Matteo Manassero’s career is a rollercoaster of early stardom, unexpected struggles, and a resilient comeback. Once the youngest winner in European Tour history, he faced years of setbacks before reclaiming his spot among golf’s elite with a dramatic victory at the 2024 Jonsson Workwear Open.
Matteo Manassero’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matteo Manassero |
| Nickname | N/A |
| Born | April 19, 1993 (Age 31) |
| Birthplace | Negrar, Verona, Italy |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Height | 1.83 m (6’0″) |
| Weight | 79 kg (174 lbs) |
| College | N/A |
| Turned Pro | 2010 |
| Net Worth | $10 million |
| Salary | $700,000 (approx.) |
| Spouse | Francesca Apollonio (m. 2022) |
| N/A |
Early Career
Matteo Manassero’s early career exploded with achievements that redefined what teenage golfers could accomplish.
At 16, he shattered expectations by winning the 2009 British Amateur Championship, making him the youngest champion in the event’s 124-year history. This victory catapulted him onto the global stage, earning invites to both The Open Championship and the Masters Tournament.
At Augusta National in 2010, he broke another record as the youngest player ever to make the Masters cut at 16 years and 11 months, outperforming seasoned professionals while still an amateur. His composure under pressure and elegant swing drew comparisons to legends like Seve Ballesteros. Manassero turned professional later in 2010 and immediately rewrote the European Tour’s history books.
Just 17 years and 188 days old, he clinched his first pro title at the Castelló Masters, becoming the youngest winner in Tour history. This win wasn’t a fluke—he backed it up with a victory at the 2011 Maybank Malaysian Open, where he outdueled Rory McIlroy in a playoff.
By 2012, he’d secured his third European Tour trophy at the Singapore Open, solidifying his status as the first teenager with three Tour wins. The pinnacle came in 2013 when the 19-year-old triumphed at the BMW PGA Championship, Europe’s flagship event, defeating Simon Khan in a playoff.
At his peak, he soared to a world ranking of 25th, drawing endorsements and media buzz as golf’s “next big thing.” His early success wasn’t just about raw talent—his strategic course management and calm demeanor under pressure made him a standout in an era dominated by older stars. However, this rapid rise set the stage for unforeseen challenges that would test his resilience in the years ahead.
Professional Career
Matteo Manassero’s professional career reads like a three-act drama of meteoric rise, agonizing collapse, and gritty redemption.
After turning pro in 2010, he shattered expectations by winning the Castelló Masters at just 17 years, 188 days—becoming the youngest European Tour champion in history. Success snowballed: he edged Rory McIlroy in a 2011 Malaysian Open playoff, claimed the 2012 Singapore Open with a playoff eagle, and conquered the 2013 BMW PGA Championship at 20, soaring to 25th in world rankings.
But cracks emerged as swing changes and mental pressure derailed his game. By 2015, he missed 15 cuts in 22 starts, tumbling to 1,805th globally by 2020. Broke and disillusioned, he nearly quit golf entirely.
The comeback ignited on golf’s backroads. A 2020 Alps Tour win restored flickering confidence, followed by two 2023 Challenge Tour victories that earned his DP World Tour return. Then, in March 2024, he stunned the golf world by ending an 11-year drought at the Jonsson Workwear Open, firing a career-low 61 en route.
This catapulted him into the Paris Olympics and reignited major championship appearances, including the 2024 U.S. Open—his first major in five years. Now ranked 106th globally, Manassero eyes a PGA Tour card through the DP World Tour’s season finale, blending refined course strategy with hard-won mental resilience. Once haunted by wayward shots, he now thrives under pressure, proving that even the steepest falls can lead to soaring second acts.
Wife
Matteo married Francesca Apollonio in 2022.
Matteo Manassero’s Net Worth Details
Matteo Manassero’s net worth is estimated to be $10 million as of 2025.
Career Earnings
| Year | PGA Tour Earnings | Majors Earnings | Unofficial Earnings | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | $75,241 | $58,042 | – | $133,283 |
| 2012 | – | $31,979 | – | $31,979 |
| 2013 | $50,059 | $14,750 | – | $64,809 |
| 2014 | $243,000 | $93,968 | $22,000 | $358,968 |
| 2016 | – | $34,430 | – | $34,430 |
| 2020 | $6,500 | – | – | $6,500 |
| 2024 | $130,800 | $90,220 | – | $221,020 |
| 2025 | $116,004 | – | – | $116,004 |
Endorsements
Matteo Manassero’s endorsement portfolio blends performance-driven partnerships and ambassadorial roles that align with his career resurgence. Since 2011, he has served as a golf ambassador for Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), promoting grassroots initiatives like the Future Falcons program to nurture young talent in the UAE. His collaboration with ADTA highlighted his role in elevating Abu Dhabi’s global golf profile while inspiring Emirati youth to embrace the sport.
In 2017, he joined forces with Trion:Z, a wellness brand specializing in magnetic ionic bracelets designed to enhance athletic performance. This long-term partnership underscores his focus on holistic health, with Manassero frequently wearing the brand’s DUO LOOP bracelets during tournaments.
While equipment choices like Titleist clubs dominate his gear setup as of 2024, these are confirmed as formal endorsements. His advocacy extends beyond brands—recently endorsing Francesco Molinari’s leadership for future Ryder Cup captaincy, reflecting his influence within European golf circles.
Career Stats
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Driving Distance | 298.8 yards (2024 average) |
| Greens in Regulation | 63.33% (2024 season) |
| Putts Per Round | 28.5 (2024 season) |
| European Tour Wins | 5 (2010–2024) |
| Challenge Tour Wins | 2 (2023) |
| Alps Tour Wins | 1 (2020) |
| Major Best Finish | T13 (2009 Open Championship, amateur) |
| World Ranking Peak | 25th (2013) |
| Lowest Competitive Round | 61 (-11, 2024 Jonsson Workwear Open) |
| Career Earnings | ~$7.7 million (as of 2025) |
FAQs
1. How old is Matteo Manassero?
Matteo Manassero was born on April 19, 1993, in Negrar, Italy, making him 31 years old as of 2025. He turned professional in 2010 at 17 and became the youngest European Tour winner that year.
2. What is Matteo Manassero’s net worth?
Manassero’s net worth is estimated at $10 million in 2025, derived from $7.7+ million in career earnings and endorsements with brands like Trion:Z and Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. His 2025 salary is approximately $700,000.
3. Who is Matteo Manassero’s wife?
He married Francesca Apollonio, a certified personal trainer, in August 2022. Francesca has been a stabilizing influence during his career struggles and resurgence. The couple shares interests in travel, yoga, and outdoor activities.
4. What caused Matteo Manassero’s career slump?
After peaking at world No. 25 in 2013, swing changes and mental pressure led to inconsistent performance. By 2019, he lost his Tour card and earned under €7,000. A hiatus and Alps Tour wins in 2020 reignited his comeback.
5. How many European Tour wins does Matteo Manassero have?
Manassero has 5 European Tour victories, including the 2013 BMW PGA Championship and the 2024 Jonsson Workwear Open. He also has two Challenge Tour wins (2023) and an Alps Tour title (2020).
6. Did Matteo Manassero play in the Olympics?
Yes, he represented Italy at the 2016 Rio Olympics (T27) and qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics. His 2024 qualification followed his DP World Tour resurgence and a world ranking rebound to 106th.
7. What is Matteo Manassero’s lowest competitive round?
He shot a career-best 61 (-11) during the final round of the 2024 Jonsson Workwear Open, securing his first European Tour win in 11 years. This round included 11 birdies and no bogeys.
8. What endorsements does Matteo Manassero have?
He endorses Trion:Z magnetic wellness bracelets and serves as a golf ambassador for Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. Earlier, IMG Worldwide managed his career. He uses Titleist clubs but has no formal equipment deal.
9. What are Matteo Manassero’s career-best major finishes?
As an amateur, he tied for 13th at the 2009 Open Championship. His best pro major finish is T19 at the 2014 Open. He also made the cut at the 2010 Masters (T36) as the youngest ever (16).
10. Is Matteo Manassero playing on the PGA Tour?
As of 2025, he ranks 10th in the DP World Tour’s PGA Tour Eligibility Ranking, positioning him to earn a 2025 PGA Tour card. This follows his 2024 comeback, including a T15 at the Genesis Scottish Open.
