Valentina Vignali (born May 30, 1991, in Rimini, Italy) is a professional Italian basketball player, model, and television personality. Known for her impressive skills on the basketball court and her work in fashion and entertainment, Vignali has successfully built a multifaceted career, inspiring fans in sports and beyond.
Early Life and Introduction to Basketball
Valentina started playing basketball at the age of eight. Initially, she practiced ballet, but due to her height—she was already 1.74 m at age nine—basketball proved a better fit for her physique. By age 12, she fully committed to basketball, realizing her body was better suited for the sport.
Her younger brother Jacopo played a pivotal role in encouraging her to pursue basketball professionally. Beyond basketball, she also explored other sports, including football, judo, and swimming during her childhood.
Basketball Career
Youth Career
- 1999–2004: Happy Basket Rimini
- 2005–2007: Basketball Cervia
Professional Career
- 2007–2010: Basketball Cervia (Serie A2 debut in 2007)
- 2010–2011: Victoria Forlì
- 2012: Fortitude Pomezia
- 2012–2013: Eurobasket Rome
- 2013–2014: NB Sora 2000
- 2014–2015: Azzurra Basket VCO
- 2015–2016: Nico Basket Massa and Cozzile
- 2016: Lazio Basketball
- 2016–2017: ASD Murgia Basket Santeramo (promotion to Serie B in 2017)
- 2017–2018: Idea Sport Basketball Milan
- 2018–2019: Athena Rome
- 2019–2021: Smit Rome Center
- 2021–2024: Virtus Pavona
Valentina’s basketball journey includes numerous European tournaments and a comeback after overcoming thyroid cancer in 2013, demonstrating her resilience and dedication.
Television and Media Career
Valentina has appeared in numerous TV shows, hosting programs related to basketball and entertainment:
- Miss Muretto (Italia 1, 2009) – contestant
- Miss Italia (Rai 1, 2010) – contestant
- Sotto Canestro (LA7, 2012–2013) – presenter
- SI Basket (Sportitalia, 2014) – presenter
- Casa Signorini (2017–2018) – commentator
- Big Brother Italy 16 (2019) – contestant
- tradiRAI (2018) – host
- Next Generation Fest (Rai Cultura, 2023) – host
Her TV presence has expanded her popularity beyond sports fans, establishing her as a recognizable media personality in Italy.
Modeling and Fashion
Valentina’s modeling career began at a young age when a family friend suggested she participate in competitions. Highlights include:
- Finalist in Miss Muretto (2006) and Miss Italia (2010)
- Posed for Playboy Italia (2013) and GQ Italia (2014)
- Testimonial for Victoria’s Secret Italy (2020)
- Brand campaigns for Telecom Italia, Clinique, Pupa, KIKO, Huawei, Puma, Tissot, NBA 2K20, Daniel Wellington, Head & Shoulders, Victoria’s Secret, and more
Valentina has also worked as a showgirl in Rai 1 programs and participated in advertising campaigns for leading brands, combining her athletic and fashion influence.
Filmography
- She Got Game (2015) – Documentary on female athletes
- Christmas in Roccaraso (2018) – Comedy film
- Riccione (2019) – Comedy film
- Timor – As Long as There’s Death, There’s Hope (2024) – Drama
Music and Web Projects
Valentina explored her musical side as a rapper in 2020, releasing singles like:
- Nada
- Live and Laugh Always
- No Mercy No Shame
She also participated in web TV projects such as Drop Out (2022, Hibe).
Personal Life
- Health: Diagnosed with papillary carcinoma in 2013; overcame it with surgery and radiotherapy
- Relationships: Romantically linked to Stefano Laudoni (2013–2018), Lorenzo Orlandi (2019–2022), and currently dating basketball player Fabio Stefanini (2024–present)
- Resilience: Used basketball as a therapeutic outlet during health struggles, returning to professional competition at high levels
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Valentina is committed to inspiring young athletes and using her platform for social impact:
- Ambassador for the QVC and Umberto Veronesi Foundation campaign on cancer prevention (2023)
- Patroness of the 49th edition of the Italian Men’s Basketball Cup in Turin (2025)
- Promotes basketball, empowerment, and perseverance among youth
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Valentina Vignali |
| Date of Birth | May 30, 1991 |
| Birthplace | Rimini, Italy |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Height | 183 cm |
| Weight | 68 kg |
| Basketball Position | Wing |
| Current Club | Virtus Pavona |
| Youth Clubs | Happy Basket Rimini, Basketball Cervia |
| Professional Clubs | Basket Cervia, Victoria Forlì, Fortitude Pomezia, Eurobasket Rome, NB Sora 2000, Azzurra Basket VCO, Nico Basket Massa e Cozzile, Lazio Basketball, ASD Murgia Basket Santeramo, Idea Sport Basketball Milan, Athena Rome, Smit Rome Center, Virtus Pavona |
| TV Shows | SI Basket, Sotto Canestro, Big Brother 16, Casa Signorini, Tagadá, Morning Five, Next Generation Fest |
| Modeling Highlights | Playboy Italia (2013), GQ Italia (2014), Victoria’s Secret Italy (2020) |
| Films | She Got Game, Christmas in Roccaraso, Riccione, Timor |
| Music Singles | Nada, Live and Laugh Always, No Mercy No Shame |
| Personal Challenges | Thyroid cancer (2013) |
| Relationships | Fabio Stefanini (2024–present) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @violavalentina |
Valentina Vignali continues to balance a professional basketball career, media appearances, modeling, and advocacy, serving as a role model for young athletes and aspiring entertainers. Her story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and the drive to inspire others both on and off the court.
