Official: Roma appoint ex-Milan and Giallorossi executive Massara as sporting director

Roma have officially announced the appointment of former Milan executive Ricky Massara as the club’s new sporting director following the departure of Florent Ghisolfi after just one year in the job earlier this week. 

It is a return to the Stadio Olimpico for Massara, who has held a number of different roles with the Giallorossi previously, including as general manager and two separate stints as sporting director in 2016-17 and in the 2018-19 season. 

He left to join Milan, whom he led as sporting director for four seasons between 2019 and 2023, and was part of the Rossoneri set-up when they won their most recent Scudetto in 2021-22. 

Massara was dismissed from his position at the end of the 2022-23 campaign, controversially alongside club legend Paolo Maldini. 

Massara then spent the 2024-25 season in Ligue 1 as sporting director of Stade Rennais. He now returns to Roma on an initial three-year contract that will run until 2028 after six years away. 

What Roma said about Massara return

“AS Roma is pleased to announce the appointment of Frederic Massara as the Club’s new Sporting Director,” a statement on the club website read. 

“For Massara it is a return to Trigoria, where in the past he has already contributed with professionalism and competence to the sporting development of Roma in a crucial phase of the recent history of the club. With extensive experience in Italian and international football, Massara brings with him a deep knowledge and a clear strategic vision for the technical area.

“The Club looks forward to this new chapter with confidence, convinced that Frederic’s leadership will help build a competitive and ambitious future.

“Welcome back to Roma!”