Serie A star reveals kidnap trauma: They held a gun to my knee

Martin Macdonald

20 Mar 2026 09:30 CDT
2 min read

Parma star Lautaro Valenti has recalled how he feared for his football career after kidnappers threatened to shoot him in the knee.

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Born in Rosario, Valenti played for Lanus in Argentina before moving to Parma on a permanent basis in 2021.

Seven years ago when he was just 20 years old, he was kidnapped by criminals looking to extort money out of him, his girlfriend and his attorney, the day after he played in a 2-0 defeat away to Aldovisi in the Argentine championship.

"Fortunately, they were freed hours later," Lanus said in a statement. "They are in a perfect state of health. Lanus thank the police and legal authorities for their prompt action in this case."

Looking back on the ordeal, Valenti said he didn't fear for his life, but rather not being able to play football again.

"The only fear I had was related to the gun pointed at the knee and never going back to playing football," he said on the Talk Player podcast.

"They wanted the money, my attorney was also there, there was no problem. I wasn't agitated. If I was afraid of dying? No, not to play soccer yes. Did the kidnapping give me more strength? No, I never thought about it, the past is past".

Valenti's agent negotiated his release and a ransom of between $2,000 and $3,000 was paid, reports in Argentina confirmed at the time.

He was out buying a pizza at the time of the kidnapping and came away with cuts and scrapes after trying to fight the criminals off.

Lanus offered extra security for their player after the incident.

Recovering from injury issues

Valenti's early Parma career was hampered by injuries but he's now considered a key player for the team and has made 21 appearances in Serie A in 2025/26.

"What is special about Parma is the love of all the people and all the people who come around here. I've been here for many years and you feel the warmth of so many people," he explained.

"Why Parma? I wanted to go to Europe, Parma was the first team that wanted me and I gave the floor to them. At the beginning it was a bit difficult because of the many injuries, while in Argentina I had never had any, they all started here. A bit difficult at first, but if you have a strong head you can pull yourself back in."

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