Adrien Rabiot Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 21, 2025
As the football world sets its sights on Euro 2024 and beyond into 2025, one name has emerged with quiet authority in the heart of France’s midfield: Adrien Rabiot. Once labeled a controversial figure for his off-field decisions and perceived inconsistency, Rabiot has undergone a remarkable transformation.
Now, at 29 years old, he stands as a key pillar for both Juventus and the French national team, embodying maturity, tactical intelligence, and relentless work rate.
Then: The Youth Star and PSG Enigma (2002–2019)
1. Academy Prodigy at PSG
Born on April 3, 1995, in Saint-Maurice, France, Adrien Rabiot grew up immersed in football. His mother, Veronique Rabiot, was a former president of the French Football Federation and a key figure in youth development. This connection gave him early access to elite training, and at just 13, he joined Paris Saint-Germain’s famed academy.
A technically gifted midfielder with excellent vision and physical presence, Rabiot quickly rose through the ranks. He made his senior debut for PSG in 2012 at just 17 years old, becoming a regular under managers like Laurent Blanc and Unai Emery.
2. Success Amid Controversy
During his time at PSG (2012–2019), Rabiot enjoyed immense success:
- 5x Ligue 1 titles
- Multiple Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue wins
- Over 160 appearances, scoring 20+ goals
Yet, his career was often overshadowed by off-field drama:
- Refused contract extensions for years
- Publicly clashed with club management
- In 2019, left PSG on a free transfer after failing to renew—drawing criticism for his handling of the situation
His move to Juventus on a free transfer, alongside his mother as his agent, was met with skepticism. Many questioned his professionalism and long-term potential.
Related: Josko Gvardiol Then and Now
The Transition: Finding His Identity in Italy (2019–2023)
1. Rebuilding at Juventus
When Adrien Rabio joined Juventus in July 2019, expectations were mixed. Critics saw him as a risky, high-maintenance signing. But under managers Maurizio Sarri, Andrea Pirlo, and Massimiliano Allegri, Rabiot slowly found his footing.
He began to transform:
- Improved his defensive discipline
- Developed a more consistent work ethic
- Mastered the double-pivot role in a 4-3-3
- Became a crucial link between defense and attack
By the 2021–22 season, he was a starter, playing over 4,000 minutes and delivering key performances in Serie A and the Champions League.
2. Redemption Through Performance
Rabiot’s turning point came in 2022–2023, when he became one of Juventus’ most reliable players:
- Played every minute of France’s 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign (reaching the final)
- Scored 7 goals and 5 assists in all competitions
- Excelled in high-pressure matches against top European sides
His ability to break lines with forward runs, win back possession, and dictate tempo made him indispensable.
Related: Phil Foden Then and Now
Now: The Complete Midfielder in 2025
1. A Staple at Juventus
As of 2025, Adrien Rabio is a veteran leader in a rebuilding Juventus squad under new management. With over 200 appearances for the club, he has become a fan favorite for his passion, consistency, and clutch performances.
His role has evolved into that of a modern box-to-box midfielder, combining:
- Defensive tenacity (tackling, positioning)
- Progressive ball-carrying
- Late runs into the box
- Set-piece threat
In the 2024–25 Serie A season, he has been instrumental in Juventus’ push for the title, scoring crucial goals and providing defensive stability in midfield.
2. Indispensable for France
Under Didier Deschamps, Rabiot has become a non-negotiable starter for Les Bleus. After a rocky start to his international career (only 4 caps between 2016–2019), he has earned over 60 caps by 2025.
His performances at Euro 2024 were pivotal:
- Started every match
- Formed a formidable midfield trio with Aurélien Tchouaméni and Jordan Veretout
- Scored a crucial semifinal goal against Portugal
- Played a key role in France’s run to the final, where they narrowly lost to Spain
His stamina, tactical discipline, and aerial ability have made him the ideal foil for more creative players like Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham (in club football).
3. Leadership and Maturity
Once criticized for immaturity, Rabiot is now praised for his professionalism and leadership. At Juventus, he mentors younger midfielders. For France, he’s one of the most tactically intelligent players on the pitch.
He has also toned down his public profile, focusing on performance rather than headlines. His relationship with the media and fans has dramatically improved.
Related: Raphinha Then and Now
Playing Style in 2025: The Complete Engine
Rabiot’s game in 2025 is defined by versatility and intelligence:
- Physical Presence: 1.88m tall, strong in duels, excels in aerial battles
- Ball Progression: Comfortable carrying the ball through midfield under pressure
- Offensive Threat: Known for late arrivals into the box—scored 10+ goals in the past three seasons
- Defensive Contribution: High tackle and interception rates, excellent positional sense
- Set-Piece Specialist: Dangerous on corners and free kicks
He’s often compared to N’Golo Kanté for his work rate and Paul Pogba for his forward surges—but with greater consistency and discipline.
Related: Mason Mount Then and Now
Personal Life and Off-Field Growth
Rabiot has largely stayed out of controversy since his early Juventus years. He is in a long-term relationship with Melania Albea, a French model, and the couple maintains a low-key lifestyle.
He is known for:
- His dedicated fitness routine
- Charity work in France and Italy, particularly in youth sports development
- Speaking fluent Italian, which helped him integrate into Juventus’ culture
His mother, Veronique, remains his agent, but their partnership is now seen as a strength rather than a liability.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Adrien Rabiot’s journey is a modern redemption arc in football:
- From “problem child” to pillar of stability
- From free transfer gamble to club legend-in-the-making
- From international afterthought to World Cup and Euro finalist
He represents a new model of success: not through flash or fame, but through perseverance, adaptation, and quiet excellence.
In France, he’s admired for overcoming criticism and proving his worth on the biggest stages. In Italy, he’s respected for embracing calcio’s tactical demands and evolving his game.
Conclusion: Adrien Rabiot – Then and Now (2025)
- Then: A gifted but controversial PSG academy product, labeled selfish and unprofessional, leaving in a storm of criticism.
- Now: A 29-year-old midfield general, a Euro 2024 finalist, a Juventus mainstay, and one of the most complete midfielders in world football.
Adrien Rabiot’s story is a powerful reminder: talent is just the beginning. What matters is how you respond to setbacks, grow from criticism, and prove yourself—game after game, year after year.
As he enters the twilight of his prime in 2025, one thing is clear:
Adrien Rabiot isn’t just playing for redemption anymore.
He’s playing for legacy.
And if current form holds, that legacy will be written in trophies, tackles, and triumph.
🇫🇷 “I don’t need the spotlight. I just need the ball, the pitch, and the will to fight.” – Adrien Rabiot (2025)
Related: Dušan Vlahović Then and Now