Diego Simeone
Diego Pablo Simeone González, known as Cholo, is an Argentine football manager and former player who was born on 28 April 1970 in Buenos Aires. He has been the manager of Atlético Madrid since 2011, becoming one of Europe’s longest-serving coaches. In November 2023 he extended his contract to June 2027, keeping him at the helm of Atlético for many years.
As a player, Simeone was a tough, versatile midfielder and a natural leader. He began his career with Vélez Sársfield in Argentina, then played in Italy for Pisa, Inter Milan and Lazio, and spent two spells with Atlético Madrid in Spain. He also had seasons with Sevilla and Racing Club. Over his more than 15-year playing career, he totalled more than 500 club appearances and dozens of goals. Internationally, he earned over 100 caps for Argentina and played in the 1994, 1998 and 2002 World Cups, as well as multiple Copa América tournaments. He helped Argentina win Copa América titles in 1991 and 1993 and collected other honours, including the 1992 FIFA Confederations Cup and an Olympic silver medal in 1996.
Simeone’s managerial career began in Argentina with Racing Club, Estudiantes, River Plate and San Lorenzo before moving to Europe with Catania in Italy. He returned to Argentina briefly with Racing Club again before taking charge of Atlético Madrid in 2011. His time at Atlético transformed the club into a top European force. He led them to the 2012 UEFA Europa League title and the 2012 UEFA Super Cup, and secured the 2013 Copa del Rey. The 2013–14 season brought a historic La Liga title for Atlético, the club’s first since 1996, along with a strong run in Europe. Simeone then guided Atlético to two UEFA Champions League finals (2014 and 2016), both against Real Madrid, narrowly missing the trophy on both occasions.
Under his leadership Atlético won additional major trophies, including the 2018 UEFA Europa League, and the team continued to compete at the highest level in La Liga and Europe. Simeone is renowned for his defensive discipline, intense counter-attacking style, and ability to adapt tactics to the game’s demands. His preferred formation has often been a compact 4–4–2 that becomes a fluid 4–2–2–2 in attack, with strong emphasis on set-pieces and quick transitions.
Off the pitch, Simeone’s influence extends to his family. His sons Giovanni, Gianluca and Giuliano play professional football, and he has two daughters with partner Carla Pereyra, whom he married in 2019. Simeone’s work ethic, leadership and tactical flexibility have left a lasting mark on Atlético Madrid and modern football.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 11:38 (CET).