Giuliano Simeone, the youngest son of Atlético Madrid's esteemed coach Diego Simeone, has rapidly established himself as a key player for the team this season, marking his rise within the ranks of La Liga's competitive atmosphere. Having grown up surrounded by football, he engaged with his father over croissants and coffee, discussing the paths of the game, establishing aspirations far beyond just being Diego's son.
Fast forward to February 2025, with Atlético Madrid making headlines not just for their performances but for the emergence of Giuliano as a prominent figure on the pitch. The 22-year-old winger, who moved from River Plate to Madrid at just 16, has had to navigate through various stages of development rigorously. After impressively scoring 25 goals for Atlético's B team and earning his first-team debut as a late substitute, he spent successful loan spells at Real Zaragoza and Deportivo Alaves.
Giuliano has blossomed at just the right time. During Atlético's recent Copa del Rey quarter-final against Getafe on February 5, 2025, he opened the scoring and netted another, leading the team to a resounding 5-0 victory. "I'm very happy. This is extraordinary," he said post-match, reflecting on the significance of his contributions. With four goal involvements across the last three matches, his impact cannot be overstated.
On February 8, as Atlético prepares for the iconic Madrid derby against rivals Real Madrid, Giuliano is expected to persist as one of the standout players under Diego Simeone's direction. His performance has not gone unnoticed, drawing praise from teammates like Antoine Griezmann, who declared, "He was born to play for Atlético Madrid." Meanwhile, former Atlético striker Diego Forlán attributed his progression to hard work, noting, "He has worked hard, made a lot of sacrifices, and is playing really well. He is adapting quite nicely to the team and appears comfortable on the pitch. This is his moment."
It's notable how Giuliano is not just riding on his father's coattails but has repeatedly proven his worth through intense training and relentless effort. He has transitioned smoothly, learning not just positional play but embodying the very fighting spirit associated with the Simeone family ethos. It’s this adaptability, shifting roles when required from forward to wing-back, which highlights his versatility and commitment to the club's ambitions.
Fans and commentators alike have noted the electricity he brings to the pitch, particularly through his speed and energy, virtues he embodies from Diego's own playing career. With the Madrid derby on the horizon, anticipation grows around Giuliano's potential contributions – it could very well mark his true arrival on the grand stage of Spanish football.
The Simeone legacy is powerful and now shared among all three sons pursuing careers as footballers. While Diego once voiced caution over coaching his sons due to family dynamics, Giuliano's rise seems to validate the family’s footballing heritage. His hard work and commitment to football undoubtedly reflect the moments spent discussing life and football over coffee with his father.
At just 22, Giuliano Simeone’s future looks bright at Atlético Madrid, where he aims to grow his skills even more. He has not only earned his position but has become central to the team’s aspirations moving forward. With contract negotiations already underway, the club acknowledges his value. Currently making €500,000 annually, there's significant speculation about improving his contract, which would reflect his contributions more closely.
The Madrid derby against Real Madrid will serve as not only another chance for Giuliano to shine but showcase the culmination of years of dedication and hard work paying off, both personally and for his father's coaching legacy at the club. This is more than just football; it’s family tradition, personal ambition, and the pursuit of greatness all wrapped up together.