**Atletico Madrid: The Pride of Madrid – History, Squad, and Top 5 Legendary Players**
## **Introduction**
Atletico Madrid, formally known as **Club Atlético de Madrid**, is one of Spain’s most legendary football clubs. Based in Madrid, the club has earned a reputation for its strong competition, defensive stability, and devoted supporters. Unlike their city rivals, Real Madrid, Atletico has frequently been considered as the underdog, although they have continually challenged the supremacy of Barcelona and Real in La Liga.
With a current group of **around 25-30 first-team players**, Atletico Madrid features a mix of seasoned veterans and budding prospects. Under the direction of **Diego Simeone**, the squad has achieved enormous success, including many La Liga titles and long runs in the UEFA Champions League.
In this blog article, we’ll explore: - A brief history of Atletico Madrid - The current squad structure - **The 5 most popular players in Atletico Madrid’s history** (with thorough bios)
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## **A Brief History of Atletico Madrid**
Founded in **1903**, Atletico Madrid began as an offshoot of Athletic Bilbao but soon created its own identity. The club has won:
- **11 La Liga titles** (most recently in 2020-21)
- **10 Copa del Rey trophies** - **3 UEFA Europa League titles** - **3 UEFA Super Cups** - **1 Intercontinental Cup**
Atletico is recognized for its **gritty, defensive style**, frequently referred to as **"Cholismo"** (after manager Diego Simeone). Their home stadium, **Civitas Metropolitano**, is a fortress where other teams struggle to secure victory.
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## **Atletico Madrid’s Current Squad (2024)**
Atletico Madrid maintains a **first-team squad of roughly 25-30 players**, including: - **Goalkeepers**: Jan Oblak, Ivo Grbić - **Defenders**: José Giménez, Stefan Savić, Reinildo Mandava, Mario Hermoso - **Midfielders**: Koke (captain), Rodrigo De Paul, Thomas Lemar, Marcos Llorente
- **Forwards**: Antoine Griezmann, Álvaro Morata, Memphis Depay
The team mixes **youth academy products** (like Koke) with **international stars** (like Griezmann), ensuring a balance of experience and young skill.
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## **The 5 Most Popular Players in Atletico Madrid’s History**
Atletico Madrid has been home to some of football’s greatest icons. Below, we look into the **top 5 most popular players** who have left an everlasting impression on the club.
### **1. Diego Forlán (2007-2011)**
** Position:** Striker ** Key Achievements:** - Won the **2010 Europa League** (best Scorer) - **Pichichi Trophy (2009)** (La Liga’s best scorer) - **UEFA Super Cup (2010)**
Diego Forlán was a **goal-scoring machine** for Atletico. After struggling at Manchester United, he found his finest form in Madrid, creating a lethal partnership with **Sergio Agüero**. His **two-goal effort in the 2010 Europa League final** against Fulham established his legacy.
### **2. Fernando Torres (2001-2007, 2015-2018)**
** Position:** Striker **Key Achievements:** - **Atletico’s youngest captain (19 years old)** - **Europa League (2018)** - **UEFA Super Cup (2018)**
"El Niño" (The Kid) is a **club legend** and fan favorite. Torres climbed through Atletico’s youth levels, becoming their **youngest-ever captain**. After periods with Liverpool and Chelsea, he returned for an emotional goodbye, winning the **Europa League in 2018**.
### **3. Antoine Griezmann (2014-2019, 2021-Present) **
**Position:** Forward / Attacking Midfielder ** Key Achievements:** - **La Liga (2021)** - **Europa League (2018)** - **UEFA Super Cup (2018)**
Griezmann is one of Atletico’s **modern greats**. Known for his **creativity, work rate, and clutch performances**, he was vital in their **2018 Europa League win**. After a brief stay with Barcelona, he returned in 2021 and continues to be a vital player.
### **4. Koke (2009-Present)**
** Position:** Midfielder ** Key Achievements:** - **Longest-serving captain in club history** - **2x La Liga winner (2014, 2021)** - **Europa League (2018)**
Koke is the **heartbeat of Atletico Madrid**. A **one-club man**, he has spent his whole career with Atletico, representing the club’s battling spirit. His leadership and adaptability make him invaluable.
### **5. Jan Oblak (2014-Present)**
**Position:** Goalkeeper **Key Achievements:** - ** 5x Zamora Trophy winner (Best La Liga GK)** - **La Liga (2021)** - **UEFA Champions League runner-up (2016)**
Oblak is undoubtedly the **best goalkeeper in Atletico’s history**. His **incredible reflexes and consistency** have rescued the squad several times. He holds the record for the **fewest goals surrendered in a La Liga season (18 in 2015-16)**.
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## **Conclusion**
Atletico Madrid is more than simply a football club—it’s a **symbol of resilience, passion, and underdog triumph**. From classics like **Fernando Torres and Diego Forlán** to recent icons like **Griezmann and Oblak**, the club has always been characterized by its fighters.
With a **strong team of 25-30 players** and Diego Simeone’s tactical skill, Atletico remains a power in Spanish and European football. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the sport, Atletico Madrid’s tale is one of **heart, grit, and unforgettable moments**.
**Who’s your favorite Atletico Madrid player? Let us know in the comments!**