Stephan El Shaarawy isn’t hiding his dreams. Even as Stephan El Shaarawy sits at the top of Serie A with AS Roma after 11 matchdays, he knows the reality: his contract expires in 2026, and according to Il Messaggero, he’s difficilmente rinnoverà — unlikely to renew. Yet on November 14, 2025, in a candid interview with Sky Sport Italia, the 32-year-old forward, nicknamed Il Faraone, spoke with the passion of a man who still believes Roma could lift the Scudetto. "We’re not there yet," he said, "but we’re not pretending we’re not trying."
Roma’s Unlikely Ascent
After 11 games, Roma and Inter Milan sit tied at the summit with 24 points. But here’s the twist: Roma has the ninth-best attack in Serie A, with just 14 goals scored. Meanwhile, Napoli has 26, Juventus 23, and even Lazio has 18. So how are they leading? Defense. Roma has conceded only seven goals — the third-fewest in the league. "I want to see the glass half full," El Shaarawy said. "We create chances. We just don’t finish them." That’s not luck. It’s structure. Under Gian Piero Gasperini, Roma plays with a high press, relentless transitions, and disciplined shape. The Italian tactician, who spent nine years rebuilding Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio into a European powerhouse, has brought that same energy to the Stadio Olimpico. "He doesn’t just coach players," El Shaarawy added. "He wakes them up."The Architects Behind the Rise
The transformation didn’t happen overnight. It started with Claudio Ranieri, the 73-year-old former Roma head coach turned technical director. After guiding Roma to a surprise fourth-place finish in 2023-2024, he stepped back — but didn’t disappear. Instead, he handpicked Gasperini, a man who knows how to build teams from the ground up. "Ranieri knows Roma’s soul," El Shaarawy said. "He didn’t bring in a flash-in-the-pan. He brought in someone who understands the weight of this jersey." Then there’s Ricky Massara, the sporting director in his second stint with the club. Massara, who replaced Tiago Pinto, has quietly assembled a squad that’s deeper than its stats suggest. With injuries to key attackers — Artem Dovbyk, Paulo Dybala, Evan Ferguson, and Leon Bailey — the team has relied on grit, not glamour. "We’re not a team of superstars," El Shaarawy admitted. "We’re a team of fighters."The Rise of Moise Kean Soulé
One name that’s quietly shining is Moise Kean Soulé, the 21-year-old French-Italian winger. Once seen as a raw talent, Soulé has become Gasperini’s pet project. "I see it in training," El Shaarawy said. "The way he closes down, the way he reads the game — it’s not just speed. It’s intelligence. He’s becoming a complete player." Soulé’s emergence is critical. With Dybala sidelined and Ferguson out, Roma’s attacking options are stretched thin. But Soulé, alongside young striker Lorenzo Pellegrini and veteran Tammy Abraham, has given Gasperini the flexibility to rotate without collapse. "This team doesn’t rely on one man," El Shaarawy added. "That’s what makes us dangerous."
A Contrast to Last Season’s Chaos
Last year, Roma went through three managers — José Mourinho, Daniele De Rossi, and Eusebio Di Francesco — and barely held off Lazio for fourth place. "That season felt like a ship without a captain," El Shaarawy recalled. "This time? We have direction. We have clarity." The difference isn’t just tactical. It’s cultural. Ranieri’s return as technical director signaled stability. Gasperini’s appointment signaled ambition. And Massara’s continuity signaled professionalism. "Every year," El Shaarawy said, "the club tries to build a team worthy of Roma’s history. This year, they actually did."The Elephant in the Room: El Shaarawy’s Future
But here’s the bitter edge to this sweet story: El Shaarawy might not be part of it. His contract expires in June 2026. Reports from Rome suggest he’s unlikely to extend, despite his glowing praise for the club. Why? Age. Ambition. Family. The whispers say he wants one last shot at a Champions League — and Roma, despite their rise, aren’t yet there. It’s a painful irony. He’s the emotional heartbeat of this team, the veteran who lifts morale in the locker room, the player who still runs harder than most 20-year-olds. Yet his future remains uncertain. "I’m focused on the next game," he said, when pressed. "What happens after? That’s not my call." The club, for now, is silent. No official statement. No offer made public. And with the January transfer window looming, the question hangs: Will Roma lose their most passionate voice before they’ve even reached the summit?
What Comes Next?
Roma’s next five fixtures are brutal: away at Napoli, home to Juventus, then AC Milan, Lazio, and Bologna. A single slip could open the door for Inter or Napoli. But if they stay level — and keep their defensive discipline — the Scudetto dream won’t just be a slogan. It’ll be a possibility. El Shaarawy knows this might be his last chance to lift the trophy in Rome. And that’s why, even with a contract hanging in the balance, he’s still talking like a champion.Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Roma leading Serie A despite having the ninth-best attack?
Roma’s top position is built on defense — they’ve conceded only seven goals in 11 matches, the third-fewest in the league. Under Gian Piero Gasperini, they’ve prioritized structure, pressing, and transition play over flashy attacking. Their 14 goals are modest, but they’ve created numerous chances; improving finishing could make them title contenders.
Who are the key figures behind Roma’s resurgence this season?
Technical director Claudio Ranieri, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, and sporting director Ricky Massara form the core of Roma’s revival. Ranieri, a former Roma coach, brought Gasperini in for his tactical discipline, while Massara — in his second stint — has stabilized recruitment. Together, they’ve created a rare blend of experience and modern strategy.
How has Moise Kean Soulé contributed to Roma’s success?
The 21-year-old winger has emerged as a key rotational option, especially with injuries to Dybala, Dovbyk, and Bailey. Soulé’s work rate, defensive awareness, and intelligent movement have impressed Gasperini, who’s developed him into a two-way threat. His progress suggests Roma’s youth development is finally clicking.
Why is Stephan El Shaarawy unlikely to renew his contract?
At 32, El Shaarawy is in the final year of his deal and reportedly seeking a move to a club with Champions League football. While he praises Roma’s progress, the club hasn’t yet qualified for Europe’s top competition since 2022. His loyalty is clear, but ambition and timing may push him toward a new challenge before retirement.
What’s at stake for Roma in the next five matches?
Roma faces Napoli, Juventus, AC Milan, Lazio, and Bologna — all top-half teams. A single loss could allow Inter or Napoli to pull away. But if they earn at least seven points from these fixtures, they’ll enter the winter break with serious title credibility. Their defense will be tested like never before.
How does this season compare to Roma’s previous campaigns?
Unlike the chaotic 2024-2025 season — which saw three managers and a fourth-place finish — this campaign features stability, a clear tactical identity, and unified leadership. El Shaarawy himself called it "the right path," contrasting it with years of instability. The difference isn’t just results — it’s culture.