Biography
Who is Diego Simeone?
Early life and playing career
Diego Simeone was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on April 28, 1970. His youth coach gave him the nickname Cholo when he was fourteen years old because his energetic style reminded him of another player. Diego started his professional playing career with Vélez Sarsfield in 1987 before moving to Italian club Pisa in 1990. After playing for Pisa, he transferred to Sevilla in Spain and later joined Atlético Madrid.
During his first spell at Atlético Madrid, Diego served as team captain and won a domestic double of the La Liga title and the Copa del Rey during the 1995 to 1996 season. He subsequently played for Inter Milan, where he won the UEFA Cup in 1998. He then moved to Lazio and secured another domestic double with the Italian club in the 1999 to 2000 season, alongside victories in the UEFA Super Cup and the Supercoppa Italiana. After returning to Atlético Madrid later in his career, Diego finished his playing days with Racing Club in Argentina.
International football career
Diego represented the Argentina national team extensively throughout his career, earning 106 caps. He made his senior debut for his country in 1988 during a match against Australia. He became the first Argentine footballer to reach one hundred international appearances when he played against Venezuela in March 2002. As a midfielder, he scored eleven goals for his national team.
With Argentina, Diego won the Copa América tournaments in 1991 and 1993. He also won the FIFA Confederations Cup in 1992 and the Artemio Franchi Cup in 1993. He played in the 1994, 1998, and 2002 FIFA World Cups, captaining the squad during the 1998 tournament. Also, he won a silver medal with the Argentina under-23 team at the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta as an overage player.
Managerial career highlights
After ending his playing career on February 17, 2006, Diego immediately transitioned into coaching with Racing Club. He later managed Estudiantes and led the team to their first league title in twenty-three years during the 2006 Apertura tournament. He also managed River Plate and won another league title before coaching San Lorenzo and Catania in Italy. His managerial success brought him back to Spain.
Diego became the head coach of Atlético Madrid in 2011, establishing himself as the longest-serving manager in La Liga. Under his leadership, Atlético Madrid won La Liga twice, the Copa del Rey, two UEFA Europa Leagues, and two UEFA Super Cups. He also guided the club to two UEFA Champions League finals and secured a historic victory against Real Madrid in the 2013 Copa del Rey final.
Family and personal life
Diego Pablo Simeone González was born and raised in the capital of Argentina. He stands at a height of 177 centimeters. His family includes his three children, who are named Giovanni Simeone, Gianluca Simeone, and Giuliano Simeone. Throughout his professional life in football, he has maintained strong ties to both Argentine and European sports communities.
Birthday and age
Diego Simeone was born on April 28, 1970, which makes Diego 56 years old today. That birthday falls under the Taurus sign. Diego shares the date with 38 other famous people.
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