for €350,000 and re-sold him to Empoli.

Empoli In August 2013, Barba was acquired by Empoli for €250,000 in another co-ownership deal.

VfB Stuttgart On 1 February 2016, Barba was loaned out to VfB Stuttgart until the end of the season with an option of purchase.

Sporting Gijón In July 2017, Barba was acquired by Spanish club Sporting de Gijón for a reported €1 million fee.

ChievoVerona On 14 August 2018, Barba signed with Serie A side ChievoVerona.

Valladolid (loan) On 6 July 2019, he returned to Spain after agreeing to a one-year loan deal with La Liga side Real Valladolid.

Benevento On 24 January 2020, Barba joined Serie B team Benevento on loan until 30 June 2020. Benevento held an obligation to purchase his rights at the end of the loan term. Barba signed a 3.5-year contract with Benevento with an additional one-year extension option.

Pisa On 2 September 2022, Barba signed a three-season contract with Pisa.

Como On 2 August 2023, Barba joined Como on a three-year deal.

Sion On 16 January 2025, Barba moved to Sion in Switzerland on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

Persib Bandung On 27 August 2025, Barba joined Indonesia Super League two-time defending champions, Persib Bandung. Barba won his first-ever championship after Persib Bandung drew against Persijap Jepara on the last day of the season, securing the club's third title in a row. For his contribution throughout the season, Barba was included in the Best XI of the Season.

Palermo On 29 July 2026, Barba joined Palermo after the expiry of his contract with Persib Bandung.

International career Barba made his debut in the third match of 2012 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship qualification. In the elite qualification, he played twice as the holder of number 2 shirt. He played the first game after Rodrigo Ely was sent off, which Barba substituted forward Mattia Valoti. Due to Ely suspension, Barba played the second match but not the third match.

Barba received an under-20 call-up from Luigi Di Biagio in summer 2012. In November, he received call-up from Devis Mangia for Italy under-21 against Spain. However, he did not play that match.

Career statistics

Honours Benevento Serie B: 2019–20 Persib Bandung Super League: 2025–26

Individual Super League Best XI: 2025–26 Super League Assist of the Month: April 2026 APPI Indonesian Football Award Best XI: 2025–26 APPI Indonesian Football Award Best Defender: 2025–2026 APPI Indonesian Football Award Fans Favourite Footballer: 2025–26