{"id":1122316,"date":"2020-09-23T16:50:39","date_gmt":"2020-09-23T15:50:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?p=1122316"},"modified":"2020-09-23T16:57:10","modified_gmt":"2020-09-23T15:57:10","slug":"atletico-madrid-strikers-ranked","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/atletico-madrid-strikers-ranked\/","title":{"rendered":"Ranking every Atletico Madrid striker of the 21st century"},"content":{"rendered":"

It goes without saying goals win games and those primarily responsible are the strikers. Now we’ve got that out of the way, let’s talk about Atl\u00e9tico Madrid.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Why? Well, no club this century has boasted a stellar array of number nines as prolific as Atleti’s.<\/p>\n

Just going through the list will leave your mouth on the floor, it’s a who’s who of goalscorers. That being said, the club \u2013 which not long ago were playing in the Spanish second division and have collected one league title since 1996 \u2013 haven’t always been successful in regards to recruitment. There have been some duds along the way.<\/p>\n

Even when they do strike gold, not many hang around long enough to take the club to even greater heights; the production line continues and the next best thing attends Atletico Madrid’s unrivalled finishing school. Whenever one great striker leaves, another arrives. They’re never short of a goalscorer and indeed having just sold Alvaro Morata are about to add Luis Su\u00e1rez to their ranks.<\/p>\n

So, with that being said, we’ve decided to rank their centre-forwards (who have played at least 10 times) since the year 2000.<\/p>\n

18. Jackson Mart\u00ednez<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Atletico de Madrid Forward, Jackson Martinez – JACKSON MARTINEZ, number 11 . Round 9 of the BBVA league soccer match between Atletico de Madrid – Valencia CF at the Vicente Calderon estadium Madrid – Spain by October 25 2015.<\/p><\/div>\n

Time at club:<\/strong> 2015-16
\nAppearances:<\/strong> 22
\nGoals:<\/strong> 3
\nTrophies won:<\/strong> None<\/p>\n

One of the many South American footballers who enhanced their reputation at Portuguese giants FC Porto, having bagged 94 goals across 143 matches, the Colombian marksman’s time in Madrid was, to say the least, brief.<\/p>\n

Mart\u00ednez barely enjoyed six months at Atleti, whom he joined for a reported \u00a324.8m, before relocating to Chinese Super League outfit Guangzhou Evergrande in January 2016.<\/p>\n

17. Nikola Kalinic<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Time at club:<\/strong> 2018-present
\nAppearances:<\/strong> 24
\nGoals:<\/strong> 4
\nTrophies won:<\/strong> None<\/p>\n

Kalinic joined Atleti midway through the 2018 window as a player to add depth in attack to a side desperately lacking it. With his size and mobility it looked at least a decent move, if not a show-stopping one.<\/p>\n

Kalinic was a major disappointment however and lasted just a single season before being loaned out to Roma. He didn’t fare much better in Serie A, however, and is now technically back at Madrid before the new season though it’s hard to imagine he’ll be here long.<\/p>\n

16. Mista<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Time at club:<\/strong> 2006-08
\nAppearances:<\/strong> 45
\nGoals:<\/strong> 6
\nTrophies won:<\/strong> None<\/p>\n

The former Real Madrid youth graduate would join Los Blancos’ fierce rivals in 2006 having enjoyed spells at Tenerife and Valencia where he collected two La Liga titles as well as the 2004 UEFA Cup under Rafael Benitez.<\/p>\n

Mista would\u00a0score in the aforementioned final against Marseille, but he must have misplaced his goalscoring boots as the Caravaca-born striker rarely found the back of the net for Los Rojiblancos. He retired in 2010 after short spells with Deportivo and Toronto FC.<\/p>\n

15. Florent Sinama-Pongolle<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Time at club:<\/strong> 2008-10
\nAppearances:<\/strong> 57
\nGoals:<\/strong> 7
\nTrophies won:<\/strong> None<\/p>\n

A lot was expected of Sinama Pongolle when he joined Liverpool<\/span> in 2001 from French club Le Havre, but he flattered to deceive, not being a regular mainstay under G\u00e9rard Houllier and then Rafael Benitez played a role, though consensus suggests it was one move too big.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, the Frenchman had his moments, none bigger than the part he played in Liverpool’s<\/span> win over Olympiacos in their 2004\/05 Champions League winning campaign. After enjoying a loan spell at Blackburn (2006), he’d join Recreativo before moving onto Atl\u00e9tico where goals were hard to come by.<\/p>\n

14. Mateja Ke\u017eman<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Time at club:<\/strong> 2005-06
\nAppearances:<\/strong> 30
\nGoals:<\/strong> 8
\nTrophies won:<\/strong> None<\/p>\n

Prior to joining Chelsea<\/span>, the man dubbed “Batman” was seen in some quarters as one of Europe’s most feared strikers.<\/p>\n

His tenure at Dutch powerhouse PSV Eindhoven\u00a0helped forge that reputation, which disappeared as he struggled to adapt to the rigours of Premier League<\/span> football; he’d leave Chelsea<\/span> after spending one season (2004\/05) at Stamford Bridge.<\/p>\n

Kezman’s destination was Atl\u00e9tico, but the Spanish capital was no better than England’s as it soon became clear his prowess in front of goal was starting to wane. Again, it was a single-season stay as the powers that be at the Vicente Calder\u00f3n decided to cut their losses and move him onto Fenerbah\u00e7e where he started to enjoy his football once again.<\/p>\n

13. Adri\u00e1n L\u00f3pez<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Atletico Madrid’s Adrian Lopez celebrates scoring his side’s first goal<\/p><\/div>\n

Time at club:<\/strong> 2011-14
\nAppearances:<\/strong> 142
\nGoals:<\/strong> 26
\nTrophies won:<\/strong> La Liga 2013\/14, Copa del Rey 2012\/13, UEFA Europa League 2011\/12, UEFA Super Cup 2012<\/p>\n

Signed as a free agent a few months before Diego Simeone took charge, the Teverga-born forward would become a regular presence under the Argentine tactician before joining FC Porto.<\/p>\n

His most significant goal came against Chelsea<\/span> at Stamford Bridge in their 2014 Champions League semi-final meeting, Atl\u00e9tico’s ultimate victory saw them reach a first European Cup final since 1974, but they could not bring home the big prize as arch-rivals Real Madrid \u2013 under Carlo Ancelotti \u2013 would secure a historic 10th title in Lisbon.<\/p>\n

12. Salva Ballesta<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Time at club:<\/strong> 2000-01 and 2004-05 (loan)
\nAppearances:<\/strong> 53
\nGoals:<\/strong> 28
\nTrophies won:<\/strong> None<\/p>\n

An impressive spell with Racing Santander, registering 29 league goals in 52 games, convinced Atl\u00e9tico \u2013 then in the Spanish second division \u2013 that Salva Ballesta was the man to restore their top-flight status.<\/p>\n

Despite bagging 21 goals across 25 matches, it wasn’t enough to see Atl\u00e9tico go up as they missed out on promotion due to an inferior goal difference. He’d subsequently leave for Valencia before returning on loan from Bolton for the 2004\/05 season.<\/p>\n

11. Kevin Gameiro<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Time at club:<\/strong> 2016-18
\nAppearances:<\/strong>\u00a083
\nGoals:<\/strong> 27
\nTrophies won:<\/strong>\u00a0Europa League 2017\/18<\/p>\n

Three productive seasons with Sevilla, whom he joined from Paris Saint-Germain where he enjoyed a modest spell, was enough for Atl\u00e9tico to part with \u00a328m for his services.<\/p>\n

An effective squad player, his tireless work ethic and willingness to chase down lost causes, as well as pressing the opposition defence, is something that attracted Atleti manager Simeone. However, the arrival of Nikola Kalinic in the summer of 2018 saw the Frenchman deemed surplus to requirements\u00a0and he made the permanent switch to Valencia.<\/p>\n

10. Alvaro Morata<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Time at club:\u00a0<\/strong>2018-present<\/p>\n

Appearances:<\/strong> 61<\/p>\n

Goals:<\/strong> 22<\/p>\n

Trophies won:\u00a0<\/strong>None<\/p>\n

After a failed spell at Chelsea, Morata joined Atletico Madrid initially on an 18-month loan and then permanently, looking for home comforts in his native Spain.<\/p>\n

His spell on the other half of Madrid was a mixed bag, with a few good scoring runs ultimately let down by disappointments in the biggest games. Morata had everything to thrive under Simeone but could never find the killer instinct his coach wanted, and so when the chance to sign Luis Su\u00e1rez emerged, Morata was instantly shipped back to Juventus to make room.<\/p>\n

9. Mario Mandzukic<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Time at club:<\/strong> 2014-15
\nAppearances:<\/strong> 43
\nGoals:<\/strong> 20
\nTrophies won:<\/strong> Supercopa de Espa\u00f1a 2014<\/p>\n

A dependable member of any team he’s part of, Mandzukic, who earned 89 international caps with his native Croatia, is fondly remembered in Madrid, albeit being at Atl\u00e9tico for just one season.<\/p>\n

His goal return was a modest once every 154 minutes, but like David Villa, he brought more to the table. It’s honestly baffling that he wasn’t more successful here because he and Diego Simeone seemed like a match made in heaven. But that’s football for you.<\/p>\n

8. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Atletico Madrid<\/p><\/div>\n

Time at club:<\/strong> 1999-2000
\nAppearances:<\/strong> 43
\nGoals:<\/strong> 33
\nTrophies won:<\/strong> None<\/p>\n

Despite playing on no fewer than 23 occasions for the Dutch national team, Hasselbaink never played a single game in the Eredivisie and it was in Portugal, England and Spain where he essentially made his name.<\/p>\n

After two seasons with Leeds United, where he bagged 34 league goals in 69 appearances, he’d move to Atl\u00e9tico as the year 2000 approached. It was there he filled the void left by Christian Vieri and though it was one season playing for Los Rojiblancos, the Dutchman left with his reputation as a serial goalscorer enhanced.<\/p>\n

7. David Villa<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Time at club:<\/strong> 2013-14
\nAppearances:<\/strong> 47
\nGoals:<\/strong> 15
\nTrophies won:<\/strong> La Liga 2013\/14<\/p>\n

Following a trophy-laden period with Barcelona<\/span>, including an incredible first season (2010\/11) which saw him register a Champions League final goal, the former Valencia striker joined Atl\u00e9tico looking to make further history.<\/p>\n

And he did: Villa played an integral part in ending Atl\u00e9tico’s wait to become Spanish champions, which lasted 16 years, as well as seeing them reach a European Cup final after 40 years. Though he wasn’t as prolific as before, the experience and big match mentality he brought more than made up for it.<\/p>\n

6. Sergio Ag\u00fcero<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Time at club:<\/strong> 2006-11
\nAppearances:<\/strong> 230
\nGoals:<\/strong> 100
\nTrophies won:<\/strong> UEFA Europa League 2009\/10, UEFA Super Cup 2010<\/p>\n

On arrival, there was no question Aguero was among the most exciting young footballers in world football. He’d ultimately reach (and surpass) his potential and the role Atl\u00e9tico played in his development cannot be understated.<\/p>\n

Favourably compared to Brazil goalscoring legend Romario, the Argentine ‘number nine’ would forge a reputation that is very much intact today. His goals saw the Madrid side firmly establish themselves as Spain’s third club as well as becoming a presence in European football once again.<\/p>\n

You could even argue he did not play as the main centre-forward for large parts of his Atleti career.<\/p>\n

5. Diego Forl\u00e1n<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Time at club:<\/strong> 2007-11
\nAppearances:<\/strong> 198
\nGoals:<\/strong> 96
\nTrophies won:<\/strong> UEFA Europa League 2009\/10, UEFA Super Cup 2010<\/p>\n

Remembered in some parts for the length of time it took him to register his first goal for Manchester United, the former Uruguayan international became something of a legend in Spain.<\/p>\n

Forlan wasn’t the United version when he first pulled on the Villarreal shirt, before swapping that for Atl\u00e9tico’s, for one he was stone-cold lethal. So much so, he bagged the Pichichi Trophy, given to La Liga’s top scorer, on two occasions (2004\/05 and 2008\/09) as well as the European Golden Shoe in both those seasons.<\/p>\n

4. Diego Costa<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Diego Costa of Atletico de Madrid during the match Atletico de Madrid v Bayer Leverkusen, of UEFA Champions League 2019\/2020, date 3. Wanda Metropolitano Stadium. Madrid, Spain, 22 OCT 2019. (Photo by pressinphoto\/Sipa USA)<\/p><\/div>\n

Time at club:<\/strong> 2007-09, 2010-14 and 2018-present
\nAppearances:<\/strong> 209
\nGoals:<\/strong> 81
\nTrophies won:<\/strong> La Liga 2013\/14, Copa del Rey 2012\/13, UEFA Super Cup 2010, 2012 & 2018, Europa League 2017\/18.<\/p>\n

A polarizing figure, partly thanks to some notable antics, the love Costa has for Atl\u00e9tico is unquestionable and those who hold the club dear to heart idolise him in return.\u00a0The club’s top scorer in their 2013\/14 title-winning season, his 27 La Liga goals were just four fewer than Pichichi winner Cristiano Ronaldo.<\/p>\n

Costa\u00a0is a machine in front of goal, particularly during his second spell with the club (56 goals in 94 games) \u2013 before deciding to swap Madrid for west London and become a defender’s nightmare in England with Chelsea<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Since returning, after falling out with former Blues boss Antonio Conte, he initially picked up from where he left off. His double helped power Atleti’s first-ever win over Real Madrid in European competition as they won the 2018 Uefa Super Cup. Though he’s since struggled to get anywhere near his former level, although the potential of a Su\u00e1rez-Costa strike partnership is enticing.<\/p>\n

3. Antoine Griezmann<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Time at club:<\/strong> 2014-2019
\nAppearances:<\/strong> 257
\nGoals:<\/strong> 133
\nTrophies won:<\/strong> Supercopa de Espa\u00f1a 2014, Europa League 2017\/18, 2018 UEFA Super Cup<\/p>\n

Though raised in France, it was in Spain where the legend of Griezmann was born. A graduate of Real Sociedad’s esteemed academy, who signed the Frenchman after he impressed them whilst on trial with Montpellier, he’d bag over 50 goals before Atl\u00e9tico signed him in 2014.<\/p>\n

Since then Griezmann has not looked back, becoming the club’s talisman and poster boy, scoring goals at an alarming rate and drawing links to some of Europe’s biggest clubs. The Frenchman left the club for Barcelona<\/span> in 2019 and to say a bad taste has been left in the mouths of supporters would be a huge understatement.<\/p>\n

It was made all the more galling by how misused Griezmann was in his first season at Barcelona, to the point of rendering Simeone speechless when asked about it. With 133 goals and a few trophies in the bag for Atleti, could he too return one day?<\/p>\n

2. Radamel Falcao<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Time at club:<\/strong> 2011-13
\nAppearances:<\/strong> 91
\nGoals:<\/strong> 70
\nTrophies won:<\/strong> Copa del Rey 2012\/13, UEFA Europa League 2011\/12, UEFA Super Cup 2012<\/p>\n

Before the serious knee injury, there were few strikers more powerful and intimidating than El Tigre.<\/p>\n

The former River Plate marksman introduced himself to European audiences with FC Porto, before taking his talents to Atl\u00e9tico Madrid where he established himself as a ‘number nine’ par excellence.<\/p>\n

No defender was safe with Falcao around, his most ruthless exhibition being a 39-minute hat-trick against future club Chelsea<\/span> in the 2012 UEFA Super Cup final.<\/p>\n

1. Fernando Torres<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Madrid, Spain. 20th May 2017: Fernando Torres, forward from Atletico de Madrid, celebrating after scoring during LaLiga Santander round 38 against Eibar at Wanda Metropolitano. (Photo by: Ivan Abanades Medina \/ Cordon Press).<\/p><\/div>\n

Time at club:<\/strong> 2001-2007, 2015-16 (on loan) and 2016-2018
\nAppearances:<\/strong>\u00a0404
\nGoals:<\/strong> 129
\nTrophies won:<\/strong> Segunda Divisi\u00f3n 2001\/02, Europa League 2017\/18<\/p>\n

The golden child of Atl\u00e9tico Madrid and unquestionably their most successful youth product. Torres, whilst a prodigious youngster, became the club’s symbol (equal to the status possessed by Raul across Madrid at arch-rivals Real) and will go down as a legend for his services to Atleti’s cause.<\/p>\n

Torres would leave for Liverpool<\/span> in 2006, after representing Spain at that summer’s World Cup, but he never stopped loving\u00a0Los Colchoneroes\u00a0and when returning in 2015 the scenes that greeted him was befitting of an emotional homecoming.<\/p>\n

El Ni\u00f1o has since left his beloved Atleti for a final stint in the J1 League before retiring in August 2019. However, looking back at the 19-year-old striker that captained an Atleti side which included his current manager Diego Simeone and following his career through all the ups and downs; including an incredible return home where he hit double figures in each full season, notched his 100th La Liga goal and signed off with a brace in his last ever game, it is easy to see why Fernando Torres is adored, by fans and teammates alike.<\/p>\n

\n

Koke was finally able to play with his hero Fernando Torres when El Ni\u00f1o rejoined Atletico Madrid in 2014\/15.<\/p>\n

This is their last season together at their boyhood club. ? pic.twitter.com\/f07IG1f8mS<\/a><\/p>\n

— Play Squawka Selector for Free (@Squawka_Live) April 9, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n