Diego Simeone

Bio:
Diego Simeone (born Diego Pablo Simeone Gonzalez in Buenos Aires, Argentina on April 28, 1970) is a former soccer player and current soccer coach. As a player, Diego represented the Argentinian national team 106 times and played for prestigious club teams, including Vélez Sarsfield, Pisa, Sevilla, Atlético Madrid, Internazionale, Lazio and Racing. His style of play was best known as combative, fiery and he was a fierce tackler in central midfield. His work-rate and dedication made him one of the best players of his generation. Diego took his aggressive style into management and after ending his playing career at Racing, the born leader took over the coach’s job. He impressed in a short period, but ultimately moved on to Estudiantes, who he led to their first league title in 23 years in 2006. He moved a year later to River Plate and lifted the 2008 Clausura championship, before resigning a year later after a quarter-final loss in the Copa Sudaamericana to Chivas and a run of 11 games without win. He bounced around again, with short stints at Catania and Racing Club, when he found his spiritual home, Atletico Madrid. After winning the Europa League in 2011 there, he lifted the European Super Cup and the Copa del Rey a year later. Success didn’t end there as in 2013, Atletico Madrid won La Liga, edging out Barcelona to the title. He has taken to Atletico Madrid to two Champions League Finals too, the first in 2014, the second in 2016.

Best Known For:
His passionate off-the-pitch moments, he has been sent-off from the touchline for arguing with officials, as well as argued with rival managers during games.

Personal Life:
Diego was married to Carolina Baldini from 1994 until 2008, until they divorced. He has two sons Giovanni, who is a professional soccer player and Giuliano, who has been a ball boy for Atletico.