Atletico Madrid Defenders 2024/25

Atletico Madrid defenders lineup for the 2024/25 season is a formidable blend of talent, power, and skills. The club’s defensive lineup is made up of both local and international players. Here’s an overview of the club’s current defense roster.

José María Giménez

José María Giménez, the stalwart Uruguayan center-back, has been a defensive mainstay for Atletico Madrid since his arrival in 2013. Born on January 20, 1995, in Toledo, Uruguay, Giménez’s journey to becoming one of La Liga‘s premier defenders began at Danubio in his home country. Standing at 1.85 meters tall, Giménez is renowned for his physicality, impeccable timing in tackles, and aerial prowess.

His transfer to Atletico Madrid defenders lineup for a modest fee of €1 million proved to be a masterstroke. Over the years, Giménez has formed formidable defensive partnerships, contributing significantly to Atletico’s success. His leadership qualities and ability to read the game make him indispensable to Diego Simeone’s setup.

Clément Lenglet

Clément Lenglet, the French defender, bolstered Atletico Madrid’s backline when he joined from Barcelona in 4. Born on June 17, 1995, in Beauvais, France, Lenglet’s footballing journey began at AS Nancy, where his performances earned him a move to Sevilla. His impressive stint at Sevilla led to a high-profile transfer to Barcelona. Standing at 1.86 meters, Lenglet is known for his composure on the ball, excellent positioning, and ability to play out from the back. His move to Atletico Madrid defenders roster for a fee of around €12 million brought with it experience and solidity. Lenglet’s presence adds depth and quality to Atletico’s defense, making him a valuable asset.

Axel Witsel

Axel Witsel, the versatile Belgian, is primarily known for his midfield prowess but has also been utilized in defense when needed. Born on January 12, 1989, in Liège, Belgium, Witsel’s career has seen him play for clubs like Standard Liège, Benfica, Zenit Saint Petersburg, Tianjin Quanjian, and Borussia Dortmund. Standing at 1.86 meters, Witsel’s experience and tactical intelligence make him a valuable player in multiple positions. He joined Atletico Madrid defenders squad on a free transfer in 2022, bringing with him a wealth of experience. Witsel’s ability to read the game, combined with his physical presence, allows him to contribute effectively in defense, providing Diego Simeone with a versatile option.

Reinildo Mandava

Reinildo Mandava, the dynamic Mozambican left-back, joined Atletico Madrid in 2022 from Lille. Born on January 21, 1994, in Beira, Mozambique, Reinildo’s journey to the top tiers of European football is a testament to his hard work and determination. Standing at 1.80 meters, Reinildo is known for his defensive solidity, pace, and ability to support attacking plays. His career began at Ferroviário da Beira before moving to Portugal with teams like SC Covilhã and Belenenses. His impressive performances at Lille caught the attention of Atletico, who secured his services for around €3 million. Reinildo’s tenacity and work rate have made him a key player for the Rojiblancos.

Nahuel Molina

Nahuel Molina, the Argentine right-back, became a part of Atletico Madrid’s squad in 2023 after transferring from Udinese. Born on April 6, 1998, in Embalse, Argentina, Molina’s early footballing years were spent at Boca Juniors, where he developed his skills before moving to Europe. Standing at 1.75 meters, Molina’s attributes include pace, precision crossing, and solid defensive skills. His transfer to Atletico for a fee of around €15 million was seen as a significant addition to strengthen the right flank. Molina’s adaptability and attacking prowess have quickly made him an integral part of the squad.

Robin Le Normand

Robin Le Normand, the French center-back, joined Atletico Madrid defenders crew in 2024 from Real Sociedad. Born on November 11, 1996, in Pabu, France, Le Normand’s footballing journey began in his homeland before he made his mark in La Liga with Real Sociedad. Standing at 1.87 meters, Le Normand is noted for his strong aerial ability, solid defensive presence, and competence in playing out from the back. His performances in La Liga earned him a transfer to Atletico for approximately €25 million. Le Normand’s height and strength are significant assets in both defense and attack, especially during set-pieces, making him a valuable addition to the team.

Mario Hermoso

Mario Hermoso, the Spanish defender, has been with Atletico Madrid since 2019, having joined from Espanyol. Born on June 18, 1995, in Madrid, Spain, Hermoso’s career started at Real Madrid‘s youth academy. Standing at 1.84 meters, Hermoso is known for his versatility, able to play both as a center-back and left-back. His transfer to Atletico for around €25 million brought defensive depth and quality. Hermoso’s ability to read the game, coupled with his technical skills, makes him a reliable option in Diego Simeone’s defensive setup.

Stefan Savić

Stefan Savić, the Montenegrin center-back, has been a crucial part of Atletico Madrid’s defense since joining the club in 2015. Born on January 8, 1991, in Mojkovac, Montenegro, Savić’s professional career began at FK BSK Borča in Serbia. Standing at 1.87 meters, Savić is known for his tough tackling, aerial ability, and composure under pressure. His journey saw him play for clubs like Partizan, Manchester City, and Fiorentina before his move to Atletico for a fee of approximately €12 million. Savić’s experience and defensive prowess have been instrumental in Atletico’s solid backline.

Sergio Reguilón

Sergio Reguilón, the Spanish left-back, joined Atletico Madrid on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in 2022, later making the move permanent. Born on December 16, 1996, in Madrid, Spain, Reguilón’s footballing journey began at Real Madrid’s youth academy. Standing at 1.78 meters, Reguilón is known for his pace, crossing ability, and tenacity in defense. His loan spell at Sevilla, where he impressed with his performances, led to a move to Tottenham. His eventual transfer to Atletico brought defensive depth and attacking options on the left flank. Reguilón’s ability to contribute both defensively and offensively makes him a valuable asset.

Nehuén Pérez

Nehuén Pérez, the Argentine center-back, has been with Atletico Madrid defender’s setup since 2018, although he has spent time on loan at various clubs to gain experience. Born on June 24, 2000, in Hurlingham, Argentina, Pérez’s potential has been evident from a young age. Standing at 1.87 meters, he is known for his strong tackling, aerial ability, and composure on the ball. Pérez’s loan spells at Famalicão, Granada, and Udinese have helped him develop into a reliable defender. His return to Atletico brings a youthful yet experienced option to the defensive lineup.

Santiago Arias

Santiago Arias, the Colombian right-back, has been part of Atletico Madrid’s squad since 2018. Born on January 13, 1992, in Medellín, Colombia, Arias’s career began at La Equidad in Colombia before moving to Europe with Sporting CP and PSV Eindhoven. Standing at 1.78 meters, Arias is known for his pace, defensive reliability, and ability to support attacks. His transfer to Atletico for around €11 million brought additional depth to the right-back position. Arias’s experience and versatility make him a valuable member of the squad.

Atletico Madrid’s defensive unit for the 2024/25 season showcases a blend of experience, versatility, and emerging talent. Each defender brings unique qualities that contribute to the team’s overall defensive strength. From the physical presence and leadership of Giménez and Savić to the dynamic attacking support of Reguilón and Molina, Atletico’s backline is well-equipped to handle the challenges of both domestic and European competitions. Under the strategic guidance of Diego Simeone, this diverse group of defenders forms a cohesive and resilient unit, embodying the club’s spirit of determination and tactical excellence. Fans can expect a season of solid defensive displays and crucial contributions from this formidable group of players.