Atlético de Madrid, one of Spain’s premier football clubs, has entered into a three-year partnership with Rwanda to promote the nation as a top travel destination.
Announced on April 30, the agreement extends through June 2028 and will showcase the “Visit Rwanda” brand on the team’s LaLiga training gear, matchday kits, and throughout the Metropolitano Stadium.
This article highlights some of the most iconic players who have represented Atlético de Madrid, both past and present.
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Fernando Torres
Best known for his time in England with Liverpool, Spanish striker Fernando Torres began his professional career at Atlético Madrid. Debuting in 2001, he netted 75 goals in 174 La Liga matches before moving to Liverpool in 2007, where he became their fastest player to reach 50 league goals. In 2008, Torres finished third in the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year rankings. -
Sergio Agüero
Argentine forward Sergio Agüero, renowned as one of the top strikers of his era and a Premier League legend with Manchester City, also made his mark at Atlético. Joining the club in 2006 for €23 million, Agüero quickly rose to become one of La Liga’s standout talents. -
Diego Forlán
Uruguayan striker Diego Forlán played for Atlético between 2007 and 2011, earning accolades such as La Liga’s top scorer and the Pichichi Trophy. He scored in the 2010 Europa League final, helping Atlético triumph over Fulham. Forlán later joined Inter Milan in 2011. -
Antoine Griezmann
French star Antoine Griezmann, a key figure in both Atlético and the French national team, is among the club’s current standout players. After a stint at Barcelona, he returned to Atlético, where he played a pivotal role in France’s 2018 World Cup victory and helped Atlético reach the 2016 Champions League final. -
Koke
Jorge Resurrección Merodio, known as Koke, is a Spanish midfielder who has spent his entire professional career with Atlético since debuting in 2009. With over 675 appearances, he’s won two La Liga titles (2013–14, 2020–21), two Europa League titles, and two UEFA Super Cups, and was a Champions League finalist in 2014 and 2016. -
Luis Aragonés
The late Luis Aragonés, a legendary Spanish player and manager, had a long-standing relationship with Atlético in the 1960s and 70s. He appeared in 265 league matches and scored 123 goals for the club between 1964 and 1974, while also representing Spain internationally. -
Diego Godín
Uruguayan defender Diego Godín was a defensive mainstay for Atlético, winning eight trophies, including the 2013–14 La Liga title. -
Jan Oblak
Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak, widely regarded as one of the best in the world, joined Atlético in 2014 for €16 million—a La Liga record for a goalkeeper at the time. He claimed the Ricardo Zamora Trophy four seasons in a row starting in 2015–16 and won it again in 2021. -
Radamel Falcao
Colombian striker Radamel Falcao enjoyed a prolific spell at Atlético, joining in 2011 for €40 million. He was instrumental in securing the 2012 Europa League and UEFA Super Cup, as well as the 2013 Copa del Rey win over Real Madrid. Falcao ranked as La Liga’s third-highest scorer in both the 2011–12 and 2012–13 seasons. -
Diego Simeone
Current manager Diego Simeone also had a successful playing career at Atlético, winning the domestic double in 1996 before moving to Inter Milan and Lazio, where he added multiple trophies to his résumé. Internationally, Simeone earned over 100 caps for Argentina and won numerous titles, including two Copa América trophies and the 1992 FIFA Confederations Cup.