The name Simeone resonates throughout the world of football as a synonym for passion, commitment and determination. Today, that tradition finds a new chapter with Giuliano Simeone, who is emerging as one of the Argentina national team’s most promising talents. The 21-year-old striker, born in Rome but with an Albiceleste heart, has the opportunity to prove his worth in today’s crucial match against Peru, a vital clash in the South American qualifiers for the World Cup.
Giuliano Simeone Baldini was born on December 18, 2002 in Rome, while his father, Diego Simeone, was playing for Lazio, laying the foundations for a career that led him to become a football legend and now, a respected manager. Giuliano inherited not only the talent but also the fighting spirit of the ‘Cholo’, although his story began far from the spotlight of European football.
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At the age of four, Giuliano moved to Argentina with his mother, beginning his footballing journey in the youth ranks of River Plate. However, destiny led him back to Europe in 2019 when he joined Atlético Madrid, the club where his father marked a historic period as both a player and manager. Since then, Giuliano has been writing his own story.
Simeone made his professional debut in 2021 with Atlético Madrid’s ‘B’ team, quickly showing his goalscoring credentials by finding the net in his first official match. His progression saw him earn playing time with the first team in April 2022, in a draw against Granada, and he finished his time with the reserve team with an impressive tally of 25 goals in 36 matches .
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Looking for more playing time, he was loaned to Real Zaragoza for the 2022-2023 season, where he shined as the team’s top scorer with nine goals. This performance once again caught the attention of Atlético, leading to a contract extension until 2028 before sending him to Deportivo Alavés to compete in the Spanish La Liga.
A significant setback came in August 2023 when he suffered a fractured tibia and fibula during a friendly match, which forced him out for five months. However, Giuliano demonstrated his resilience by returning in January 2024, quickly regaining his form and finally scoring his first official goal for Atlético on November 3 in a victory against UD Las Palmas.
On the international stage, Giuliano began building his legacy with the Argentina Under-23 team during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. There, he left his mark by scoring a goal against Morocco and playing a key role in the attack on Iraq. His performance earned him selection for the senior national team at a crucial time in the South American qualifiers.
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The match against Peru represents a significant opportunity for Giuliano to showcase his scoring ability and versatility in attack. His ability to play both as a striker and in wider positions makes him a valuable asset for coach Lionel Scaloni, who is looking to consolidate a squad combining experience and youth.
Although comparisons to his father are inevitable, Giuliano Simeone has made it clear that his goal is to carve out his own identity in football. While Diego was known for his tenacity as a midfielder, Giuliano stands out for his goalscoring instinct, speed and ability to create chaos in the opponent’s box.
Now, with the eyes of all of Argentina on him, Giuliano has the chance to take another step in his career and move closer to the dream of representing his country at a World Cup. The Simeone name shines once again, but this time with a new generation that promises to keep the family legacy alive.
