Diego Simeone, the former legendary midfielder and current coach of Atletico Madrid, has had quite the realization with his youngest son, Giuliano Simeone, rapidly gaining traction as one of the club's most promising players. Despite once stating he'd avoid coaching his children, it seems Giuliano's undeniable talent has changed the narrative.
Giuliano’s path to stardom began romantically intertwined with Atletico, as his father entertained his fans at the Vicente Calderon, holding his son proudly high in 2004. Back then, young Giuliano likely fell head over heels for the club without knowing he would one day represent it on the pitch.
Fast forward to 2011, when the pair shared a humble moment over coffee at their favorite cafe in Mar del Plata. Diego recalled: “I told him I received an offer from Atletico, and I don’t know what to do. Giuliano’s eyes widened as he stopped chewing, demanding to know if his father would play against big names like Messi and Ronaldo. When I nodded, he simply remarked, “But if it goes well, you won’t come back.” These moments reflect the bittersweet reality of sporting ambition.
Educationally, Giuliano honed his skills at River Plate before Atletico recognized his clear potential. The club snatched him up, paying 250,000 euros to secure this rising star. By 2019, Giuliano was officially welcomed to Atletico's distinguished academy, embracing the challenge of becoming one of the renowned Simeone footballers.
Diego’s family consists of three sons, all forwards. While the eldest, Giovanni, showcased his skills prominently and was touted as one of the most talented strikers of his generation—scoring nine goals at the South American Youth Championship—the realities of football have seen him struggle for game time at Napoli. The middle child, Gianluca, competing for Rayo Majadahonda, faces similar hurdles as he seeks to keep up with brotherly ambitions.
Giuliano made his public debut for Atletico’s senior side following successes with youth squads, leading the U19 team to championship glory and racking up impressive statistics. He scored 13 goals during the 2020/21 season, solidifying himself as one to watch. Eventually progressing to the senior team, he faced the anxiety of proving himself amid family dynamics. “If he weren’t his son, he would already play for the main team,” remarked Marca, highlighting the pressures of carrying the Simeone name.
Taking loans to clubs such as Zaragoza and Alaves, the road hasn’t always been smooth. Giuliano faced interruption when he broke his leg during pre-season training, prompting his father to make the 9000-kilometer trek from San Francisco to support him through the ordeal. Diego, ever the attentive father, ensured Giuliano received top-notch medical care from team surgeon Mikel Sanchez, and remained by his side until full recovery.
Returning from injury, Giuliano emerged stronger, showcasing his adaptability transitioning from forward to adeptly handling the right flank, always ensuring width and pressure on opposing defenses. Noteworthy stats show his defensive contributions matching or surpassing those of elite wingers across top leagues, boasting impressive numbers for tackles, ball recoveries, and interceptions.
Despite familial connections, Diego has been adamant about maintaining professionalism. “I want to win. I am indifferent to the name of the player - Simeone or Perez,” Diego asserted, reiteratively separating personal ties from his coaching decisions. This tough love approach has only benefitted Giuliano, who has quickly become integral to the team.
Through the early 2024/25 season, Giuliano managed four goals and six assists, rapidly catching the attention of league enthusiasts. The team itself is reaching impressive heights, currently running neck-and-neck with Barcelona at the top. A thrilling 4:4 draw at the Copa del Rey saw Giuliano shine, raising the familial profile higher.
Today, Diego celebrates his son’s traction with tempered pride. “The energy he brings is irreplaceable. It’s something you either have or you don’t,” he professed, reflecting his dual role as both father and coach.
Even when public endeavors tried to combine their dual identities on programs like El Hormiguero, Diego has opted out, valuing the strength of their separate personas. “It’s another story,” he notes, shedding light on real-life interactions within the club, where performance supersedes family ties.
Giuliano has made it clear he’s driven by dreams of representing Atletico Madrid with pride and professionalism. “I only dreamt of Atletico, here everything is straightforward. I’m just another player,” he stated. The world looks onwards, eager to discover how the tale of the Simeone name continues to flourish through his endeavors.