Who are the best players in Atletico Madrid history? One of Spain’s most storied football clubs, they’ve always played the annoying younger brother to giants Real Madrid.
Let’s take a look at the ten best Atletico Madrid players of all time:
10. Diego Forlán
Atletico Madrid built an image of nurturing world-class strikers and Diego Forlán is part of that. Able to score from long range and with both feet, he stepped up in big games and was one of Europe’s most devastating strikers.
Forlán was a constant threat with his explosiveness and technical ability. During his five years at Atletico he won the European Golden Shoe in 2009, and guided the club to a Europa League title the year after.
9. Juanfran
One of the best Atletico Madrid players of all time, Juanfran provided strong defence and attacking contributions during his nine seasons, most notably with his versatility and workhorse mentality.
The Spanish right back played a crucial role in the 2013-14 La Liga winning season, two UEFA Cup victories and a career best 2015-16 earning Team of the Season honours but did miss a penalty in a Champions League final loss.
8. Jan Oblak
Slovenian superstar Jan Oblak joined Atletico Madrid from Benfica in 2014 and established himself as one of the worlds best keepers. Reflexes, speed, tall, athletic, strong – he’s got it all.
Oblak has been a crucial part of Atletico’s success with his strong record of clean sheets and was voted La Liga’s player of the season in 2020-21, conceding only 25 goals in 38 games as the club won the league title.
7. Antoine Griezmann
Arriving from Real Sociedad in 2014, Antoine Griezmann’s dribbling, vision, and clinical finishing saw him earn Ballon d’Or third place twice at Atletico and earned him a €120 million move to Barcelona in 2019.
Despite a failure to line up to expectations at Barca, the versatile French forward was no doubt one of the worlds greatest players during his prime, and he became Atletico Madrid’s all-time top goalscorer in early 2024.
6. Gabi
One of the greatest Atletico Madrid players of all time, Gabi was promoted from the club’s youth academy in 2002 and started in 11 seasons at the club as one of the greatest La Liga defensive midfielders.
So good was Gabi – a fan favourite at the Metropolitano Stadium – at tackling and his ability to set up both from long and short range, he made the Champions League Squad of the Season twice.
5. Koke
Also a product of Atletico’s youth academy, midfielder Koke was promoted to the senior team in 2009, has arguably been the most important player in recent times and holds the record for most appearances for the club.
Helping Atletico to multiple La Liga and Europa League victories, Koke has earned plaudits for his ability in creating opportunities and is proven to be one of the most deadly and best passers of the ball in Europe.
4. Luis Aragonés
Luis Aragonés is not only remembered as one of the best Atletico Madrid players in history, the star forward dominated the 1960’s and 70’s before having an enormous impact as manager at both Atletico and Spain.
Aragonés scored 172 goals, a club record that lasted 50 years. He also won three La Liga crowns before retiring in 1974. In the same year he became Atletico manager and steered the club to a league title three years after his appointment.
3. Diego Godín
Uruguayan central defender Diego Godín arrived from Villarreal in 2010 and completely changed Atletico Madrid’s defence. Crowned La Liga Best Defender in 2015-16, he was formidable no tactically and in the air.
For nine seasons Godín anchored a formidable backline that helped Atletico clinch multiple titles, including a La Liga title, two UEFA Cups and Champions League runner-up on two occasions.
2. Diego Simeone
Before Diego Simeone transformed Atletico Madrid when he took over as manager in 2011, the Argentine tore it up as a box-to-box midfielder in five seasons across two spells.
As a player he won the La Liga and Copa del Rey which secured the domestic double in 1995-96. So important was Simeone’s impact as a player he was considered the “emotional heartbeat”, which translated into his success as manager.
1. Fernando Torres
Fernando Torres, known as “El Niño”, is the greatest Atletico Madrid player ever. The most iconic figure in modern club history, the Spaniard star striker rose through the youth ranks
Torres played in 11 seasons across two spells for the club scoring 129 goals. His speed and skill were so ferocious he earned Ballon d’Or third place in 2008 while at Liverpool and earned a then-record £50m to Chelsea.