Andrea Berta | |
|---|---|
| Born | 10 January 1972 Orzinuovi, Italy |
| Occupation(s) | Football executive and businessman |
Andrea Berta (born 10 January 1972) is an Italian football executive and businessman, currently serving as sporting director of Arsenal. Renowned for his methodical and strategic approach to squad building, talent acquisition and long-term planning, Berta is widely regarded as one of the top sporting directors in European football. He rose to international prominence during a highly successful 12-year spell at Atlético Madrid.
Early life and education
[edit]Berta was born in Orzinuovi, in the province of Brescia, Italy.[1] Before entering football, he worked in banking and finance, including a role as branch manager at BCC Pompiano. His interest in football management emerged from organizing local tournaments, which eventually led him into the professional football world.[2]
Career
[edit]Early career
[edit]Berta began his executive career in Italian football with Carpenedolo (2002–2007), where he served in a technical role. He later held positions at Parma (2007–2009) and Genoa (2009–2012), working in various scouting and sporting director capacities. His early work in Italy helped establish his reputation for spotting talent and managing club resources efficiently.
Atlético Madrid (2013–2025)
[edit]In 2013, Berta joined Atlético Madrid as Technical Director, and was promoted to Sporting Director in 2017. During his tenure, Atlético Madrid enjoyed one of the most successful periods in its modern history:
- La Liga: 2013–14, 2020–21
- UEFA Europa League: 2017–18
- UEFA Super Cup: 2018
- Copa del Rey: 2012–13
- Supercopa de España: 2014
Berta was instrumental in identifying and signing several key players, including Antoine Griezmann, Jan Oblak, Rodri and João Félix. His player recruitment model emphasized value, versatility and mental resilience.[3]
In 2019, Berta was awarded Best Sporting Director of the Year at the Globe Soccer Awards, recognizing his influence on Atlético’s sustained competitiveness both in Spain and in Europe.[citation needed]
Arsenal (2025–present)
[edit]On 30 March 2025, Arsenal announced Berta as their new Sporting Director, succeeding Edu Gaspar. His appointment marked a shift in Arsenal’s football operations, with a focus on blending strategic recruitment, financial discipline and European-style football governance.[4]
Football philosophy and style
[edit]Berta is known for his data-informed scouting methods, long-term squad planning and disciplined negotiation style. He combines traditional football scouting with advanced performance analytics, often seeking undervalued talent that fits a club’s tactical identity.
He places high value on players’ work ethic, mental resilience and tactical adaptability, and is known for building strong working relationships with agents, coaches and technical staff.
In transfer negotiations, Berta is described as discreet, strategic and firm, favoring structured deals with performance-based clauses to maintain financial sustainability.
Personal life
[edit]Berta keeps a low public profile and rarely speaks in the media. He is fluent in Italian and Spanish, and is known within the football world for his professionalism and reserved demeanor. He avoids public controversies and maintains a strictly business-first approach in his role.
Honors and awards
[edit]- Best Sporting Director of the Year – Globe Soccer Awards, 2019[5]
- Miglior direttore sportivo dell'anno[6]
- Premio Maestrelli 2022[7]
See also
[edit]External links
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Madrid, Paolo Tomaselli, inviato a (19 February 2019). "Andrea Berta, l'ex bancario bresciano che ha fatto grande l'Atletico Madrid". Corriere della Sera (in Italian).
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "C'è un'impronta orceana sull'impresa dell'Atletico Madrid | Sport". www.bresciaoggi.it. Archived from the original on 22 October 2020.
- ^ "Berta-Atletico addio: dopo 12 anni lascia il manager italiano che ha portato Griezmann e Morata". La Gazzetta dello Sport (in Italian).
- ^ "Andrea Berta joins Arsenal as Sporting Director". Arsenal.com. 18 May 2025.
- ^ "Wall of fame". Globe Soccer Awards.
- ^ "Andrea Berta direttore sportivo dell'anno ai Globe Soccer Awards". Giornale di Brescia (in Italian). 29 December 2019.
- ^ "Atletico Madrid sporting director warns: The years of big signings are over". MARCA. 17 May 2022.