The 2025/26 season finds Atlético Madrid entering a new chapter following Diego Simeone’s departure after 14 transformative years at the Wanda Metropolitano. El Cholo’s successor, appointed in summer 2025, has inherited a squad still bearing Simeone’s fingerprints—defensive organisation, physical intensity, tactical discipline—while gradually introducing more attacking freedom and possession-based principles. The club’s identity remains rooted in resilience, collective work rate, and the fervent support of the Frente Atlético. Los Colchoneros have maintained their status as La Liga’s third force, consistently qualifying for the Champions League while occasionally threatening the Real Madrid-Barcelona duopoly. This season’s squad reflects strategic evolution: veteran leaders complement emerging talents, Argentine and Uruguayan influences persist, and the recruitment model continues unearthing undervalued South American gems. Below lies an exhaustive examination of Atlético Madrid’s first-team roster for 2025/26, organised by position, with each player’s journey, financial details, and stylistic fingerprints dissected thoroughly.
Goalkeepers
1. Jan Oblak (Captain)
Nationality: Slovenian
Former Clubs: Benfica, Beira-Mar (loan), União Leiria (loan), Rio Ave (loan)
Transfer Fee: £16 million (2014)
Jan Oblak has become a living legend at Atlético Madrid, entering his 12th season at the club as captain and undisputed number one, widely regarded as the greatest goalkeeper in the club’s storied history. The 32-year-old’s shot-stopping (79% save percentage in 2024/25, 77% in 2025/26 to date) and positional perfection remain elite; his post-shot expected goals prevented (PSxG+/-) of +9.4 across the past two seasons leads La Liga. Oblak’s reflexes in one-on-one situations, rushing off his line to narrow angles with his 6’2” frame, have thwarted countless breakaways. His command of the penalty area, claiming crosses (89% success) and organising set-piece defences, provides defensive security. Oblak’s distribution (86% pass completion) remains functional rather than expansive; Atlético’s build-up relies more on centre-backs. Having started 34 of Atlético’s 35 league matches in 2025/26, keeping 16 clean sheets, he remains remarkably durable. Oblak’s leadership, formalised as club captain in 2025 following Koke’s reduced role, manages the dressing room through quiet authority and professional standards. Oblak’s contract runs through 2029, with the club hoping he finishes his career at the Metropolitano. Oblak’s performance against Real Madrid in the 2025/26 Madrid derby—making 10 saves, including a penalty stop from Kylian Mbappé—demonstrated his enduring elite ceiling.
2. Antonio Gomis
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy)
Antonio Gomis has graduated from Atlético’s academy to backup goalkeeper following promising development and a loan at Real Zaragoza (2024/25, 35 Segunda appearances). The 24-year-old’s shot-stopping (73% save percentage on loan) and distribution (86% pass completion) provide functional cover. Gomis’s relationship with the club—academy since childhood—provides emotional connection. His contract runs through 2028, with Atlético viewing him as long-term Oblak understudy.
3. Alejandro Iturbe
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Alejandro Iturbe has provided emergency third-choice cover following development with Atlético B. The 22-year-old’s shot-stopping fundamentals are sound. Iturbe’s contract runs through 2028.
4. Ivo Grbić
Nationality: Croatian
Former Clubs: Lokomotiva Zagreb, Lille (loan)
Transfer Fee: £3.5 million (2020)
Ivo Grbić’s Atlético career never materialised, with the Croatian spending multiple seasons on loan before departing permanently to Lille in summer 2025. The 29-year-old’s brief appearances for Atlético (only 7 across four seasons) never convinced the coaching staff.
Defenders
1. José María Giménez (Vice-Captain)
Nationality: Uruguayan
Former Clubs: Danubio
Transfer Fee: £1.5 million (2013)
José María Giménez has become Atlético’s defensive leader and vice-captain, his Uruguayan aggression, aerial dominance, and last-ditch defending embodying the club’s Simeone-era DNA. The 30-year-old’s aerial duel success (86%) leads La Liga, neutralising target forwards and providing set-piece security. His tackling (3.1 per 90) and blocks (1.5 per 90) demonstrate old-school defending. Giménez’s reading of the game (2.5 interceptions per 90) and positional discipline, developed across 12 seasons at the club, compensate for reduced recovery pace (injuries have accumulated). His partnership with Stefan Savić (and later his successor) has conceded only 0.85 goals per 90 minutes over two seasons. Giménez’s leadership, formalised as vice-captain, manages Atlético’s defensive line through passionate, occasionally volcanic, authority. His injury record (missed 12 matches in 2025/26) remains concerning, but his quality when fit remains undeniable. Giménez’s contract runs through 2028, with Atlético viewing him as long-term defensive cornerstone. Giménez’s performance against Real Madrid in the 2025/26 Madrid derby—winning 11 duels, scoring a towering header—demonstrated his enduring influence.
2. Stefan Savić
Nationality: Montenegrin
Former Clubs: Partizan, Fiorentina
Transfer Fee: £10 million (2015)
Stefan Savić has entered his 11th season at Atlético Madrid, providing Montenegrin experience, tactical intelligence, and defensive reliability as Giménez’s long-term partner. The 34-year-old’s reading of the game (2.4 interceptions per 90) and positioning—anticipating danger before it materialises—compensate for declining athleticism. His passing (88% completion) remains secure if unambitious; his role involves clearing danger and recycling possession to midfielders. Savić’s experience—including La Liga winner (2014, 2021), Europa League winner (2018)—provides dressing room wisdom. His contract runs through 2027, with a coaching role or Montenegrin return likely thereafter. Savić’s performance against Barcelona in 2025—keeping Robert Lewandowski quiet, making 8 clearances—demonstrated enduring reliability.
3. Reinildo Mandava
Nationality: Mozambican
Former Clubs: Benfica (youth), Lille, Atlético Madrid
Transfer Fee: £10 million (2022)
Reinildo Mandava has fully recovered from his ACL rupture (2022/23) to reclaim his place as one of La Liga’s most defensively formidable left-backs, providing Mozambican athleticism, recovery pace, and 1v1 excellence. The 31-year-old’s defensive positioning (2.1 interceptions per 90), tackling (3.0 per 90), and ability to neutralise rapid wingers provide security that enables Atlético’s attack freedom. His attacking output (1 assist in 2025/26) remains limited, but his overlapping runs (3.0 per 90) create space for wingers. Reinildo’s relationship with Portuguese-speaking teammates provides comfort. His contract runs through 2028, with Atlético viewing him as long-term left-back solution. Reinildo’s performance against Real Madrid in 2025—keeping Vinícius Júnior quiet—demonstrated his elite defensive ceiling.
4. Nahuel Molina
Nationality: Argentine
Former Clubs: Boca Juniors, Udinese
Transfer Fee: £18 million (2022)
Nahuel Molina has established himself as one of La Liga’s most complete right-backs, providing Argentine attacking thrust, crossing accuracy, and defensive diligence. The 27-year-old’s overlapping runs (4.2 per 90) and crossing (40% accuracy) created 7 assists in 2025/26, his best Atlético campaign. His defensive positioning (1.9 interceptions per 90) and tackling (2.6 per 90) provide balance. Molina’s ability to underlap into central areas, combining with Rodrigo De Paul and Marcos Llorente, creates overloads on Atlético’s right flank. His relationship with Argentine teammates (De Paul, Correa, Simeone, as manager) provides comfort. Molina’s contract runs through 2029, with Atlético rejecting January 2026 approaches from Chelsea. Molina’s performance against Sevilla in 2025—assisting two goals, making 5 tackles—demonstrated his two-way ceiling.
5. Mario Hermoso
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Real Madrid Castilla, Espanyol (loan), Real Valladolid (loan)
Transfer Fee: £25 million (2019)
Mario Hermoso has developed into a reliable left-footed centre-back rotation option following patient integration, providing Spanish passing quality, versatility, and tactical discipline. The 30-year-old’s left-footed passing (5.0 progressive passes per 90) and composure under pressure enable Atlético to build play through defensive phases. His versatility across centre-back and left-back offers Atlético tactical flexibility. Hermoso’s aerial duel success (76%) and tackling (2.3 per 90) provide defensive security. His contract runs through 2028, with Atlético considering extension. Hermoso’s performance against Villarreal in 2025—playing out of pressure, completing 92% of passes—demonstrated his value.
6. Caglar Söyüncü
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: SC Freiburg, Leicester City
Transfer Fee: £10 million (2025)
Caglar Söyüncü’s summer 2025 arrival from Leicester City added Turkish physicality, aerial dominance, and Premier League experience to Atlético’s centre-back depth. The 29-year-old’s aerial duel success (83%) and tackling (2.7 per 90) provide defensive security. His passing (86% completion) remains basic. Söyüncü’s relationship with German-speaking teammates (none currently) provides comfort. His contract runs through 2029, with Atlético viewing him as valuable depth. Söyüncü’s performance against Athletic Bilbao in 2025—winning 10 duels, keeping a clean sheet—demonstrated his physical ceiling.
7. Javi Galán
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Celta Vigo, Huesca (loan)
Transfer Fee: £4 million (2023)
Javi Galán has accepted a rotational role behind Reinildo, providing Spanish pace, crossing, and left-back cover. The 31-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.6 per 90) and crossing (37% accuracy) created 3 assists in 2025/26. His defensive positioning (1.6 interceptions per 90) remains vulnerable against elite wingers. Galán’s contract runs through 2027, with Atlético considering sale.
8. César Azpilicueta
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Osasuna, Marseille, Chelsea
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
César Azpilicueta, now 36, has entered his fourth season at Atlético following his Chelsea departure, providing Spanish versatility, defensive experience, and dressing room leadership across right-back, left-back, and centre-back. The veteran’s positioning (1.9 interceptions per 90) and tackling (2.2 per 90) remain reliable in limited minutes. Azpilicueta’s leadership—including Chelsea captaincy, Champions League winner (2021), Europa League winner (2013, 2019)—provides invaluable wisdom. His contract expires in 2027, with a coaching role at Atlético or Chelsea return likely thereafter. Azpilicueta’s performance against Rayo Vallecano in 2025—filling at right-back, keeping a clean sheet—demonstrated enduring professionalism.
Midfielders
1. Rodrigo De Paul
Nationality: Argentine
Former Clubs: Racing Club, Valencia, Udinese
Transfer Fee: £30 million (2021)
Rodrigo De Paul has become Atlético’s midfield engine and creative heartbeat, providing Argentine technical quality, passing range, and relentless work rate. The 31-year-old’s passing (5.4 progressive passes per 90, 89% completion), particularly his disguised through balls and line-breaking verticals, orchestrates Atlético’s attacking phases. His work rate (11.8 kilometres per match) and pressing intensity (11.2 pressures per 90) set Atlético’s standards. De Paul’s finishing (6 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (9 assists) provide elite production from central midfield. His partnership with Koke (and later his successor) provides midfield balance (De Paul’s creativity, Koke’s discipline). De Paul’s relationship with Argentine teammates (Molina, Correa, Giménez, Simeone as manager) provides comfort; his World Cup-winning experience (2022) provides invaluable big-game composure. De Paul’s contract runs through 2029, with Atlético rejecting January 2026 approaches. De Paul’s performance against Real Madrid in the 2025/26 Madrid derby—assisting two goals, making 6 tackles—demonstrated his influence.
2. Koke (Vice-Captain)
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy)
Koke has become Atlético Madrid’s longest-serving current player, entering his 15th season at the club and serving as vice-captain following the captaincy transition to Oblak. The 33-year-old’s role has evolved from box-to-box dynamo to deep-lying playmaker, his passing range (5.0 progressive passes per 90, 90% completion) and tactical intelligence compensating for reduced athleticism. Koke’s reading of the game (2.2 interceptions per 90) and positional discipline provide midfield security. His relationship with the club—academy since childhood, over 600 appearances—provides emotional connection supporters adore. Koke’s contract runs through 2028, with a coaching role at Atlético widely anticipated. Koke’s performance against Barcelona in 2025—controlling tempo, completing 94% of passes—demonstrated enduring intelligence.
3. Marcos Llorente
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Real Madrid Castilla, Real Madrid, Deportivo Alavés (loan)
Transfer Fee: £40 million (2019)
Marcos Llorente has become one of La Liga’s most unique midfielders, combining Spanish technical quality with elite athleticism, versatility, and goal threat from central and wide positions. The 30-year-old’s acceleration (0-30 km/h in 2.6 seconds) and ball-carrying (5.0 progressive carries per 90) bypass opposition presses. His finishing (9 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (7 assists) provide balanced output. Llorente’s versatility across central midfield, right midfield, right-back, and emergency centre-forward offers Atlético tactical flexibility. His work rate (11.9 kilometres per match) and tackling (2.8 per 90) suit Atlético’s demanding system. Llorente’s contract runs through 2028, with Atlético rejecting January 2026 approaches. Llorente’s performance against Sevilla in 2025—scoring a stunning solo goal, assisting another—demonstrated his unique profile.
4. Pablo Barrios
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Pablo Barrios has emerged as one of La Liga’s most exciting young midfielders, graduating from Atlético’s academy to become a genuine first-team regular and Spain under-21 international. The 22-year-old’s passing (4.8 progressive passes per 90, 89% completion) and composure under pressure belie his age. His tackling (2.9 per 90) and work rate (11.5 kilometres per match) provide midfield security. Barrios’s goal contributions (3 goals, 4 assists in 2025/26) suggest continued development. His relationship with the club—academy since childhood—provides emotional connection. Barrios’s contract, extended in 2025 through 2031 with a €80 million release clause, protects Atlético’s asset. Barrios’s performance against Real Betis in 2025—controlling midfield, assisting the winner—demonstrated his elite potential.
5. Thomas Lemar
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Caen, Monaco
Transfer Fee: £60 million (2018)
Thomas Lemar’s Atlético career has been defined by flashes of brilliance interrupted by persistent injuries (missed 16 matches in 2025/26). The 30-year-old’s dribbling (3.4 successful take-ons per 90) and close control, particularly his ability to receive under pressure and turn away from opponents, unlock packed defences when fit. Lemar’s passing (4.6 progressive passes) and creativity (3 assists in limited minutes) provide value. His contract expires in 2027, with Atlético unlikely to renew given his injury record. Lemar’s performance against Cadiz in 2025—scoring a stunning curler, assisting another—demonstrated his quality when available.
6. Rodrigo Riquelme
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate, Girona (loan)
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Rodrigo Riquelme has developed into a useful attacking midfield rotation option following his loan at Girona, providing Spanish dribbling, creativity, and work rate. The 25-year-old’s dribbling (3.3 successful take-ons per 90) and finishing (3 goals in 2025/26) provide functional depth. Riquelme’s contract runs through 2028.
7. Arthur Vermeeren
Nationality: Belgian
Former Clubs: Royal Antwerp
Transfer Fee: £20 million (2024)
Arthur Vermeeren’s development has progressed following his 2024 arrival from Royal Antwerp, with the Belgian teenager establishing himself as a genuine rotation option in 2025/26. The 20-year-old’s passing (4.9 progressive passes per 90, 90% completion) and composure under pressure suggest elite potential. His tackling (2.6 per 90) and work rate (11.2 kilometres per match) provide midfield security. Vermeeren’s contract runs through 2030, with Atlético viewing him as long-term Koke successor. Vermeeren’s performance against Rayo Vallecano in 2025—controlling midfield, completing 93% of passes—demonstrated his potential.
Forwards
1. Antoine Griezmann
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Real Sociedad, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid (first spell)
Transfer Fee: £18 million (2023, permanent following loans)
Antoine Griezmann’s emotional return to Atlético Madrid in 2023, following his Barcelona nightmare, has been vindicated by two seasons of elite production, the Frenchman reclaiming his status as the club’s attacking talisman. The 34-year-old’s movement (3.5 shots per 90), finishing (19 goals in 2025/26), and creativity (14 assists) provide elite production from a hybrid striker/attacking midfield role. Griezmann’s link-up play, particularly dropping deep to receive and laying off to advancing midfielders, creates space for Álvarez and Correa. His work rate defensively—pressing centre-backs (10.8 pressures per 90), tracking—sets Atlético’s tone from the front. Griezmann’s relationship with French-speaking teammates (none currently) provides comfort; his love for Atlético, demonstrated by his summer 2023 wage reduction to force a return, provides emotional connection supporters adore. Griezmann’s contract runs through 2028, with a coaching role or MLS move likely thereafter. Griezmann’s performance against Real Madrid in the 2025/26 Madrid derby—scoring a brace, assisting another—demonstrated enduring genius.
2. Julián Álvarez
Nationality: Argentine
Former Clubs: River Plate, Manchester City
Transfer Fee: £75 million (2025)
Julián Álvarez’s summer 2025 arrival from Manchester City shattered Atlético’s transfer record, adding Argentine World Cup-winning pedigree, relentless pressing, and clinical finishing to the club’s attack. The 25-year-old’s finishing (18 goals in 2025/26) and conversion rate (27%) provide elite production from center-forward and second-striker positions. His work rate pressing centre-backs (12.1 pressures per 90) leads La Liga, setting Atlético’s defensive tone from the front. Álvarez’s movement off the shoulder (3.3 shots per 90) and hold-up play (72% success receiving back to goal) provide versatility. His partnership with Griezmann has developed telepathic understanding; their complementary styles (Álvarez’s athleticism, Griezmann’s intelligence) create attacking synergy. Álvarez’s relationship with Argentine teammates (De Paul, Molina, Correa, Giménez, Simeone as manager) provides comfort. Álvarez’s contract runs through 2031, with Atlético rejecting January 2026 approaches. Álvarez’s performance against Barcelona in 2025—scoring a hat-trick, all clinical finishes—demonstrated why Atlético broke their transfer record.
3. Ángel Correa
Nationality: Argentine
Former Clubs: San Lorenzo
Transfer Fee: £10 million (2015)
Ángel Correa has become Atlético’s supersub extraordinaire, entering his 11th season at the club and providing Argentine flair, dribbling, and crucial late goals from the bench. The 30-year-old’s dribbling (3.9 successful take-ons per 90) and finishing (8 goals in 2025/26, 6 as substitute) provide unique value. His defensive work rate (1.8 tackles per 90) improved through Simeone’s (and now his successor’s) demands. Correa’s relationship with Argentine teammates provides comfort; his longevity at Atlético (over 350 appearances) provides emotional connection. Correa’s contract runs through 2028, with Atlético viewing him as valuable squad piece. Correa’s performance against Athletic Bilbao in 2025—entering at 0-0, scoring a 89th-minute winner—demonstrated his impact ceiling.
4. Samuel Lino
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Gil Vicente
Transfer Fee: £6.5 million (2022)
Samuel Lino has emerged as a reliable left-wing rotation option following patient integration, providing Brazilian pace, dribbling, and improving end product. The 26-year-old’s dribbling (3.7 successful take-ons per 90) and crossing (38% accuracy) created 5 assists in 2025/26. His finishing (5 goals) and creativity provide functional depth. Lino’s contract runs through 2028, with Atlético viewing him as valuable squad piece. Lino’s performance against Valencia in 2025—assisting two goals—demonstrated his attacking ceiling.
5. Alexander Sørloth
Nationality: Norwegian
Former Clubs: Midtjylland, Crystal Palace, Gent (loan), Trabzonspor (loan), RB Leipzig, Real Sociedad, Villarreal
Transfer Fee: £10 million (2024)
Alexander Sørloth has accepted a rotational striker role following his 2024 arrival from Villarreal, providing Norwegian physicality, aerial dominance, and target-man qualities. The 30-year-old’s aerial duel success (81%) and finishing (7 goals in 2025/26, primarily as substitute) provide functional depth. Sørloth’s hold-up play (70% success receiving back to goal) offers tactical alternative to Álvarez’s movement-based game. His contract runs through 2029, with Atlético viewing him as valuable squad piece. Sørloth’s performance against Getafe in 2025—scoring a towering header, winning 9 duels—demonstrated his physical ceiling.
6. Carlos Martín
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Carlos Martín has graduated from Atlético’s academy to emergency striking depth following promising development and a loan at Real Zaragoza (2024/25, 12 Segunda goals). The 23-year-old’s finishing and movement suggest potential. Martín’s contract runs through 2029.
Conclusion
Atlético Madrid’s 2025/26 squad represents a successful transition from the Diego Simeone era into a new chapter that retains the club’s defensive identity while incorporating more attacking freedom. The defence, anchored by José María Giménez’s Uruguayan aggression and Jan Oblak’s Slovenian brilliance, provides platform for Atlético’s trademark resilience. The midfield, dominated by Rodrigo De Paul’s creativity and Koke’s tactical intelligence, controls matches through pressing, physicality, and technical quality. The attack, headlined by Antoine Griezmann’s enduring genius and Julián Álvarez’s record-breaking finishing, carries genuine goal threat against any opponent. Crucially, Atlético has balanced immediate competitiveness with long-term planning; Álvarez, Barrios, Vermeeren, and Lino represent the club’s future while contributing immediately. The looming challenge involves maintaining Champions League qualification despite competing with financially superior rivals and navigating the post-Simeone transition. Yet the Wanda Metropolitano’s legendary atmosphere, amplified by supporters who remember the Vicente Calderón days and the 2014 La Liga title, provides emotional fuel. Atlético no longer hopes merely to compete with Madrid and Barcelona; they expect to challenge. This squad appears equipped to deliver another title challenge, continuing the club’s transformation into a European heavyweight. Aúpa Atlético.
