The LaLiga Rising Stars series returns by highlighting Pablo Barrios, the young Atletico Madrid midfielder who continues to impress Spanish football fans. “It’s been a long time since a player from the academy has shown such a high level,” said Diego Simeone about Pablo Barrios. Simeone’s praise did not come lightly during the 11 years the coach served at Los Blancos. Hence, it’s not surprising that the 19-year-old midfielder recently won a new contract until 2028.
Simeone’s praise aside, it’s hard not to be captivated by Barrios’ game. Barrios often appears fearless. Every time he played, he always showed high performance. He is also adept at fitting in with his teammates, even if they are among the best players in the world.
One example came against Real Oviedo in the Copa del Rey. Barrios, who only came on in the 61st minute, immediately provided a cross that split the line of defense for Nahuel Molina, World Cup winner with Argentina, to launch a dangerous attack. In the same game, he scored a very important second goal in his team’s 2-0 victory. Barrios played a big part in a scintillating team move that involved 18 passes before scoring a goal.
It wasn’t even his first goal for Atleti. His first goal was scored in another Copa del Rey match against CD Arenteiro. Courage is something Barrios has displayed throughout his young but promising career. He loves taking on opponents, coming up with all kinds of tricks and maneuvers to dribble past them.
Stealing Attention in the UEFA Youth League
Barrios’ name became known when he played for the Atletico youth team in the UEFA Youth League competition last season. He started all 10 games on his side’s run to the semi-finals and scored twice in the 3-2 win over Real Madrid.
The victory was especially satisfying for Barrios, as he started his youth career at the Los Merengues academy before moving to Atletico in 2017. The player has also learned from several Atletico giants, such as Fernando Torres who was his coach last season in the Youth League.
Simeone gave him the opportunity to join the first team in October for the LaLiga Santander game against Cadiz CF. “I still couldn’t believe it when I was called up for the match against Cadiz CF,” recalls Barrios. “I was warming up on the sidelines and was called by the coach. Simeone told me to be calm, to be brave, not to be afraid and to play with speed.”
Barrios’ biggest moment so far was when he broke into the starting line-up against FC Barcelona in LaLiga Santander. Atleti did lose the game, but Barrios played well against the leaders. The fact he started such an important game shows how much Simeone believes in the midfielder.
Another big sign of confidence came when ATM awarded him a senior contract until 2028 with a minimum sale clause of 100 million euros, also giving him the number 24 in the first team squad. “I came here when I was a kid and Atleti have given me everything, not only on the pitch but also life values,” Barrios said when his new contract was announced. “It’s a dream come true, to be part of the dressing room of the players and coaches that I usually see on television. Now, I have to keep working hard to give my best.”
