Diego Simeone Net Worth

Diego Simeone net worth – What is the net worth of Diego Simeone? Diego Simeone is an Argentine professional football manager and former player who has a net worth of $130 million. Known as “El Cholo,” Simeone is best known for his long-standing tenure as the manager of Atlético Madrid, a position he has held since 2011. He is widely recognized as one of the best—and highest-paid—managers in the world, having transformed Atlético into a European powerhouse that disrupted the dominance of Real Madrid and Barcelona. As a player, he was a tenacious midfielder who won domestic titles in Spain and Italy and earned over 100 caps for the Argentina national team.

What is Diego Simeone’s Net Worth?

As of 2026, Diego Simeone has an estimated net worth of US $130 million. His wealth is almost entirely derived from his managerial career, specifically his unprecedented contract with Atlético Madrid. For several years, he was the highest-paid manager in world football, with a reported gross annual salary peaking at nearly €34 million ($37 million) before taking a reduction in his 2023 contract renewal.

Despite a pay cut to extend his stay until 2027, Simeone remains among the top earners in the sport. His financial portfolio also includes real estate investments in Spain and Argentina, as well as endorsement deals with brands like Range Rover.

Net Worth Comparison with Top Managers

Manager Estimated Net Worth
Diego Simeone $130 Million
Pep Guardiola $100 Million
José Mourinho $120 Million
Carlo Ancelotti $50 Million
Jürgen Klopp $55 Million
Zinedine Zidane $120 Million

Diego Simeone Net Worth Growth Timeline

Year Net Worth
2018 $50.0 Million
2020 $80.0 Million
2022 $110.0 Million
2024 $120.0 Million
2026 $130.0 Million

Who is Diego Simeone?

Diego Pablo Simeone was born on April 28, 1970, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He is the manager of Atlético Madrid and a former defensive midfielder known for his tireless work rate, tactical intelligence, and aggressive style of play. As a manager, he created a philosophy known as “Cholismo”—a style defined by defensive solidity, counter-attacking intensity, and collective sacrifice. He is the most successful manager in Atlético Madrid’s history, having won two La Liga titles and reached two Champions League finals.

Diego Simeone Biography

Field Details
Full Name Diego Pablo Simeone González
Nickname El Cholo
Date of Birth April 28, 1970
Age 55 years
Birthplace Buenos Aires, Argentina
Nationality Argentine
Profession Football Manager, Former Player
Current Team Atlético Madrid
Height 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in)
Net Worth $130 million
Marital Status Married
Spouse Carla Pereyra (m. 2019)
Children Giovanni, Gianluca, Giuliano, Francesca, Valentina

Early Life and Education

Diego Simeone grew up in the Palermo district of Buenos Aires. His father was an amateur footballer, and Diego was obsessed with the sport from a young age. He earned the nickname “Cholo” from a youth coach, Oscar Nesi, who compared his energetic playstyle to former Boca Juniors player Carmelo Simeone (no relation).

He joined the youth system of Vélez Sarsfield, making his professional debut at age 17. His grit and leadership were evident early on; he was known for being the first to arrive at training and the last to leave.

Career

Playing Career

Simeone enjoyed a distinguished playing career in Europe. After leaving Vélez, he played for Pisa in Italy, then moved to Sevilla and later Atlético Madrid, where he became a club legend by winning the historic domestic double (La Liga and Copa del Rey) in the 1995–96 season.

He later moved to Italy, winning the UEFA Cup with Inter Milan and the Serie A title with Lazio. Internationally, he earned 106 caps for Argentina, winning two Copa América titles (1991, 1993) and a silver medal at the 1996 Olympics.

Managerial Career

Simeone began managing in Argentina, winning league titles with Estudiantes and River Plate. In December 2011, he returned to Atlético Madrid as head coach. He transformed a struggling mid-table side into a European juggernaut. Under his tenure, Atlético won the Europa League (2012, 2018), the Copa del Rey (2013), and La Liga (2014, 2021). He is the longest-serving manager currently in La Liga.

Personal Life

Simeone was previously married to Carolina Baldini for two decades. They have three sons together: Giovanni (plays for Napoli), Gianluca, and Giuliano (plays for Atlético Madrid). All three sons are professional footballers.

In 2019, Simeone married Argentine model Carla Pereyra in a secret civil ceremony in Tuscany. The couple has two daughters, Francesca and Valentina. Simeone is known for his all-black touchline attire, which he considers his “suit of armor.”

Favorite Things

Category Favorite
Outfit All-Black Suit and Shirt
Food Argentine Asado (BBQ)
Pastime Chess (for tactical thinking)
City Madrid, Spain
Mentality “Partido a Partido” (Game by game)

50 Unknown Facts about Diego Simeone

  1. He famously got David Beckham sent off in the 1998 World Cup by exaggerating contact after a kick.

  2. He is the only manager in Atlético Madrid history to win the league twice.

  3. His contract extension in 2023 keeps him at the club until 2027.

  4. He once said playing without a knife between your teeth is not playing.

  5. He scored a goal on his debut for the Argentina national team in 1988.

  6. He has a superstition about horoscope signs and their effect on player personalities.

  7. He prefers to sign players who are “brave” over those who are just talented.

  8. He played alongside Diego Maradona at Sevilla and for Argentina.

  9. He is the winningest coach in Atlético Madrid history.

  10. His son Giuliano made his debut for Atlético under his father’s management.

  11. He wears black because he believes it projects authority and elegance.

  12. He admits to being a terrible loser and often cannot sleep after a defeat.

  13. He won the Serie A title as a player with Lazio in 2000.

  14. He has a fear of flying but travels constantly for work.

  15. He was 14 years old when he was a ball boy for a Boca Juniors game.

  16. He demands that his players weigh themselves every single morning.

  17. He has faced Real Madrid in two Champions League finals (2014, 2016) and lost both.

  18. He considers the Vicente Calderón (old stadium) his spiritual home.

  19. He was named the IFFHS World’s Best Club Coach in 2016.

  20. He has a very close relationship with his sister, Natalia, who is also his agent.

  21. He drives a Range Rover to training.

  22. He once ran onto the pitch during a game to tackle a player during his early managing days (almost).

  23. He forbids mobile phones during team meals.

  24. He studies opponent set-pieces obsessively.

  25. He is known for whipping up the crowd with his arms during quiet moments in games.

  26. He played for Inter Milan with the Brazilian legend Ronaldo.

  27. He won the UEFA Cup as a player (Inter 1998) and twice as a manager (Atletico 2012, 2018).

  28. He has lived in the exclusive La Finca neighborhood in Madrid.

  29. He rarely gives one-on-one interviews.

  30. He believes in “suffering” on the pitch as a path to victory.

  31. He has a tattoo of the Olympic rings on his leg.

  32. He was the first Argentine manager to win the UEFA Europa League.

  33. He claims he would never manage Real Madrid out of respect for Atleti.

  34. He enjoys playing paddle tennis in his spare time.

  35. He has been sent to the stands multiple times for arguing with referees.

  36. He coached Racing Club in Argentina twice.

  37. He considers his style “vertical football” rather than defensive.

  38. He has a handshake ritual with his staff before every match.

  39. He credits his mother for his discipline.

  40. He was teammates with current Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola at one point (briefly crossed paths in playing eras/leagues).

  41. He has won the Zamora Trophy (lowest goals conceded) for his goalkeepers multiple times (Courtois, Oblak).

  42. He drinks mate (Argentine herbal tea) daily.

  43. He has a release clause in his contract, though it is reportedly very high.

  44. He reduced his salary by nearly 30% to help the club with Financial Fair Play in 2023.

  45. He has never managed a national team but is often linked to the Argentina job.

  46. He speaks Spanish and Italian fluently.

  47. He was a ball boy at the 1978 World Cup in Argentina.

  48. He considers the 2014 La Liga title win at the Camp Nou his greatest achievement.

  49. He is the longest-tenured manager in Europe’s top five leagues (as of 2026).

  50. His nickname “El Cholo” has no specific meaning other than being a common nickname in Argentina.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Diego Simeone?

Diego Simeone is 55 years old (as of early 2026).

Who is Diego Simeone’s wife?

He is married to Carla Pereyra, an Argentine model.

How much does Diego Simeone earn?

He is one of the highest-paid managers in the world, with a salary estimated around $30+ million annually (gross) before his recent pay adjustment.

Which team does Diego Simeone manage in 2026?

He is still the manager of Atlético Madrid.

How many sons does Diego Simeone have?

He has three sons: Giovanni, Gianluca, and Giuliano. All three are professional football players.

Did Diego Simeone win the Champions League?

No, he reached the final twice (2014 and 2016) but lost both times to Real Madrid.

Why does Diego Simeone wear all black?

He has stated that he wears black suits because they represent the seriousness and elegance required for his role, and partly out of superstition.

What is “Cholismo”?

Cholismo is the philosophy associated with Simeone’s Atletico Madrid, characterized by defensive discipline, high work rate, counter-attacking, and a “team-first” mentality.

Is Diego Simeone the highest-paid manager?

Yes, for many years he held the title of the highest-paid manager in football, surpassing even Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp.

When does Diego Simeone’s contract end?

His current contract runs until June 2027.

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