Atletico Madrid Goalkeepers 2024/25

Atletico Madrid goalkeepers lineup has long been defined by its strong defense and tactical discipline. From the days of legendary figures like Miguel Reina and Luis Arconada, to more recent names like Jan Oblak, the club has developed a rich tradition of solid shot-stoppers. As of now, Atletico’s goalkeeping squad features a mix of experience and emerging talent, each with their own unique qualities. In this post, we’ll dive into the current roster of Atletico Madrid’s goalkeepers, exploring their backgrounds, playing styles, and the impact they have on the team.

1. Jan Oblak – The Slovenian Wall

Atletico Madrid’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, Jan Oblak, is a player whose name has become synonymous with excellence in the goalkeeping world. The Slovenian international has been with Atletico since 2014, arriving from Portuguese side Benfica for a fee of around €16 million, which was a record for the club at the time for a goalkeeper. Since then, Oblak has cemented his place as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, often cited in conversations about the top five shot-stoppers globally.

Oblak was born on January 7, 1993, in the capital city of Slovenia, Ljubljana. Before making the move to Atletico, he had honed his craft at the youth level and had brief stints at Olimpija Ljubljana and Benfica. His time at SL Benfica was crucial for his development, and it was there that Atletico Madrid goalkeepers scouts took notice of his potential. Oblak quickly adapted to La Liga, displaying incredible reflexes, sharp shot-stopping abilities, and a commanding presence in the box.

Oblak’s playing style is defined by his exceptional positioning and ability to read the game, often making saves that seem impossible. His consistency has been a key factor in Atletico’s defensive solidity over the years, with the club winning numerous domestic and international accolades. Known for his remarkable shot-stopping record, Oblak has kept countless clean sheets in both La Liga and European competitions, including the Champions League, where he has been instrumental in Atletico’s deep runs.

Statistically, Oblak is one of the most successful goalkeepers in La Liga history. He has multiple “Zamora” trophies, awarded to the goalkeeper with the best goals-to-games ratio in the league each season. His leadership and reliability make him a cornerstone of Atletico’s squad, and it’s clear that Oblak will remain an integral figure in the club’s future.

2. Ivo Grbic – The Croatian Backup

Ivo Grbic, a Croatian goalkeeper who joined Atletico Madrid goalkeepers side in the summer of 2021, is another key figure in the squad, although his role is primarily as a backup to Oblak. Grbic’s arrival from Croatian side Lokomotiva Zagreb marked a significant step in his career, as he moved from the relatively unknown Croatian league to one of the biggest clubs in Spain. The transfer fee for Grbic was around €5 million, a reasonable investment for Atletico considering his potential.

Born on January 27, 1996, in the city of Zagreb, Grbic began his footballing journey at the youth academy of Dinamo Zagreb, one of Croatia’s most prominent clubs. After developing through the ranks, he spent several years gaining experience on loan to lower-league sides before making a breakthrough at Lokomotiva Zagreb, where he showcased his shot-stopping abilities and solid performances in the Croatian First Football League.

Grbic’s primary qualities as a goalkeeper are his quick reflexes and his ability to be composed under pressure. Although he hasn’t had many chances to showcase his skills as a regular starter for Atletico, he has occasionally been called upon for domestic cup fixtures and as a backup in league games. His calm demeanor, strong aerial presence, and decent distribution make him a solid option for Atletico should Oblak be unavailable.

Despite being behind Oblak in the pecking order, Grbic has great potential. His performances for the Croatian national team have also been promising, earning him a spot as a backup goalkeeper for his country. With more experience and regular game time, Grbic could eventually push for a more prominent role at Atletico Madrid.

3. Axel Werner – The Argentine Option

Axel Werner is another goalkeeper who has been part of Atletico Madrid goalkeepers’ setup in recent years, although his situation has been a bit more unique compared to Oblak or Grbic. The Argentine goalkeeper was brought to the club in 2017, but he has mostly featured for the B team, Atletico Madrid B, and has spent significant time out on loan to various clubs. Atletico reportedly paid around €2.5 million to acquire Werner from Argentine side Atlético Tucumán, a club with a strong history of producing talented players.

Born on February 1, 1996, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Werner’s early career saw him rise through the ranks at Atlético Tucumán, where he earned a reputation for his solid shot-stopping abilities and command of his area. His consistent performances in Argentina earned him a move to Atletico Madrid, though he initially struggled to break into the first-team setup. He spent time on loan at clubs like Real Murcia, Elche, and later, Cádiz, in an attempt to gain more match experience.

While Werner has not had many opportunities to showcase his talents at Atletico Madrid, his time spent in Spain’s lower divisions has been valuable. His goalkeeping style is characterized by excellent reflexes, a strong presence in one-on-one situations, and good footwork. Although he is not a regular starter for Atletico Madrid, he is often considered a reliable backup option, especially when playing in cup competitions or during international breaks.

Werner’s future at the club remains uncertain, but his youth and potential mean that he could still have a significant role to play, either at Atletico or elsewhere in La Liga, should he be loaned out again.

4. Leandro Chichizola – The Long-Term Backup

Leandro Chichizola, a name that may not immediately ring a bell for Atletico Madrid fans, is another goalkeeper who has been part of the club’s larger setup, albeit with more of a secondary role. The Argentine goalkeeper was brought to Atletico Madrid goalkeepers roster in 2023 from Spanish side UD Las Palmas. Although not a high-profile acquisition, Chichizola’s experience and reliability as a backup goalkeeper make him an important asset for the squad.

Born on February 12, 1990, in Villa María, Argentina, Chichizola has spent most of his career in Spain after moving from his native Argentina. He began his professional career at River Plate in Argentina before moving to Spain, where he played for clubs like Granada and Las Palmas. Over the years, Chichizola has developed a reputation as a solid, reliable goalkeeper, often performing admirably in lower-league and mid-table sides.

His playing style focuses on his quick reflexes, shot-stopping ability, and a strong command of the box. Although he has never been a regular starter for a top-tier team, Chichizola has made valuable contributions whenever called upon. He is known for being a calm presence in high-pressure situations, and his experience in Spain’s top divisions adds depth to the goalkeeping ranks at Atletico Madrid. While it is unlikely that Chichizola will break into the first-team setup ahead of Oblak or Grbic, his presence in the squad provides solid depth and options in case of injury or rotation.

Atletico Madrid’s goalkeeping squad is filled with a mix of experience and potential. Jan Oblak remains the cornerstone of the team, widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in world football. Behind him, players like Ivo Grbic and Axel Werner offer solid backup options, with their own unique qualities and potential. While some players like Leandro Chichizola provide depth, the focus remains on ensuring that Atletico Madrid’s goalkeeping position is in safe hands, no matter what.