Atlético Madrid’s identity is built on grit, passion and improbable resistance to their city rivals. These are the ten players who best carried the red-and-white banner.

1. 1

   Antoine Griezmann

   Atlético Madrid · France

   The club’s all-time leading goalscorer and the star of the modern Simeone sides.

2. 2

   Luis Aragonés

   Atlético Madrid · Spain

   Zapatones, a legendary figure as both a prolific player and a title-winning manager.

3. 3

   Fernando Torres

   Atlético Madrid · Spain

   El Niño, the homegrown hero adored across two spells at the club.

4. 4

   Diego Godín

   Atlético Madrid · Uruguay

   The iron-willed defensive leader of the Simeone era’s greatest nights.

5. 5

   Koke

   Atlético Madrid · Spain

   A one-club midfielder and the club’s record appearance-maker.

6. 6

   Adelardo

   Atlético Madrid · Spain

   A one-club great who served the Rojiblancos for a remarkable seventeen years.

7. 7

   Diego Forlán

   Atlético Madrid · Uruguay

   A prolific, two-footed striker who won the European Golden Shoe in red and white.

8. 8

   Paulo Futre

   Atlético Madrid · Portugal

   A thrilling, skilful forward and the darling of the late-1980s side.

9. 9

   Jan Oblak

   Atlético Madrid · Slovenia

   An elite goalkeeper and multiple winner of the award for La Liga’s best.

10. 10

    Sergio Agüero

    Atlético Madrid · Argentina

    A prodigious young striker whose Atlético years launched a stellar career.

A LeaguePaper editorial ranking — opinion, offered for argument.