Almost 14 years after a fateful conversation over coffee and croissants in Argentina, Diego Simeone's youngest son Giuliano has emerged as a key figure in Atletico Madrid's pursuit of La Liga glory.
The 22-year-old forward, who joined Atletico's youth ranks at 16 after leaving River Plate, has earned his place in his father's plans through merit rather than nepotism. His recent form – four goal involvements in three games, including scoring and assisting in a Champions League victory over Red Bull Salzburg and a brace against Getafe in a 5-0 Copa del Rey quarter-final win – speaks volumes.
"I'm very happy, it's been crazy," Giuliano told Teledeporte after his latest performance. "I think about the things I have to improve day by day. I still have many flaws and details that I want to improve to keep growing."
His path to the first team hasn't been straightforward. After scoring 25 goals in 36 games for Atletico's B team in the Spanish fifth tier, he gained experience through loan spells at Real Zaragoza and Alaves. Now, he's started Atletico's last eight league games and final five European group matches, becoming an integral part of the team ahead of Saturday's crucial derby against Real Madrid.
Former Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan believes the young Simeone has earned his place. "He has worked hard, made a lot of sacrifices and assists," Forlan told BBC Sport. "He is playing well and he has shown us that he is a quality and professional player."
While Giuliano's playing style differs from his father's defensive midfield role, they share similar characteristics. His versatility has seen him deployed as both a center forward and wing-back, demonstrating the fighting spirit synonymous with the Simeone name. "He's a real fighter," Forlan noted. "He knows his father is the coach, so he has to train more than normal, because everyone is always looking at him, probably more than other players."
The story began when eight-year-old Giuliano, born in Rome during his father's time at Lazio, discussed his father's potential move to Atletico Madrid. "Are you going to manage Falcao? Are you going to play against Messi? Against Ronaldo?" young Giuliano asked, before prophetically warning, "Dad, but if you do well, you won't come back."
Now, all three Simeone sons are in Europe – Giuliano at Atletico, Gianluca at fourth-tier Rayo Majadahonda, and Giovanni at Napoli. For Forlan, whose own father was a Uruguay international, this football dynasty is natural. "It's part of your DNA, in your blood," he explained. "You have been brought up focusing on football. You have seen your father play, seen your father travel."
As Atletico Madrid prepares for Saturday's derby at the Bernabeu, where victory could take them top of La Liga, Giuliano Simeone has the chance to write his own chapter in the family's storied history with the club.
