View source for Federico Macheda

{{short description|Italian footballer (born 1991)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2023}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name           = Federico Macheda
| image          = Federico macheda.jpg
| caption        = Macheda training with [[VfB Stuttgart]] in 2013
| fullname       = Federico Macheda<ref name=Hugman1011>{{cite book|editor-first=Barry J.|editor-last=Hugman |title=The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11 |year=2010 |publisher=Mainstream Publishing |location=Edinburgh |isbn=978-1-84596-601-0 |page=268}}</ref>
| birth_date     = {{birth date and age|1991|8|22|df=y}}<ref name=Hugman1011/>
| birth_place    = [[Rome]], Italy
| height         = 1.85 m<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pao.gr/en/player/19535/ |title=Federico Macheda |publisher=Panathinaikos F.C. |access-date=16 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519000828/https://www.pao.gr/en/player/19535/ |archive-date=19 May 2021}}</ref>
| position       = [[Forward (association football)#Striker|Striker]]
| currentclub    = [[Asteras Tripolis F.C.|Asteras Tripolis]]
| clubnumber     = 41
| youthyears1    = 2001–2007 |youthclubs1 = [[S.S. Lazio|Lazio]]
| youthyears2    = 2007–2008 |youthclubs2 = [[Manchester United F.C. Reserves and Academy|Manchester United]]
| years1         = 2008–2014 |clubs1  = [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]]              |caps1  = 19  |goals1  = 4
| years2         = 2011      |clubs2  = → [[UC Sampdoria|Sampdoria]] (loan)                       |caps2  = 14  |goals2  = 0
| years3         = 2012      |clubs3  = → [[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]] (loan) |caps3  = 3   |goals3  = 0
| years4         = 2013      |clubs4  = → [[VfB Stuttgart]] (loan)                                |caps4  = 14  |goals4  = 0
| years5         = 2013      |clubs5  = → [[Doncaster Rovers F.C.|Doncaster Rovers]] (loan)       |caps5  = 5   |goals5  = 3
| years6         = 2013–2014 |clubs6  = → [[Doncaster Rovers F.C.|Doncaster Rovers]] (loan)       |caps6  = 10  |goals6  = 0
| years7         = 2014      |clubs7  = → [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] (loan)         |caps7  = 18  |goals7  = 10
| years8         = 2014–2016 |clubs8  = [[Cardiff City F.C.|Cardiff City]]                        |caps8  = 27  |goals8  = 6
| years9         = 2016      |clubs9  = → [[Nottingham Forest F.C.|Nottingham Forest]] (loan)     |caps9  = 3   |goals9  = 0
| years10        = 2016–2018 |clubs10 = [[Novara Calcio|Novara]]                                  |caps10 = 51  |goals10 = 10
| years11        = 2018–2022 |clubs11 = [[Panathinaikos F.C.|Panathinaikos]]                      |caps11 = 106 |goals11 = 36
| years12        = 2022–2024 |clubs12 = [[MKE Ankaragücü|Ankaragücü]]                             |caps12 = 32  |goals12 = 3
| years13        = 2023      |clubs13 = → [[APOEL FC|APOEL]] (loan)                               |caps13 = 15  |goals13 = 2
| years14        = 2024–     |clubs14 = [[Asteras Tripolis F.C.|Asteras Tripolis]]                |caps14 = 22  |goals14 = 6
| nationalyears1 = 2006–2007 |nationalteam1 = [[Italy national under-16 football team|Italy U16]] |nationalcaps1 = 10 |nationalgoals1 = 2
| nationalyears2 = 2007–2008 |nationalteam2 = [[Italy national under-17 football team|Italy U17]] |nationalcaps2 = 3  |nationalgoals2 = 0
| nationalyears3 = 2009      |nationalteam3 = [[Italy national under-19 football team|Italy U19]] |nationalcaps3 = 1  |nationalgoals3 = 0
| nationalyears4 = 2009–2012 |nationalteam4 = [[Italy national under-21 football team|Italy U21]] |nationalcaps4 = 10 |nationalgoals4 = 4
| club-update    = 18 June 2025
}}
'''Federico Macheda''' ({{IPA|it|fedeˈriːko maˈkɛːda}}; born 22 August 1991) is an Italian professional [[association football|footballer]] who plays as a [[Forward (association football)#Striker|striker]] for [[Super League Greece]] club [[Asteras Tripolis F.C.|Asteras Tripolis]].

Born in [[Rome]], Macheda began his career with local club [[SS Lazio|Lazio]], but joined [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] when he turned 16 in 2007. He scored on his first-team debut in April 2009. Macheda spent the next couple of years on the fringe of the United first-team, before twice going out on loan – first to [[UC Sampdoria|Sampdoria]] in his native Italy in 2011, and then to [[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]] in 2012, the latter of which was curtailed by injury. He spent further spells on loan, at [[VfB Stuttgart]], [[Doncaster Rovers F.C.|Doncaster Rovers]] and [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]]. Having failed to break into the Manchester United first team, Macheda was released at the end of his contract in June 2014, leaving him free to sign for [[Cardiff City F.C.|Cardiff City]]. He spent two years there before being released, also having a short loan at [[Nottingham Forest F.C.|Nottingham Forest]], and then spent 18 months with [[Novara Calcio|Novara]] of [[Serie B]]. He joined [[MKE Ankaragücü|Ankaragücü]] in 2022, and was loaned to [[APOEL FC|APOEL]] six months later.

Macheda is a former Italian youth international, having made appearances for the national [[Italy national under-16 football team|under-16]], [[Italy national under-17 football team|under-17]], [[Italy national under-19 football team|under-19]] and [[Italy national under-21 football team|under-21]] teams. When he made his under-21 debut in August 2009 in a friendly against [[Russia national under-21 football team|Russia]], he was the youngest player to do so at the age of {{age in years and days|1991|8|22|2009|8|12}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.inter.it/en/news/34335 |title=Record debut for Lorenzo Crisetig |date=12 August 2010 |access-date=4 September 2016 |publisher=Inter Milan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626133112/http://www.inter.it/en/news/34335 |archive-date=26 June 2015}}</ref> He scored his first goals for the team just over a year later in a match against [[Turkey national under-21 football team|Turkey]].

==Club career==
===Early career===
Macheda was born in [[Rome]], [[Lazio]].<ref name=Hugman1011>{{cite book|editor-first=Barry J.|editor-last=Hugman |title=The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11 |year=2010 |publisher=Mainstream Publishing |location=Edinburgh |isbn=978-1-84596-601-0 |page=268}}</ref> He began his football career with [[S.S. Lazio|Lazio]]'s youth team after being spotted at the local Atletico Prenestino club in Rome. However, due to Italian football regulations preventing under-18s from signing professional contracts, he was not permanently tied to the club, and shortly after his 16th birthday, he was signed by Manchester United of England, where regulations permit the signing of players aged 16 and over.<ref>{{cite news |first=Matt |last=Hughes |title=Manchester United unveil new hero in Federico Macheda |url=https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/manchester-united-unveil-new-hero-in-federico-macheda-pkhw28l02rr |newspaper=[[The Times]] |location=London |date=6 April 2009 |access-date=6 April 2009 |url-access=subscription }}</ref> Following his family's relocation to England, he officially joined the club as a trainee on 16 September 2007.<ref>{{cite news |first=Damien |last=Fletcher |title=Exclusive: Federico Macheda's father reveals how the Manchester United prodigy saved his family from poverty |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2009/04/07/exclusive-federico-macheda-s-father-reveals-how-the-manchester-united-prodigy-saved-his-family-from-poverty-115875-21259348/ |newspaper=Daily Mirror |location=London |date=7 April 2009 |access-date=8 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090408215006/http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2009/04/07/exclusive-federico-macheda-s-father-reveals-how-the-manchester-united-prodigy-saved-his-family-from-poverty-115875-21259348/ |archive-date=8 April 2009}}</ref>

===Manchester United===
Macheda went straight into the [[Manchester United F.C. Reserves and Academy|Manchester United Under-18 side]], and scored the only goal of the game on his debut, a 1–0 away win over [[Barnsley F.C.|Barnsley]] on 15 September 2007.<ref>{{cite news |first=Ben |last=Hibbs |title=U18s: Barnsley 0 United 1 |url=http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={B4CEE8FA-9A47-47BC-B069-3F7A2F35DB70}&newsid=471869 |publisher=Manchester United F.C. |date=15 September 2007 |accessdate=6 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071102070849/http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid=%7BB4CEE8FA-9A47-47BC-B069-3F7A2F35DB70%7D&newsid=471869 |archive-date=2 November 2007}}</ref> In his first season with the club, he finished as the Under-18s' top scorer with a total of 12 goals in 21 appearances, and also made his debut for the reserves on 26 February 2008, when he came on as a 68th-minute substitute for [[Gerard Piqué]] in a 2–0 away defeat to [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Steve |last=Bartram |title=Reserves: L'pool 2 United 0 |url=http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={B4CEE8FA-9A47-47BC-B069-3F7A2F35DB70}&newsid=535802&page=2 |publisher=Manchester United F.C. |page=2 |date=26 February 2008 |accessdate=6 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090411183706/http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={B4CEE8FA-9A47-47BC-B069-3F7A2F35DB70}&newsid=535802&page=2 |archive-date=11 April 2009}}</ref> On 12 May 2008, Macheda earned a [[Manchester Senior Cup]] winners' medal when he was named as an unused substitute for the 2–0 win over [[Bolton Wanderers F.C.|Bolton Wanderers]] in the final.<ref>{{cite news |first=Steve |last=Bartram |title=Reserves win Senior Cup |url=http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={B4CEE8FA-9A47-47BC-B069-3F7A2F35DB70}&newsid=3469224&page=2 |publisher=Manchester United F.C. |page=2 |date=12 May 2008 |accessdate=6 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090411183638/http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={B4CEE8FA-9A47-47BC-B069-3F7A2F35DB70}&newsid=3469224&page=2 |archive-date=11 April 2009}}</ref>

Macheda signed his first professional contract with Manchester United on his 17th birthday in August 2008.<ref>{{cite news |first=Nabil |last=Hassan |title=Who is Federico Macheda? |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/7985069.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=6 April 2009 |access-date=7 April 2009}}</ref> In the 2008–09 season, he continued in the under-18 side, while also making a few appearances for the reserves. Towards the end of the season, Macheda enjoyed an extended run in the reserve team, scoring eight goals in eight games, including a hat-trick in a 3–3 draw with [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]] on 30 March 2009,<ref>{{cite web |first=Steve |last=Bartram |title=Reserves: Newcastle 3 Utd 3 |url=http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={B4CEE8FA-9A47-47BC-B069-3F7A2F35DB70}&newsid=6629834 |publisher=Manchester United F.C. |date=30 March 2009 |accessdate=6 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090402084004/http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={B4CEE8FA-9A47-47BC-B069-3F7A2F35DB70}&newsid=6629834 |archive-date=2 April 2009}}</ref> and he was rewarded by being selected for the first team for the match against [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]] on 5 April.<ref>{{cite news |first1=Ben |last1=Hibbs |first2=Gemma |last2=Thompson |title=Striker concern for Reds |url=http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={F9E570E6-407E-44BC-800F-4A3110258114}&newsid=6630081 |publisher=Manchester United F.C. |date=3 April 2009 |accessdate=6 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090406063523/http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={F9E570E6-407E-44BC-800F-4A3110258114}&newsid=6630081 |archive-date=6 April 2009}}</ref> With United 2–1 down heading into the final third of the game, manager [[Alex Ferguson]] brought Macheda on to replace [[Nani (footballer)|Nani]] just after the hour mark. After [[Cristiano Ronaldo]] equalised for United in the 80th minute, Macheda won the match with a turn to evade his marker followed by a curling effort from just inside the penalty area in the third minute of injury time.<ref>{{cite news |first=Ian |last=Hughes |title=Man Utd 3–2 Aston Villa |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7972801.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=5 April 2009 |access-date=5 April 2009}}</ref>

[[File:Federico Macheda vs MLS.jpg|thumb|upright|Macheda playing for [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] in a 2010 pre-season match against the [[Major League Soccer|MLS]] All-Stars.]]

Macheda was named on the bench for United's next two games&nbsp;– first against [[FC Porto|Porto]] in the first leg of their [[2008–09 UEFA Champions League knockout phase|Champions League quarter-final]],<ref>{{cite news |first=Phil |last=McNulty |title=Man Utd 2–2 FC Porto |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7976964.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=7 April 2009 |access-date=11 April 2009}}</ref> and then against [[Sunderland A.F.C.|Sunderland]] in the league&nbsp;– making his second appearance for the club in the latter game. Just 46 seconds after taking to the field in place of [[Dimitar Berbatov]],<ref>{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Wilson |title=Macheda's repeat performance puts United back on top |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/apr/11/premier-league-sunderland-manchester-united |newspaper=The Observer |location=London |date=11 April 2009 |access-date=11 April 2009}}</ref> he had the ball in the back of the net for the second time in his United career, deflecting a [[Michael Carrick]] shot past [[Craig Gordon]] in the Sunderland goal.<ref>{{cite news |first=Nabil |last=Hassan |title=Sunderland 1–2 Man Utd |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7978858.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=11 April 2009 |access-date=11 April 2009}}</ref> With Ferguson opting to rest his big-name players for the [[2008–09 FA Cup#Semi-Finals|FA Cup semi-final]] against [[Everton F.C.|Everton]] on 19 April, Macheda was given his first United start. However, for the first time in his United career, he failed to score and was substituted for Berbatov at the start of extra time.<ref>{{cite news |first=Phil |last=McNulty |title=Man Utd 0–0 Everton (aet) |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7990227.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=19 April 2009 |access-date=20 April 2009}}</ref> He started his first league game in a 2–0 win over [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]] on 2 May; he was involved in the build-up to Park Ji-Sung's goal, but he failed to score and was substituted ten minutes into the second half.<ref>{{cite news |first=Saj |last=Chowdhury |title=Middlesbrough 0–2 Man Utd |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8014834.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2 May 2009 |access-date=3 May 2009}}</ref> At the end of his first season in the United first team, Macheda was named as the [[Manchester United F.C. Reserves and Academy#Players of the Year|Jimmy Murphy Academy Player of the Year]] in recognition of his performances in the under-18s, the reserves and the first team.<ref name=JimmyMurphy>{{cite web |first=Ben |last=Hibbs |title=Vidic does the double |url=http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={F9E570E6-407E-44BC-800F-4A3110258114}&newsid=6632736 |publisher=Manchester United F.C. |date=17 May 2009 |accessdate=18 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090520012648/http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={F9E570E6-407E-44BC-800F-4A3110258114}&newsid=6632736 |archive-date=20 May 2009}}</ref>

Macheda's 2009–10 season began with appearances in the third and fourth rounds of the League Cup, against [[Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.|Wolverhampton Wanderers]] and Barnsley respectively.<ref>{{cite news |first=Sam |last=Lyon |title=Man Utd 1–0 Wolverhampton |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/8257293.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=23 September 2009 |access-date=1 April 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Jonathan |last=Stevenson |title=Barnsley 0–2 Man Utd |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/8323041.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 October 2009 |access-date=1 April 2010}}</ref> He made his Champions League debut against [[PFC CSKA Moscow|CSKA Moscow]] on 3 November,<ref>{{cite news |first=Phil |last=McNulty |title=Man Utd 3–3 CSKA Moscow |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8337865.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=3 November 2009 |access-date=1 April 2010}}</ref> followed by another appearance in the 1–0 defeat to [[Beşiktaş J.K.|Beşiktaş]] on 25 November, in which he forced a save from the goalkeeper in the last minute.<ref>{{cite news |first=Phil |last=McNulty |title=Man Utd 0–1 Besiktas |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8372974.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=25 November 2009 |access-date=26 January 2023}}</ref> He came on as a substitute for Berbatov in the League Cup fifth round on 1 December,<ref>{{cite news |first=Phil |last=McNulty |title=Man Utd 2–0 Tottenham |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/8386148.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 December 2009 |access-date=1 April 2010}}</ref> before signing a four-year contract the next day that would tie him to the club until June 2014.<ref>{{cite news |title=Federico Macheda signs new Manchester United deal |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/8390621.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2 December 2009 |access-date=2 December 2009}}</ref>

Towards the end of the year, Macheda suffered an injury that kept him out until 21 January, when he returned for a reserve match against Sunderland.<ref>{{cite news |first=Steve |last=Bartram |title=Res: Sunderland 0 Utd 4 |url=http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={B4CEE8FA-9A47-47BC-B069-3F7A2F35DB70}&newsid=6645479 |publisher=Manchester United F.C. |date=21 January 2010 |accessdate=1 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100124054744/http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={B4CEE8FA-9A47-47BC-B069-3F7A2F35DB70}&newsid=6645479 |archive-date=24 January 2010}}</ref> However, he picked up another injury soon after, meaning that he missed out on the win over Aston Villa in the [[2010 Football League Cup Final|League Cup Final]]. He made his first Premier League appearance of the season in the 4–0 win over Bolton on 27 March, replacing [[Ryan Giggs]] in the 84th minute.<ref>{{cite news |first=Les |last=Roopanarine |title=Bolton 0–4 Man Utd |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8584765.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 March 2010 |access-date=1 April 2010}}</ref> With [[Wayne Rooney]] suffering ankle ligament damage against [[FC Bayern Munich|Bayern Munich]] in the Champions League,<ref>{{cite news |title=Relief as Wayne Rooney suffers 'minor' ligament damage |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/8598520.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 April 2010 |access-date=1 April 2010}}</ref> Macheda was named on the bench for United's top-of-the-table clash at home to [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] on 3 April. With United 1–0 down, Macheda came on for [[Paul Scholes]] in the 72nd minute; Chelsea scored a second goal in the 79th minute, before Macheda scored a consolation goal for the home side two minutes later, although there was a suspicion of handball as he turned the ball into the net.<ref>{{cite news |first=Phil |last=McNulty |title=Man Utd 1–2 Chelsea |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8599045.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=3 April 2010 |access-date=3 April 2010}}</ref>

On 28 July 2010, Macheda scored his first goals of United's pre-season tour of North America as he netted twice in the [[2010 MLS All-Star Game]]. The first came after just 21 seconds as he capitalised on a poor back-pass and the second came in the 13th minute with a header from a Nani corner kick.<ref>{{cite news |first=Gemma |last=Thompson |title=MLS All-Stars 2 United 5 |url=http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={3165B97F-681E-4B39-BE53-94EC9521C3DA}&newsid=6650888 |publisher=Manchester United F.C. |date=28 July 2010 |accessdate=28 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100808090430/http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={3165B97F-681E-4B39-BE53-94EC9521C3DA}&newsid=6650888 |archive-date=8 August 2010}}</ref> On 13 November 2010, Macheda scored his first goal of the season, netting United's first goal in a 2–2 away draw against Aston Villa.<ref>{{cite news |first=Mandeep |last=Sanghera |title=Aston Villa 2–2 Man Utd |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9175395.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=13 November 2010 |access-date=13 November 2010}}</ref>

====Sampdoria loan====
On 8 January 2011, [[U.C. Sampdoria|Sampdoria]] confirmed Macheda had joined [[Loan (association football)|on loan]] until the end of the [[2010–11 Serie A|season]]. He was seen as a temporary replacement for [[Antonio Cassano]], who had left to join [[A.C. Milan|Milan]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Ufficiale: dal Manchester United preso Federico Macheda |url=http://www.sampdoria.it/ufficiale-dal-manchester-united-preso-federico-macheda/ |language=it |trans-title=Official: Federico Macheda taken from Manchester United |publisher=UC Sampdoria |date=8 January 2011 |access-date=26 January 2023}}</ref> Macheda made his debut for Sampdoria on 9 January in a 2–1 home victory over [[A.S. Roma|Roma]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Macheda delighted with debut win |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1361846.html |publisher=FIFA |agency=Press Association |date=9 January 2011 |access-date=9 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112072541/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid%3D1361846.html |archive-date=12 November 2012}}</ref> On 19 January, Macheda scored his first and only Sampdoria goal on his first start for the club, as he opened the scoring in their [[Coppa Italia]] tie against [[Udinese Calcio|Udinese]]. Sampdoria won 5–4 in a [[Penalty shoot-out (association football)|penalty shootout]] as the game had ended 2–2 [[after extra time]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Coppa Italia round-up |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11868_6676230,00.html |publisher=Sky Sports |date=19 January 2011 |access-date=20 January 2011}}</ref> Unfortunately, the club's poor performances led to their relegation to Serie B. Following their relegation, Macheda's agent said he could make a return to Sampdoria,<ref>{{cite news |title=Macheda could make Samp return |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11868/6925162/macheda-could-make-samp-return |first=Simone |last=Bargellini |publisher=Sky Sports |date=10 May 2011 |access-date=26 March 2021}}</ref> but the player himself ruled out a return to Italy in the 2011–12 season and stated that he would remain at Manchester United.<ref>{{cite news |title=No Italy return for Macheda |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11667/7051943/no-italy-return-for-macheda |first=Simone |last=Bargellini |publisher=Sky Sports |date=21 July 2011 |access-date=26 March 2021}}</ref>

====Return to Manchester United====
Macheda returned to Manchester United at the end of the season having made 14 appearances in Sampdoria's unsuccessful battle against relegation. Upon his return, he expressed his wish to continue his football education in England, saying "For a youngster, England is a better place to play."<ref>{{cite web |first=Adam |last=Marshall |title=Lessons learnt for Kiko |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2011/Jun/macheda-learns-from-italian-experience.aspx |publisher=Manchester United F.C. |date=28 June 2011 |access-date=14 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110630153040/http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2011/Jun/macheda-learns-from-italian-experience.aspx |archive-date=30 June 2011}}</ref> Macheda then scored two goals against the [[New England Revolution]] in the first game of Manchester United's 2011 tour of the United States.<ref>{{cite web |first=Nick |last=Coppack |title=NE Revolution 1 United 4 |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour-2011/Tour-2011-News/2011/Jul/new-england-revolution-v-manchester-united-report.aspx |publisher=Manchester United F.C. |date=13 July 2011 |access-date=14 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715163745/http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour-2011/Tour-2011-News/2011/Jul/new-england-revolution-v-manchester-united-report.aspx |archive-date=15 July 2011}}</ref> Macheda played his first game of the 2011–12 season in Manchester United's 3–0 win over Leeds United in the [[2011–12 Football League Cup|League Cup]],<ref name=sb1112/> and scored from the penalty spot in the 2–1 loss to [[Crystal Palace F.C.|Crystal Palace]] in the quarter-final of that competition.<ref>{{cite news |first=Sam |last=Sheringham |title=Man Utd 1–2 Crystal Palace |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/15850177.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=30 November 2011 |access-date=26 March 2021}}</ref>

====Queens Park Rangers loan====
On 2 January 2012, Macheda was loaned out to fellow Premier League club [[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]] for the rest of the season.<ref>{{cite web |first=Nick |last=Coppack |title=Macheda joins QPR on loan |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Jan/Federico-Macheda-joins-Queens-Park-Rangers.aspx |publisher=Manchester United F.C. |access-date=2 January 2012 |date=2 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120105080157/http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Jan/Federico-Macheda-joins-Queens-Park-Rangers.aspx |archive-date=5 January 2012}}</ref> On the same day, he played his first game, coming on as a substitute for [[Heiðar Helguson]] in the 80th minute in the 2–1 loss to [[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]] at [[Loftus Road]].<ref>{{cite news |title=QPR 1–2 Norwich |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/16331299.stm |first=John |last=Sinnott |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=2 January 2012 |date=2 January 2012}}</ref> On 28 March, Macheda returned to Manchester United for treatment after an ankle injury which ended his season.<ref>{{cite web |title=Macheda returns to Man Utd |url=http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/news/news/macheda-returns-to-man-utd.html |publisher=Premier League |access-date=28 March 2012 |date=28 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330222410/http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/news/news/macheda-returns-to-man-utd.html |archive-date=30 March 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Adam |last=Marshall |title=Macheda's injury blow |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Mar/federico-macheda-back-at-manchester-united.aspx |publisher=Manchester United F.C. |access-date=28 March 2012 |date=28 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330200605/http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Mar/federico-macheda-back-at-manchester-united.aspx |archive-date=30 March 2012}}</ref>

====2012–13 season====
Macheda returned to Manchester United for pre-season training and was chosen to take part in the club's tour of South Africa. He scored the only goal in a 1–0 victory over [[AmaZulu F.C.|AmaZulu]] at the start of the tour. Since then, he did not feature in any league games for United.{{citation needed|date=October 2018}}

====VfB Stuttgart loan====
On 24 January 2013, Macheda was loaned to [[VfB Stuttgart]] until the end of the season.<ref>{{cite web |first=Adam |last=Marshall |title=United agree Macheda deal |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2013/Jan/federico-macheda-set-to-join-stuttgart.aspx |publisher=Manchester United F.C. |date=24 January 2013 |access-date=24 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130184433/http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2013/Jan/federico-macheda-set-to-join-stuttgart.aspx |archive-date=30 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vfb.de/en/aktuell/meldungen/news/2013/transfer-federico-macheda-vfb-stuttgart-manchester-united/page/2047-1-1-1359062916.html |title=VfB swoop for Federico Macheda |publisher=VfB Stuttgart |date=24 January 2013 |access-date=24 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903124811/http://www.vfb.de/en/aktuell/meldungen/news/2013/transfer-federico-macheda-vfb-stuttgart-manchester-united/page/2047-1-1-1359062916.html |archive-date=3 September 2014}}</ref> The German club's sporting director [[Fredi Bobic]] announced that Manchester United promised Stuttgart an option of purchase,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://de.fifa.com/world-match-centre/news/newsid/199/535/8/ |title=VfB ohne Angst vor den Bayern |language=de |trans-title=VfB fearless in face of Bayern |publisher=FIFA |agency=Sport-Informations-Dienst |date=25 January 2013 |access-date=16 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321133935/http://de.fifa.com/world-match-centre/news/newsid/199/535/8/ |archive-date=21 March 2016 |quote=Mit dem englischen Top-Klub wurde laut Bobic mündlich eine Kaufoption vereinbart, die im Februar schriftlich fixiert werden soll. [According to Bobic, an option to purchase had been agreed verbally with the English giants, to be put in writing in February.]}}</ref> but they did not use any such option.<ref>{{cite web |title=Thanks and all the best! |url=http://www.vfb.de/en/aktuell/meldungen/news/2013/verabschiedung-spieler-vfb-stuttgart-und-kurzinterview-marc-ziegler/page/2293-1-1-.html |publisher=VfB Stuttgart |date=18 May 2013 |access-date=19 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202094039/http://www.vfb.de/en/aktuell/meldungen/news/2013/verabschiedung-spieler-vfb-stuttgart-und-kurzinterview-marc-ziegler/page/2293-1-1-.html |archive-date=2 February 2014}}</ref>

====Doncaster Rovers loan====
On 16 September 2013, Macheda joined [[Doncaster Rovers F.C.|Doncaster Rovers]] on a one-month loan.<ref>{{cite news |title=Manchester United: Federico Macheda joins Doncaster |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24110829 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=16 September 2013 |access-date=16 September 2013}}</ref> He made his debut the following day in Doncaster Rovers' away loss to [[Watford F.C.|Watford]], coming on as a substitute for [[David Cotterill]] in the 58th minute.<ref>{{cite news |title=Watford 2–1 Doncaster |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24028095 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=17 September 2013 |access-date=17 September 2013}}</ref> He scored his first goals for Doncaster when he struck twice against [[Nottingham Forest F.C.|Nottingham Forest]] on 21 September 2013 in a 2–2 draw. This was the first time he scored since November 2010.<ref>{{cite news |title=Doncaster 2–2 Nottm Forest |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24089580 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=21 September 2013 |access-date=21 September 2013}}</ref> The following week, he scored again, the only goal in the derby against local rivals [[Sheffield Wednesday]]; this made it three goals in as many appearances for his new club.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sheff Wed 0–1 Doncaster |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24184907 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=28 September 2013 |access-date=21 November 2013}}</ref> On 8 October 2013, Macheda returned to Manchester United after a hamstring injury.<ref>{{cite news |title=Doncaster Rovers: Federico Macheda returns to Man Utd |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24444354 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=8 October 2013 |access-date=8 October 2013}}</ref> After recovering from his injury, Macheda returned to Doncaster for a separate loan spell, lasting until the end of December 2013.<ref>{{cite web |first=Mark |last=Froggatt |title=Macheda rejoins Doncaster |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2013/Nov/Macheda-rejoins-Doncaster-on-loan.aspx |publisher=Manchester United F.C. |date=21 November 2013 |access-date=21 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131124224906/http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2013/Nov/Macheda-rejoins-Doncaster-on-loan.aspx |archive-date=24 November 2013}}</ref>

====Birmingham City loan====
On 31 January 2014, Macheda became the third Manchester United youngster to join Championship club [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] on loan until the end of the [[2013–14 Football League Championship|2013–14]] season, after [[Tyler Blackett]] and [[Tom Thorpe]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Macheda makes it a Red Devil hat-trick |url=http://www.bcfc.com/news/article/20140131-macheda-joins-birmingham-1331071.aspx |publisher=Birmingham City F.C. |date=31 January 2014 |access-date=31 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923183220/http://www.bcfc.com/news/article/20140131-macheda-joins-birmingham-1331071.aspx |archive-date=23 September 2015}}</ref> He replaced [[Lee Novak]] after an hour of the following day's match, at home to [[Derby County F.C.|Derby County]], and scored in stoppage time after [[Emyr Huws]]' shot had hit the post, to make the final score 3–3.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25891859 |title=Birmingham 3–3 Derby |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 February 2014 |access-date=2 February 2014}}</ref> At home to [[Burnley F.C.|Burnley]] on 12 March, Macheda replaced [[Olly Lee]] after 60 minutes with Birmingham 1–0 down. He equalised four minutes later, and his 94th-minute second gave his team a 3–3 draw, despite opposition claims that he had used his arm to control the ball.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/birmingham-city-3-burnley-3-match-report-federico-macheda-double-checks-burnleys-charge-9188250.html |title=Birmingham City 3 Burnley 3 match report: Federico Macheda double checks Burnley's charge |first=Jon |last=Culley |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=12 March 2014 |access-date=13 March 2014}}</ref> He finished the season as Birmingham's top league goalscorer, with ten goals from just ten starts and eight appearances as a substitute.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=291&teamTabs=stats&season_id=143 |title=Birmingham: Squad stats: 2013/14 |website=Soccerbase |publisher=Centurycomm |access-date=4 October 2018}}</ref>

===Cardiff City===
After being released from Manchester United, Macheda signed for newly relegated [[EFL Championship|Championship]] club [[Cardiff City F.C.|Cardiff City]] on a free transfer on 27 May 2014. He was signed by [[Ole Gunnar Solskjær]], his former manager at United's reserves.<ref>{{cite news |title=Federico Macheda: Cardiff City sign striker after Man Utd release |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27567914 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 May 2014 |access-date=28 May 2014}}</ref> He made his Cardiff debut in the second round of the [[Football League Cup|League Cup]] away to [[Port Vale F.C.|Port Vale]] on 26 August 2014, and marked the occasion with his first two competitive goals for the club, as they progressed to the third round with a 3–2 victory.<ref>{{cite news |first=Rob |last=Phillips |title=Port Vale 2–3 Cardiff City |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28847808 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 August 2014 |access-date=26 August 2014}}</ref> Macheda received his first red card for Cardiff on 14 March 2015 against Brentford for a second yellow after scoring an equaliser earlier in the match.<ref>{{cite news |title=Brentford 1–2 Cardiff City |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31775981 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=14 March 2015 |access-date=29 July 2015}}</ref>

Having made no league starts and very few substitute appearances in 2015–16, Macheda joined fellow Championship club Nottingham Forest on loan until the end of the season; the move was completed on 15 March, and he went straight into the starting eleven for that night's game, a 1–1 draw away to [[Hull City A.F.C.|Hull City]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nottinghamforest.co.uk/news/article/reds-complete-macheda-loan-3009274.aspx |title=Reds complete Macheda loan |first=Nick |last=Richardson |publisher=Nottingham Forest F.C. |date=15 March 2016 |access-date=16 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321104252/https://www.nottinghamforest.co.uk/news/article/reds-complete-macheda-loan-3009274.aspx |archive-date=21 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35751103 |title=Hull City 1–1 Nottingham Forest |publisher=BBC Sport |date=15 March 2016 |access-date=15 March 2016}}</ref>

Upon his return, he was left out of the pre-season tour of Germany and was placed on the transfer list by new manager [[Paul Trollope]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Cardiff City: Federico Macheda and Adam le Fondre can leave – Trollope |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36888180 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=25 July 2016 |access-date=25 July 2016}}</ref> On 30 August 2016, Macheda's contract was cancelled by mutual consent.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/club-statement-federico-macheda-3279882.aspx |title=Club statement: Federico Macheda |publisher=Cardiff City F.C. |date=30 August 2016 |access-date=30 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160830112428/http://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/club-statement-federico-macheda-3279882.aspx |archive-date=30 August 2016}}</ref>

===Novara===
On 14 December 2016, he joined Serie B side [[Novara Calcio|Novara]] on an 18-month contract; he was awarded the club's [[Squad number (association football)|number 10 shirt]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Murphy |first=Ronan |title=Former Manchester United wonderkid Macheda signs for Serie B side |url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2016/12/14/30494282/former-manchester-united-wonderkid-macheda-signs-for-serie-b |website=Goal.com |publisher=Perform Group |access-date=14 December 2016 |date=14 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221073927/https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2016/12/14/30494282/former-manchester-united-wonderkid-macheda-signs-for-serie-b |archive-date=21 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Ufficiale: In Azzurro L'attaccante Macheda |url=http://www.novaracalcio.com/ufficiale-in-azzurro-lattacante-macheda/ |publisher=Novara Calcio |access-date=14 December 2016 |language=it |trans-title=Official: Striker Macheda in Blue |date=14 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220124815/https://www.novaracalcio.com/ufficiale-in-azzurro-lattacante-macheda/ |archive-date=20 December 2016}}</ref> On 25 February 2017, Macheda scored his first goal for Novara in [[Serie B]] in a 2–1 home win over [[Spezia Calcio|Spezia]]; this was his first Italian league goal, and the first goal he had managed for an Italian team since 2011, when he scored for Sampdoria in the Coppa Italia.<ref>{{cite news |last=Maddaluno |first=Giuseppe |url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-B/25-02-2017/serie-b-gattuso-che-blitz-decollo-spal-2-macheda-ha-rotto-digiuno-180981136158.shtml |title=Serie B. Gattuso, che blitz! Decollo Spal: è 2ª. E Macheda ha rotto il digiuno |newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport |location=Milan |language=it |trans-title=Serie B. Gattuso, what a blitz! Spal take-off: it's his 2nd. And Macheda broke his fast |date=25 February 2017 |access-date=25 February 2017}}</ref> On 17 April, he scored his first brace in six years in a 3–2 away win over [[Frosinone Calcio|Frosinone]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gazzamercato.it/serie-b/dopo-oltre-6-anni-macheda-segna-una-doppietta-la-rinascita-dellex-united-lancia-novara-verso-i-playoff/?intcmp=macheda-rinascita |title=Fa doppietta dopo 6 anni. La rinascita di Macheda lancia Novara verso i playoff |website=Gazzamercato.it |language=it |trans-title=First brace in six years. The rebirth of Macheda launches Novara towards the play-offs |date=17 April 2017 |access-date=17 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418083927/http://www.gazzamercato.it/serie-b/dopo-oltre-6-anni-macheda-segna-una-doppietta-la-rinascita-dellex-united-lancia-novara-verso-i-playoff/?intcmp=macheda-rinascita |archive-date=18 April 2017}}</ref> Macheda left the club when his contract expired at the end of the 2017–18 season.<ref name=JoinsPana/>

===Panathinaikos===
Macheda signed a three-year contract with [[Superleague Greece]] club [[Panathinaikos F.C.|Panathinaikos]] in September 2018.<ref name=JoinsPana>{{cite news |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/football/soccer-transfers/story/3623392/ex-manchester-united-forward-federico-macheda-joins-panathinaikos |title=Ex-Manchester United forward Federico Macheda joins Panathinaikos |publisher=ESPN |date=3 September 2018 |access-date=4 September 2018}}</ref> In his first season, he scored eleven goals (ten in the league and one in the [[Greek Football Cup|Greek Cup]] against [[Panetolikos F.C.|Panetolikos]]) in 28 appearances.<ref name=Soccerway/>

He started the [[2019–20 Superleague Greece|2019–20 season]] with a goal in a 1–1 away draw against [[PAS Lamia 1964|Lamia]] and a week later added another in a 3–1 home defeat against [[OFI Crete F.C.|OFI]].<ref name=Soccerway/> His brace against [[Volos FC|Volos]] on 1 March 2020 took him to 13 goals in all competitions, equalling his best for a single season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sport24.gr/football/ellada/SuperLeague/panathhnaikos-volos-4-1-nikh-me-triplo-kerdos-gia-to-trifulli.5688635.html |title=Παναθηναϊκός–Βόλος 4–1: Νίκη με τριπλό κέρδος για το τριφύλλι |language=el |trans-title=Panathinaikos–Volos 4–1: Victory with triple profit for the Shamrock |first=Petros |last=Papamakarios |website=Sport42.gr |date=1 March 2020 |access-date=26 January 2023}}</ref> His goal in the first match back from the three-month [[COVID-19 pandemic in Greece|COVID-19 pandemic]] suspension set a new personal best, and he finished the season with 15.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sport24.gr/football/ellada/SuperLeague/aek-panathhnaikos-1-1-polu-sklhros-gia-na-pethanei.5718159.html |title=ΑΕΚ–Παναθηναϊκός 1–1: Πολύ σκληρός για να πεθάνει |language=el |trans-title=AEK–Panathinaikos 1–1: Too tough to die |first=Elias |last=Kallonas |website=Sport42.gr |date=7 June 2020 |access-date=26 January 2023}}</ref><ref name=Soccerway/>

In September 2020, Macheda agreed a contract extension until the summer of 2023.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pao.gr/en/transfer/macheda-till-2023/ |title=Μacheda till 2023! |publisher=Panathinaikos F.C. |date=2 September 2020 |access-date=26 January 2023}}</ref> On 19 December 2021, he completed 100 appearances for the club, becoming the 13th foreign player to achieve the milestone.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sport24.gr/football/makenta-sto-klamp-ton-100aridon-toy-panathinaikoy-o-italos.9466288.html |title=Μακέντα: Στο κλαμπ των 100άρηδων του Παναθηναϊκού ο Ιταλός |language=el |trans-title=Macheda: the Italian joins the Panathinaikos century club |first=Petros |last=Papamakarios |website=Sport42.gr |date=19 December 2021 |access-date=26 January 2023}}</ref>

===Ankaragücü===
In summer 2022, after four years in Greece, Macheda signed a two-year contract with newly promoted Turkish [[Süper Lig]] club [[MKE Ankaragücü|Ankaragücü]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://onefootball.com/en/news/ex-man-utd-striker-macheda-on-way-to-ambitious-ankaragucu-35433210 |title=Ex-Man Utd striker Macheda on way to ambitious Ankaragucu |publisher=OneFootball |date=12 July 2022 |access-date=26 January 2023}}</ref>

On 24 January 2023, he joined [[Cypriot First Division]] club [[APOEL FC|APOEL]] on loan until the end of the season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.apoelfc.com.cy/article/symfonia-daneismoy-gia-federico-macheda |title=Συμφωνία δανεισμού για Federico Macheda |language=el |trans-title=Loan deal for Federico Macheda |publisher=APOEL FC |date=24 January 2023 |access-date=26 January 2023}}</ref>

===Asteras Tripolis===
On 30 September 2024, Macheda returned to Greece and joined [[Asteras Tripolis F.C.|Asteras Tripolis]] as a free agent on an initial one-year deal.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ο Federico Macheda στον ASTERAS AKTOR! |url=https://www.asterastripolis.gr/first-team/4697-o-federico-macheda-ston-asteras-aktor.html |publisher=Asteras Tripolis |language=Greek |date=30 September 2024 }}</ref>

==International career==
Macheda was named in Italy's preliminary 40-man squad for the [[2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Europeo. Inviata alla Uefa la lista dei 40: Esposito e Macheda le novità |url=https://www.figc.it/it/nazionali/news/europeo-inviata-alla-uefa-la-lista-dei-40-esposito-e-macheda-le-novit%C3%A0/ |language=it |trans-title=Europeans. The list of 40 players sent to UEFA: Esposito and Macheda the new boys |publisher=Italian Football Federation |date=15 May 2009 |access-date=26 January 2023}}</ref> but was omitted from the final 23. He made his debut for the [[Italy national under-21 football team|Italy U21s]] on 12 August 2009 in a [[Exhibition game#International football|friendly]] against [[Russia national under-21 football team|Russia]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Azzurrini sconfitti dalla Russia. Casiraghi: "Non si poteva pretendere di più" |trans-title=Azzurrini defeated by Russia. Casiraghi: "One could not expect more" |url=https://figc.it/it/nazionali/news/azzurrini-sconfitti-dalla-russia-casiraghi-non-si-poteva-pretendere-di-pi%C3%B9/ |publisher=Italian Football Federation |date=12 August 2009 |access-date=26 March 2021 |language=it}}</ref> and first scored for the U21s with both goals in a 2–1 victory over [[Turkey national under-21 football team|Turkey]] on 17 November 2010.<ref>{{cite web |first=Nick |last=Coppack |title=Reds around the world |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2010/Nov/Reds-around-the-world.aspx |publisher=Manchester United F.C. |date=18 November 2010 |access-date=18 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014025058/http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2010/Nov/Reds-around-the-world.aspx |archive-date=14 October 2012}}</ref> He scored the only goal in a 1–0 win over [[England national under-21 football team|England]] with a late penalty in February 2011,<ref>{{cite news |first=Marc |last=Vesty |title=Italy U21s 1–0 England U21s |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/9391403.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=8 February 2011 |access-date=8 February 2011}}</ref> and in their next game, he scored Italy's third in a 3–1 win over [[Sweden national under-21 football team|Sweden]] in March.<ref>{{cite web |first=Adam |last=Marshall |title=Kiko and Welbeck on target |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2011/Mar/Macheda-and-Welbeck-on-target.aspx |publisher=Manchester United F.C. |date=25 March 2011 |access-date=25 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110818012018/http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2011/Mar/Macheda-and-Welbeck-on-target.aspx |archive-date=18 August 2011}}</ref>

==Style of play==
Nicknamed ''Chicco'', Macheda is a quick and versatile [[Forward (association football)|forward]], who is capable of playing in a [[Forward (association football)#Centre-forward|central]] role as a main [[Forward (association football)#Striker|striker]], or in more of a supporting role as a [[Forward (association football)#Second striker|second striker]] or [[Midfielder#Attacking midfielder|attacking midfielder]]. Although naturally right-footed, he possesses an accurate and powerful shot with both feet, and is known in particular for his clinical finishing, intelligent movement, and ability to [[Curl (football)|curl]] shots on goal from outside the area. He has been described as a "modern striker", as his technical skills, ability to read the game, and positional sense in the box, combined with his tall, large and strong physique, allow him to hold up the ball with his back to goal, retain possession under pressure, and create space for himself even in limited spaces and when being heavily marked by more physical opponents. Regarded as one of Italy's most promising prospects in his youth, in 2010 ''[[Don Balón]]'' included him in their list of the 100 best young players born after 1989; in recent seasons, however, he has often struggled to live up to his potential.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/14-07-2009/next-generation-macheda-50762082878.shtml |title=Next Generation: Macheda Un romano all'Old Trafford |trans-title=Next Generation: Macheda A Roman at Old Trafford |newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport |location=Milan |language=it |first1=Stefano |last1=Cantalupi |first2=Valerio |last2=Clari |date=21 July 2009 |access-date=26 January 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/altre-notizie/i-100-migliori-giovani-secondo-don-balon-235542 |title=I 100 migliori giovani secondo ''Don Balon'' |trans-title=The 100 best youngsters according to ''Don Balon'' |website=TuttoMercatoWeb.com |language=it |first=Alessio |last=Calfapietra |date=27 October 2010 |access-date=25 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/haseeb-hameed-england-cricket-federico-macheda-hasan-raza-warning-young-teenage-talents-a7446356.html |title=Federico Macheda, Hasan Raza and the others that should send a warning to Haseeb Hameed not to burn out early |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |first=Paul |last=Howarth |date=29 November 2016 |access-date=25 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-england-macheda-sb-idUKTRE5342L120090405 |title=Macheda makes his name with memorable debut |publisher=Reuters |first=Mike |last=Collett |date=5 April 2009 |access-date=26 January 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/ferguson-remains-true-word-united-begin-january-275529 |title=Ferguson Remains True To His Word As United Begin January Business |first=Vanessa |last=Keller |newspaper=International Business Times |location=New York City |date=3 January 2012 |access-date=25 February 2017}}</ref><ref name="mentor">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2009/apr/07/football-federico-macheda-manchester-united-solskjaer-alex-ferguson |title=Macheda steps off the bench to follow in mentor Solskjaer's footsteps |first=Louise |last=Taylor |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=7 April 2009 |access-date=10 April 2017}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Early in the morning of 12 July 2009, Macheda's home in [[Sale, Greater Manchester]] was targeted by burglars, who stole cash and jewellery. A friend of his received a minor head wound during the burglary.<ref>{{cite news |title=Robbers target Man Utd footballer |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/8147146.stm |publisher=BBC News |date=13 July 2009 |access-date=13 July 2009}}</ref>

While on loan at Queens Park Rangers in 2012, Macheda was involved in two cases of misconduct on [[Twitter]].<ref>{{cite news |title=QPR boss Mark Hughes to look into Federico Macheda tweet |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17246934 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=3 March 2012 |access-date=5 March 2012}}</ref>

==Career statistics==
{{updated|match played 24 December 2024}}

{| class=wikitable style=text-align:center
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
|-
!rowspan=2|Club
!rowspan=2|Season
!colspan=3|League
!colspan=2|National cup{{efn|Includes [[FA Cup]], [[Coppa Italia]], [[DFB-Pokal]], [[Greek Football Cup|Greek Cup]], [[Turkish Cup]] and [[Cypriot Cup]]}}
!colspan=2|League cup{{efn|Includes [[EFL Cup|League Cup]]}}
!colspan=2|Europe
!colspan=2|Total
|-
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan=7|[[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]]
|[[2008–09 Manchester United F.C. season|2008–09]]<ref name=sb0809>{{soccerbase season|51334|2008|access-date=4 October 2018}}</ref>
|[[Premier League]]
|4||2||1||0||0||0||0||0||5||2
|-
|[[2009–10 Manchester United F.C. season|2009–10]]<ref name=sb0910>{{soccerbase season|51334|2009|access-date=4 October 2018}}</ref>
|Premier League
|5||1||0||0||3||0||2{{efn|name=statsUCL|Appearance(s) in [[UEFA Champions League]]}}||0||10||1
|-
|[[2010–11 Manchester United F.C. season|2010–11]]<ref name=sb1011>{{soccerbase season|51334|2010|access-date=4 October 2018}}</ref>
|Premier League
|7||1||colspan=2|—||3||0||2{{efn|name=statsUCL}}||0||12||1
|-
|[[2011–12 Manchester United F.C. season|2011–12]]<ref name=sb1112>{{soccerbase season|51334|2011|access-date=4 October 2018}}</ref>
|Premier League
|3||0||colspan=2|—||2||1||1{{efn|name=statsUCL}}||0||6||1
|-
|[[2012–13 Manchester United F.C. season|2012–13]]<ref name=sb1213>{{soccerbase season|51334|2012|access-date=4 October 2018}}</ref>
|Premier League
|0||0||0||0||1||0||2{{efn|name=statsUCL}}||0||3||0
|-
|[[2013–14 Manchester United F.C. season|2013–14]]<ref name=sb1314>{{soccerbase season|51334|2013|access-date=4 October 2018}}</ref>
|Premier League
|0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0
|-
!colspan=2|Total
!19||4||1||0||9||1||7||0||36||5
|-
|[[U.C. Sampdoria|Sampdoria]] (loan)
|[[2010–11 U.C. Sampdoria season|2010–11]]<ref name=Soccerway/>
|[[Serie A]]
|14||0||2||1||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||16||1
|-
|[[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]] (loan)
|[[2011–12 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season|2011–12]]<ref name=sb1112/>
|Premier League
|3||0||3||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||6||0
|-
|[[VfB Stuttgart]] (loan)
|[[2012–13 VfB Stuttgart season|2012–13]]<ref name=Soccerway/>
|[[Bundesliga]]
|14||0||1||0||colspan=2|—||3{{efn|name=statsEuropa|Appearances in [[UEFA Europa League]]}}||0||18||0
|-
|[[Doncaster Rovers F.C.|Doncaster Rovers]] (loan)
|[[2013–14 Doncaster Rovers F.C. season|2013–14]]<ref name=sb1314/>
|[[EFL Championship|Championship]]
|15||3||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||15||3
|-
|[[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] (loan)
|[[2013–14 Birmingham City F.C. season|2013–14]]<ref name=sb1314/>
|Championship
|18||10||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||18||10
|-
|rowspan=4|[[Cardiff City F.C.|Cardiff City]]
|[[2014–15 Cardiff City F.C. season|2014–15]]<ref name=sb1415>{{soccerbase season|51334|2014|access-date=4 October 2018}}</ref>
|Championship
|21||6||2||0||2||2||colspan=2|—||25||8
|-
|[[2015–16 Cardiff City F.C. season|2015–16]]<ref name=sb1516>{{soccerbase season|51334|2015|access-date=4 October 2018}}</ref>
|Championship
|6||0||1||0||1||0||colspan=2|—||8||0
|-
|[[2016–17 Cardiff City F.C. season|2016–17]]<ref name=sb1617>{{soccerbase season|51334|2016|access-date=4 October 2018}}</ref>
|Championship
|0||0||colspan=2|—||0||0||colspan=2|—||0||0
|-
!colspan=2|Total
!27||6||3||0||3||2||colspan=2|—||33||8
|-
|[[Nottingham Forest F.C.|Nottingham Forest]] (loan)
|[[2015–16 Nottingham Forest F.C. season|2015–16]]<ref name=sb1516/>
|Championship
|3||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||3||0
|-
|rowspan=3|[[Novara Calcio|Novara]]
|[[2016–17 Serie B|2016–17]]<ref name=Soccerway/>
|[[Serie B]]
|21||7||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||21||7
|-
|[[2017–18 Serie B|2017–18]]<ref name=Soccerway/>
|Serie B
|30||3||1||1||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||31||4
|-
!colspan=2|Total
!51||10||1||1||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||52||11
|-
|rowspan="5"|[[Panathinaikos F.C.|Panathinaikos]]
|[[2018–19 Panathinaikos F.C. season|2018–19]]<ref name=Soccerway/>
|[[Super League Greece]]
|26||10||2||1||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||28||11
|-
|[[2019–20 Panathinaikos F.C. season|2019–20]]<ref name=Soccerway/>
|Super League Greece 
|33||14||4||1||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||37||15
|-
|[[2020–21 Panathinaikos F.C. season|2020–21]]<ref name=Soccerway/>
|Super League Greece 
|31||9||2||1||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||33||10
|-
|[[2021–22 Panathinaikos F.C. season|2021–22]]<ref name=Soccerway/>
|Super League Greece 
|16||3||2||1||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||18||4
|-
!colspan=2|Total
!106||36||10||4||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||116||40
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[MKE Ankaragücü|Ankaragücü]]
|[[2022–23 MKE Ankaragücü season|2022–23]]<ref name=Soccerway/>
|[[Süper Lig]]
|11||0||2||1||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||13||1
|-
|[[2023–24 MKE Ankaragücü season|2023–24]]<ref name=Soccerway />
|Süper Lig
|21||3||7||2||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||28||5
|-
!colspan=2|Total
!32||3||9||3||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||41||6
|-
|[[APOEL FC|APOEL]] (loan)
|[[2022–23 Cypriot First Division|2022–23]]<ref name=Soccerway />
|[[Cypriot First Division]]
|15||2||2||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||17||2
|-
|[[Asteras Tripolis F.C.|Asteras Tripolis]]
|[[2024–25 Super League Greece|2024–25]]<ref name="Soccerway">{{cite web |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/players/federico-macheda/76516/ |title=F. Macheda: Summary |website=Soccerway |publisher=Perform Group |access-date=9 December 2024}}</ref>
|Super League Greece
|10||5||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||10||5
|-
!colspan="3"|Career total
!327||79||32||9||12||3||10||0||381||90
|}
{{notelist}}

==Honours==
'''Manchester United'''
*[[Football League Cup]]: [[2009–10 Football League Cup|2009–10]]<ref name=Hugman1011/>

'''Panathinaikos'''
*[[Greek Football Cup|Greek Cup]]: [[2021–22 Greek Football Cup|2021–22]]

'''Individual'''
*[[Manchester United F.C. Reserves and Academy#Players of the Year|Jimmy Murphy Academy Player of the Year]]: [[2008–09 Manchester United F.C. season|2008–09]]<ref name=JimmyMurphy/>
*[[Major League Soccer All-Star Game|MLS All-Star Game MVP]]: [[2010 MLS All-Star Game|2010]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Chicharito scores on debut as Man Utd bounce All-Stars, 5–2 |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter-recap/chicharito-scores-debut-man-utd-bounce-all-stars-5-2 |publisher=Major League Soccer |date=28 July 2010 |access-date=28 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100731045055/http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter-recap/chicharito-scores-debut-man-utd-bounce-all-stars-5-2 |archive-date=31 July 2010}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*[http://www.pao.gr/en/team/squad?view=player&id=1218 Profile] at the Panathinaikos F.C. website
*{{Soccerbase}}

{{Asteras Tripolis F.C. squad}}
{{MLS All-Star Game MVP}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Macheda, Federico}}
[[Category:1991 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Footballers from Rome]]
[[Category:Italian men's footballers]]
[[Category:Men's association football forwards]]
[[Category:SS Lazio players]]
[[Category:Manchester United F.C. players]]
[[Category:UC Sampdoria players]]
[[Category:Queens Park Rangers F.C. players]]
[[Category:VfB Stuttgart players]]
[[Category:Doncaster Rovers F.C. players]]
[[Category:Birmingham City F.C. players]]
[[Category:Cardiff City F.C. players]]
[[Category:Nottingham Forest F.C. players]]
[[Category:Novara FC players]]
[[Category:Panathinaikos F.C. players]]
[[Category:MKE Ankaragücü footballers]]
[[Category:APOEL FC players]]
[[Category:Asteras Tripolis F.C. players]]
[[Category:Premier League players]]
[[Category:Serie A players]]
[[Category:Bundesliga players]]
[[Category:English Football League players]]
[[Category:Serie B players]]
[[Category:Super League Greece players]]
[[Category:Süper Lig players]]
[[Category:Cypriot First Division players]]
[[Category:Italy men's youth international footballers]]
[[Category:Italy men's under-21 international footballers]]
[[Category:Italian expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Italian expatriate sportspeople in England]]
[[Category:Italian expatriate sportspeople in Germany]]
[[Category:Italian expatriate sportspeople in Greece]]
[[Category:Italian expatriate sportspeople in Wales]]
[[Category:Italian expatriate sportspeople in Turkey]]
[[Category:Italian expatriate sportspeople in Cyprus]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Germany]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Greece]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Turkey]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Cyprus]]
[[Category:21st-century Italian sportsmen]]