Diego Simeone was a combative midfielder who played for Atlético Madrid, Inter and Lazio and won more than 100 caps for Argentina. He won La Liga and the Copa del Rey with Atlético in 1996.
After coaching in Argentina, where he won league titles with Estudiantes and River Plate, he returned to Atlético as coach in December 2011. The club had been in decline, and Simeone transformed it into one of Europe’s most feared sides, built on defensive organisation and collective effort.
Under Simeone Atlético have won La Liga twice (2014 and 2021), the Europa League twice and reached two Champions League finals. He is the longest-serving coach in the club’s history.
Coaching style
Simeone’s teams are built on defensive organisation, intensity and collective effort. His Atlético sides are famously hard to beat, defending in compact blocks and counter-attacking quickly. He is known for his passionate touchline presence and his ability to motivate players. In recent years he has adapted his style, playing more attacking football with more possession. His longevity at a top club is exceptional in modern football.
International career
As a player Simeone won more than 100 caps for Argentina and played at three World Cups. He won two Copa Américas, in 1991 and 1993. He has never managed a national team, dedicating his coaching career to club football.
