Koke joined Atlético Madrid’s academy as a boy and has spent his entire career at the club. He made his first-team debut in 2009 and has since become Atlético’s record appearance maker and captain.
His career has tracked the club’s revival under Diego Simeone. Koke was part of the teams that won La Liga in 2013/14 and 2020/21, the Europa League in 2012 and 2018, and the Copa del Rey in 2013, and he played in the Champions League finals of 2014 and 2016.
Koke is a midfielder of intelligence rather than flash: he controls the tempo, covers ground and distributes accurately from central midfield. He has won more than 70 caps for Spain.
Playing style
Koke is a midfielder whose value lies in intelligence and consistency rather than spectacular skill. He controls the tempo of games, positions himself well and distributes the ball accurately, often switching play with long passes. He is also an excellent crosser, which made him effective when used on the wing earlier in his career. His work rate is high and he presses tirelessly, qualities that made him central to Simeone’s intense style. He is also known for his leadership and loyalty to Atlético.
International career
Koke made his Spain debut in 2013 and has won more than 70 caps. He played at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups and at several European Championships. He was part of the squad that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020.
Career in numbers
Koke’s senior club career, which began in 2009/10, has so far brought 748 appearances and 50 goals for Atlético Madrid. His most productive season in front of goal was 2013/14, when he scored 7 times in 58 games for Atlético Madrid. So far in 2026/27 he has made 8 appearances for Atlético Madrid. The full season-by-season record is in the Stats section of this profile.