Atlético Madrid, one of the most storied clubs in Spanish football, has been home to some of the game’s most iconic players. From legendary strikers to defensive titans, the club has seen numerous world-class talents grace its ranks.
We count down the 10 best Atlético Madrid players of all time, based on their impact, legacy, and contribution to the club’s storied history.
10. Diego Forlán
Diego Forlán’s time at Atlético Madrid was a period of success and triumph. The Uruguayan forward, who joined in 2007, played a pivotal role in Atlético’s rise to prominence in the late 2000s. He netted 96 goals in 198 appearances, becoming one of the club’s most reliable strikers.
His most memorable achievement came in 2010, when he led Atlético to a UEFA Europa League victory, scoring a brace to beat Fulham in the final. Forlán’s ability to score from anywhere on the pitch, combined with his technical skill, made him an indispensable part of Atlético’s attack during his time in Madrid.
9. Juanfran
A stalwart of Atlético Madrid’s defense for nearly a decade, Juanfran Torres was a consistent and versatile right-back whose contributions were vital in both defense and attack. Arriving at the club in 2011, Juanfran played over 355 matches for Atlético, including key roles in La Liga, the Champions League, and Copa del Rey campaigns.
His tireless runs up and down the right wing during nine seasons helped create countless opportunities, and he formed a formidable partnership with players like Diego Godín and Gabi. Juanfran’s leadership was also crucial, serving as a captain in the latter years of his career.
8. Jan Oblak
Arguably one of the best goalkeepers of his generation, Jan Oblak has been Atlético Madrid’s last line of defense and starting his 11th season in 2024. The Slovenian shot-stopper joined the club in 2014, and since then, he has broken numerous records, including becoming the club’s all-time clean sheet leader with over 150 shutouts.
Oblak has been the backbone of Atlético’s defensive strength, helping the team win La Liga in 2021 and regularly competing for the Zamora Trophy, awarded to the best goalkeeper in the league and having won it five times. His remarkable reflexes, consistency, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations have made him an undisputed legend at Atlético.
7. Gabi
Gabriel Fernández Arenas, better known as Gabi, was the heartbeat of Atlético Madrid’s midfield for seven seasons. Known for his tough tackling, leadership, and vision, Gabi spent most of his career at Atlético, amassing 352 appearances. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game and break up opposition attacks made him a key figure in Atlético’s success under Diego Simeone.
Gabi’s crowning achievement came in 2014, when he captained the team to La Liga glory, ending a 18-year title drought. His commitment to the club was unwavering, and his role as a leader on the pitch remains one of the defining traits of his legacy.
6. Antoine Griezmann
Antoine Griezmann is a player who defined a generation for Atlético Madrid. The French forward joined the club in 2014, and his impact was immediate. Griezmann scored 133 goals in 257 appearances for Atlético during his first stint, making him one of the club’s most prolific attackers.
His dribbling, vision, and knack for scoring in crucial moments were pivotal to the club’s successes, including a UEFA Europa League title in 2018 and a La Liga and Champions League runner-up finish in 2016. Despite some early criticism, Griezmann blossomed into one of the best players in Europe, and his time at Atlético cemented his place as a club legend.
5. Koke
Jorge Resurrección Merodio, better known as Koke, has been a symbol of Atlético Madrid’s resilience and style in the 2010s. Known for his passing range, work ethic, and tactical intelligence, Koke has been with the club since he was a teenager, making over 650 appearances as of 2025.
He’s been a central figure in Atlético’s La Liga and Champions League campaigns, earning numerous domestic and international honors. As a product of the Atlético academy, Koke’s commitment and consistency have made him one of the most influential midfielders in club history.
4. Diego Godín
Few defenders have had the same influence on a club’s defense as Diego Godín had on Atlético Madrid. The Uruguayan center-back was a dominant force in Atlético’s backline from 2010 to 2019, contributing to the club’s rock-solid defense. Godín made 389 appearances and scored 27 goals, often netting in crucial moments. His leadership, aerial ability, and composure under pressure made him the ideal defensive anchor in Atlético’s pursuit of success.
He played an integral role in winning La Liga in 2014, as well as reaching two UEFA Champions League finals. Godín’s contributions both on and off the field solidified his place as one of Atlético’s greatest ever players.
3. Luis Aragonés
No discussion about Atlético Madrid’s greatest players would be complete without mentioning Luis Aragonés. Both a legendary player and manager, Aragonés left an indelible mark on the club. As a player, he scored 172 goals and was the club’s leading scorer until Griezmann surpassed him in 2023.
As a player Aragonés won three La Liga titles and he truly solidified his legacy as a manager when he led Atlético to La Liga glory in 1977-78 and developed a footballing philosophy that would go on to influence the Spanish national team. Aragonés is credited with laying the foundation for Spain’s success, which included their historic 2008 UEFA Euro win. His legacy at Atlético Madrid is one of both inspiration and achievement.
2. Diego Simeone
As a player, Diego Simeone was the embodiment of grit and determination, and as a coach, he has taken Atlético Madrid to heights previously unimagined. Simeone joined Atlético in 1994 and played a vital role in the club’s midfield until 1997, making 126 appearances and scoring 27 goals.
However, his influence as manager, which began in 2011, has transformed the club into a European powerhouse. Under Simeone, Atlético Madrid won La Liga in 2014, reached two UEFA Champions League finals, and established themselves as one of the toughest teams in Europe. Simeone’s leadership, tactical acumen, and ability to get the best out of his players make him one of the club’s all-time greats.
1. Fernando Torres
Fernando Torres is, without a doubt, one of the most beloved figures in Atlético Madrid history. A product of the club’s academy, Torres made his first-team debut as a teenager and quickly became a talismanic figure for Atlético. His 2007 transfer to Liverpool marked the end of his first stint at Atlético, but Torres would return to the club in 2015 to cap off a remarkable career.
Over the years, he scored 129 goals in 358 total appearances, cementing his place as Atlético’s all-time top scorer in European competitions. Torres’ ability to score in the most crucial moments, his link-up play, and his emotional connection with the fans make him Atlético Madrid’s greatest-ever player. His World Cup, UEFA European Championship, and Champions League triumphs further elevated his status, but it is his unwavering loyalty to Atlético that makes him the club’s ultimate legend.
Conclusion:
From Diego Forlán’s brilliance in front of goal to Fernando Torres’ emotional return to the club, Atlético Madrid has been fortunate to host some of the finest footballing talents in history. These 10 players, ranked from 10th to 1st, have each left an unforgettable mark on the club and helped define its legacy.
Whether through trophies, goals, or leadership, these legends have contributed immeasurably to Atlético Madrid’s standing as one of Europe’s elite football clubs.
