Who is Giulia Ciancio, Balerdi's Italian Girlfriend Who Captivated Argentina: Her Message for Roma

As the 2026 World Cup approached, attention wasn't solely focused on the players on the field. Among the footballers' partners who garnered significant curiosity was Giulia Ciancio, an Italian model and girlfriend of Argentine defender Leo Balerdi, who unfortunately had to miss the tournament due to a calf injury. In recent months, her name has begun to circulate more frequently among the "Selección" fans, partly due to her already established career in the fashion world and her growing popularity on social media. Born in 1999, in Milan but raised between Venice and Sicily, Giulia has managed to carve out a significant space in the international fashion system through her collaboration with the Select Model Global agency. Throughout her career, she has participated in campaigns for prestigious brands like Guess and has posed for important industry publications, including Vogue Italia and Harper's Bazaar. Her Instagram profile, followed by thousands of users, alternates between professional content and glimpses of her daily life, contributing to her increasing recognition beyond the fashion industry. Among the details that most captivate her followers are her eyes, with shades between blue and emerald green, which have become one of her distinctive features.

From International Runways to Popularity Among Argentine Fans

The recent trip to Argentina with Leo Balerdi further fueled the interest surrounding the model. Shortly before the defender's departure for the World Cup, which he ultimately did not participate in, the couple spent a few days at the famous Iguazu Falls, one of South America's most spectacular natural wonders. Giulia shared a series of photos and videos of their vacation on social media, accompanying them with a particularly emotional dedication. "One of the most beautiful trips of my life," she wrote, recounting the emotions experienced during their stay and confessing to leaving "a piece of her heart" in that place. The message garnered thousands of interactions and further strengthened the bond between the model and the Argentine public. A relationship that began thanks to her love story with Balerdi but which, over time, has transformed into a genuine affection for the country and its traditions.

The Rise of Leo Balerdi and His World Cup Debut with Argentina

While Giulia Ciancio continues to gain popularity off the field, Leo Balerdi was preparing to experience one of the most significant moments of his career. Born in Villa Mercedes, in the Argentine province of San Luis, the defender took his first steps in local football before emerging with Boca Juniors. His move to Europe first took him to Borussia Dortmund and subsequently to Olympique Marseille, the club where he managed to establish himself, even wearing the captain's armband. At 27 years old, he represented one of the most reliable options in the Argentine national team's defensive department. Although not a regular starter, Balerdi was considered an important asset by Scaloni and could have found playing time during the tournament. In the stands, Giulia Ciancio would have been present, ready to support her partner.

Giulia Ciancio and Her Message for Balerdi at Roma

She will be there at the Olimpico, delighted that her partner will finally be in Italy: "Seeing you happy, you don't know the joy it gives me. With you all over the world, I am proud of you," the model wrote on Instagram.