José Giménez

The Uruguayan defender loves a horse-back ride; a photograph of him caressing one of his favourites four-legged speedster, Spartacus!

Born in Toledo, Uruguay, he is a product of local side Toledo Junior’s youth system. He made his professional debut for Uruguayan Primera División outfit Danubio FC on 17 November 2012 in a 2-0 defat against River Plate. Shortly thereafter he’d be scouted and signed by Spanish powerhouse Atlético Madrid; on 25 April, he signed for the Los Rojiblancos for a fee of €900,000 ahead of the 2013/14 campaign. On 14 September, he made his debut for Los Colchoneros, featuring in a 4-2 win over UD Almería; this would be his only appearance during the campaign which saw Atlético Madrid secure their first La Liga title in two decades. The following season the Uruguayan would feature more prominently as the Los Rojiblanocos looked to defend their title. On 6 December 2014, the imposing central defender scored his first club for Atleti, opening the scoreline in a 2-0 victory over Elche CF. A month later he scored in the Madrid derby, helping Atlético Madrid vanquish city rivals Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey. The Uruguayan has featured in 170 competitive games for Atlético Madrid, playing in a variety of defensive positions. He proved invaluable as the club finished runner-up twice in the UEFA Champions League; and won the 2017/18 UEFA Europa League and 2018 UEFA Super Cup.