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Giuliano Simeone: Balancing Acts, Big Footprints, and Pep Guardiola Dreams

5 February 2026

Giuliano Simeone: Balancing Acts, Big Footprints, and Pep Guardiola Dreams
Giuliano Simeone opens up about life at Atlético Madrid and his unique father-son dynamic

Family Ties Meet Tactical Realities

Giuliano Simeone, the 23-year-old forward for Atlético Madrid, details the delicate balancing act between his duties as a player and being the son of coach Diego El Cholo Simeone.

He explains that the dynamic remains strictly professional inside the club, even if it can feel a bit strange at times.

Natural Bond, Formidable Mentorship

He notes that the relationship between father and son feels natural, and he wonders how his father hides paternal feelings, as Diego can separate the two sides in the locker room.

Independence and Aspirations

The forward recalls a stern upbringing and says he left home at eighteen to become independent, yet they have worked together at the club since 2022.

Admiration for Global Coaches

Despite his deep respect for his father, Giuliano admires Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique as coaches and considers them among his global favorites, though he has not yet had the chance to work with either.

Setback and Resolve

He revisits the hardest moment of his career: a serious ankle injury that threatened his return to football, remembering the fear and the thought that he might never play again.

Punchline 1: If football runs in the family, the playbook comes with a warranty, and it is always in the last place you look.

Punchline 2: And if the locker room ever needs a lighter mood, Diego yells Action and Giuliano pretends to re-run the press conference.

Author

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Emma Amme

I am Emma Amme, an English sports journalist born in 1998. Passionate about astronomy, contemporary dance, and handcrafted woodworking, I share my sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Giuliano Simeone and which club does he play for?

He is a 23-year-old forward for Atlético Madrid and the son of coach Diego Simeone.

What does he say about his relationship with his father?

He says their dynamic remains professional, with his father able to keep paternal feelings separate from coaching.

Which coaches does he admire?

He admires Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique as world-class coaches.

What tough moment did he face?

He recalled a severe ankle injury that threatened his career and nearly ended his playing days.