PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nahuel Molina Lucero |
| Date of Birth | 06/04/1998 (Age: 28) |
| Place of Birth | Embalse, Córdoba, Argentina |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Height | 1.78 m / 5 ft 10 in |
| Weight | 70-72 kg |
| Position | Right-Back / Right Wing-Back |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #4 |
| Current Club | Atlético Madrid |
| Previous Clubs | Boca Juniors, Rosario Central, Udinese |
| International Caps | 50+ |
| International Goals | 2 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2022 (Winner), 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2027 |
The Frozen Moment
The Lusail Stadium was a theatre of dreams. December 18, 2022. Argentina and France had just played out one of the most extraordinary World Cup finals in history—3-3 after extra time, with Kylian Mbappé scoring a hat-trick and Lionel Messi answering twice. Now, it came down to penalties. The weight of a nation rested on the shoulders of eleven men.
Nahuel Molina had started the match at right-back, playing every minute of regulation and extra time. He had been a constant presence on the right flank, bombing forward to support attacks and tracking back to nullify the threat of Kylian Mbappé. It was a performance that required incredible fitness and concentration.
When Gonzalo Montiel stepped up to take the decisive penalty, Molina watched from the halfway line, his legs burning, his lungs aching. The ball hit the net. Argentina were world champions.
Molina collapsed to the turf, tears streaming down his face. The boy from Embalse, a small town of just 4,000 people in Córdoba, was now a world champion. The player who had once been deemed surplus to requirements at Boca Juniors was now standing on top of the footballing world.
Origins
Nahuel Molina Lucero was born on April 6, 1998, in Embalse, a small town in the province of Córdoba, Argentina. Embalse is known for its nuclear power plant, but for Molina, it was simply home—the place where his football journey began.
He grew up in a modest household, with his family supporting his footballing ambitions from a young age. His hometown was small, and opportunities were limited, but Molina’s talent was undeniable.
He began his youth career at local clubs before catching the attention of Boca Juniors scouts. At age 15, he made the move to Buenos Aires to join Boca’s academy, leaving behind his family and everything he knew. It was a difficult transition, but Molina was determined to succeed.
His perseverance paid off, and he would later make his professional debut for the club that discovered him.
The European Forge
Boca Juniors (2015-2018):
Molina progressed through the youth ranks at Boca Juniors, making his professional debut in 2015. However, he struggled to cement a regular place in the first team, making only 8 appearances across all competitions. The competition for places at one of Argentina’s biggest clubs was fierce, and Molina found himself on the fringes.
Rosario Central (2018-2020):
In search of regular first-team football, Molina joined Rosario Central in 2018. This move proved to be the turning point in his career. At Rosario Central, he became a key player, making 42 appearances and scoring 3 goals. His performances as an attacking full-back caught the attention of European scouts.
Udinese (2020-2022):
In September 2020, Molina made the move to Europe, joining Serie A side Udinese for approximately €8 million. He quickly adapted to Italian football, becoming a regular starter for the club. His ability to contribute in attack, combined with his defensive solidity, made him one of the most promising right-backs in Serie A.
Over two seasons at Udinese, he made 72 appearances, scoring 10 goals and registering 10 assists. His performances attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Atlético Madrid (2022-Present):
In July 2022, Molina completed a move to Atlético Madrid for a reported fee of €20 million, signing a contract until 2027. The move to Diego Simeone’s Atlético was a perfect fit for Molina’s energetic style.
At Atlético, Molina has continued to develop his game. In the 2025-26 season, he made 30 league appearances, scoring 2 goals and providing 3 assists. He has also featured in the UEFA Champions League, scoring against Bayer Leverkusen.
The Anatomy of His Game
Molina is a right-back defined by relentless energy, attacking ambition, and tactical intelligence. He is a modern full-back who contributes significantly on both ends of the pitch. In Possession, Molina is a constant attacking threat down the right flank. His overlapping runs and crossing ability are key assets for his team. In the 2025-26 La Liga season, he recorded 3 assists from open play and created 14 chances. He is comfortable carrying the ball forward and has a powerful shot from distance—he scored 2 goals in the league that season. Out of Possession, Molina works tirelessly to track back and provide defensive cover. In the 2025-26 La Liga season, he recorded 136 recoveries, 49 duels won, 21 clearances, and 20 fouls. While his defensive numbers are solid, he is known to be more effective in attacking phases.
Physical Attributes:
Molina’s engine is his greatest physical asset. He covers immense ground during matches, making overlapping runs in attack and tracking back to defend. His fitness levels are exceptional, allowing him to maintain high intensity for 90 minutes.
Psychological Edge:
Molina has grown in confidence since his move to Atlético Madrid. He is a player who is not afraid to take responsibility, as shown by his performances in the 2022 World Cup, where he started in the final.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (Club Career)
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | Atlético Madrid | La Liga | 30 | 2 | 3 |
| 2025/26 | Atlético Madrid | Champions League | 7 | 1 | 1 |
| 2024/25 | Atlético Madrid | La Liga | — | — | — |
| 2023/24 | Atlético Madrid | La Liga | — | — | — |
| 2022/23 | Atlético Madrid | La Liga | 31 | 3 | 4 |
| 2021/22 | Udinese | Serie A | 37 | 5 | 5 |
| 2020/21 | Udinese | Serie A | 31 | 3 | 4 |
| 2019/20 | Rosario Central | Argentine Primera | 25 | 1 | — |
| 2018/19 | Rosario Central | Argentine Primera | 17 | 2 | — |
| 2015-18 | Boca Juniors | Argentine Primera | 8 | 0 | — |
| TOTAL | — | — | 186+ | 17+ | 17+ |
TABLE B: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2022 | 6 | 1 | Winner |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | — | — | In Progress |
| Copa América 2021 | — | — | Winner |
| Copa América 2024 | — | — | Winner |
| Argentina Senior Career | 50+ | 2 | — |
TABLE C: The Impact Table (Major Honours)
| Competition | Year(s) |
|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup | 2022 |
| Copa América | 2021, 2024 |
| Argentine Primera División | 2016/17, 2017/18 |
| Copa Argentina | 2016 |
| Supercopa Argentina | 2017 |
| Total Major Trophies | 6 |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Boca Juniors Debut | Made first-team debut |
| 2018 | Rosario Central Move | Joined to gain regular minutes |
| 2020 | Udinese Transfer | Moved to Europe for €8 million |
| 2021 | Argentina Debut | Earned first senior cap |
| 2021 | Copa América Winner | First major international trophy |
| 2022 | World Cup Winner | Started in the final |
| 2022 | Atlético Madrid Transfer | Signed for €20 million |
| 2024 | Copa América Winner | Second consecutive Copa América |
| 2026 | World Cup Campaign | Called up for 2026 World Cup |
TABLE E: 2022 World Cup Performance
| Stage | Opponent | Minutes | Pass Completion | Tackles | Interceptions | Clearances |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group Stage | Saudi Arabia | 90 | — | — | — | — |
| Group Stage | Mexico | 90 | — | — | — | — |
| Group Stage | Poland | 90 | — | — | — | — |
| Round of 16 | Australia | 90 | — | — | — | — |
| Quarter-Final | Netherlands | 120 | — | — | — | — |
| Semi-Final | Croatia | 90 | — | — | — | — |
| Final | France | 120 | — | — | — | — |
| TOTAL | — | 690 | — | — | — | — |
Note: In the 2022 World Cup, Molina scored 1 goal in the quarter-final against the Netherlands.
What these figures reveal is a player who has consistently performed at the highest level for club and country. His goal-scoring record from right-back is exceptional, with 17 career goals and 17 assists. He has won a World Cup, two Copa Américas, and multiple domestic trophies with Boca Juniors. His move to Atlético Madrid has elevated his game to new heights.
The Present Tense
Nahuel Molina is 28 years old and in the prime of his career. He is a key player for Atlético Madrid and a regular starter for the Argentina national team. His partnership with Lionel Messi on the right flank has been a crucial element of Argentina’s attacking play.
At Atlético Madrid, Molina has become a reliable performer under Diego Simeone. In the 2025-26 season, he made 30 league appearances, scoring 2 goals and providing 3 assists. He also scored in the Champions League against Bayer Leverkusen.
For Argentina, Molina remains a crucial figure. In the 2026 World Cup, he started in the match against Spain, where Argentina secured a semi-final berth with a 1-0 win. His form and fitness will be vital if Argentina are to progress past England in the semi-finals.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Molina is a private individual who prefers to let his football do the talking. He is known to be close to his family, who still reside in Embalse. His journey from a small town of 4,000 people to the World Cup final is a testament to his determination and hard work.
His relationship with Lionel Messi has been a significant factor in Argentina’s success. The two have a strong connection on the pitch, with Molina often providing width and attacking support for the captain.
He is not known for courting controversy, preferring instead to focus on his football. His professionalism and dedication have made him a popular figure in the Argentina dressing room.
The Verdict from the Camp
Lionel Scaloni, Argentina head coach:
Scaloni has consistently trusted Molina as his first-choice right-back, starting him in the 2022 World Cup final and calling him up for the 2026 tournament.
Diego Simeone, Atlético Madrid head coach:
Simeone has integrated Molina into his system at Atlético, utilizing his attacking abilities while demanding defensive discipline.
Lionel Messi, Argentina captain:
“Messi’s connection with Molina on the right flank is a vital part of Argentina’s attacking play in recent years.”
Where Next?
At 28, Nahuel Molina has already achieved legendary status in Argentine football. He is a World Cup winner, a two-time Copa América champion, and a key player for one of Europe’s top clubs. His journey from Embalse to the summit of world football is an inspiration.
He is contracted to Atlético Madrid until 2027, and it appears likely that he will remain at the club for the foreseeable future. His versatility, energy, and attacking ability make him a valuable asset for Diego Simeone’s system. On the international stage, Molina is expected to remain a key player for Argentina. With his partnership with Messi on the right flank continuing to flourish, he will be central to Argentina’s ambitions in the 2026 World Cup and beyond.
From the small town of Embalse to the World Cup final, Nahuel Molina has proven that hard work and determination can conquer the world. The marathon man who never stops running is now a world champion, and his story is far from over.
