Giuliano Simeone debuts for Argentina at World Cup, fulfilling promise after severe injury

Giuliano Simeone, son of Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone, made his World Cup debut for Argentina on Saturday, starting in a 3-1 victory over Jordan. The 23-year-old midfielder achieved a goal he set after suffering a severe leg injury in August 2023.

Injury and recovery

On August 6, 2023, while playing for Deportivo Alavés, Simeone fractured his fibula and dislocated his ankle in a match against Burgos. Despite being a second-division player at the time, he vowed to recover in time for the 2026 World Cup. "Quería jugar en el Mundial. No sabía si podía llegar, pero me lo puse como objetivo cuando me lesioné," he recalled Source: Clarín. He credited hard work, discipline (including cold showers, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and nine hours of sleep) for his recovery Source: Clarín. Infobae noted that it took "mucho esfuerzo y sacrificio" to return Source: Infobae.

Debut match and emotions

Simeone played as a right midfielder, supporting full-back Exequiel Palacios. Though not flashy, he had a solid performance. After the match, he said: "Debutar en un Mundial es algo increíble. Lo soñé desde muy chiquitito" Source: Infobae. He also expressed pride in representing Argentina: "Representar al país es un sueño cumplido" Source: Clarín. His mother, girlfriend, and brother Gianluca watched from the stands.

Legacy and growth

Simeone's journey from a Liga2 player to a World Cup debutant mirrors his father's path. He has grown through loans at Zaragoza and Alavés, and a stint with Argentina's Olympic team in Paris 2024. At Atlético Madrid, he has scored 12 goals in 104 appearances. His father, Diego Simeone, likely feels proud: "¿Qué me va a decir mi papá? Seguramente que está orgulloso de mí" .