Diego Godín was a fearsome and inspirational Uruguayan centre-back, the defensive heart of the Atlético Madrid side that challenged Spain’s giants under Diego Simeone. Uncompromising, brave and a threat from set-pieces, he embodied the resilience and spirit of that team.
His header sealed a memorable La Liga title, and he was a mainstay of a Uruguay defence renowned for its obduracy. He is regarded as one of the finest defenders of his generation.