Pablo Barrios has been promoted to the captaincy group at Atletico Madrid, as reported by Marca on Thursday. The 23-year-old academy graduate rises in the squad's hierarchy following the loan departure of José María Giménez to Deportivo La Coruña.
Barrios now sits behind Koke, Jan Oblak, and Marcos Llorente in the order to wear the armband. His promotion comes after a strong start to the season where he has been a key figure for Diego Simeone, providing an assist in the win over Sevilla. The central midfielder has overcome past injury troubles with specific summer work, including a new diet and preventative habits.
What does this promotion mean for Barrios?
This appointment underscores the complete trust of the club and manager in a homegrown player. Barrios was already seen as a leader on the pitch, but now his voice carries official weight in the dressing room. His rise has been rapid, establishing him as an undisputed starter in Atletico's midfield. Last season, his injuries in the final stretch were a significant blow to the team, which ultimately failed to win silverware.
His new status coincides with a period of excellent form. According to our stats page, Barrios averages over 50 passes per match with an accuracy above 88% in the current LaLiga campaign. His ball recovery is also key, averaging more than 2.5 interceptions per game. These numbers highlight his tactical importance beyond leadership.
How does the captaincy structure now look?
The exit of Antoine Griezmann this past summer had already prompted an adjustment, elevating Marcos Llorente to the third spot. Now, the departure of Giménez, one of the historic captains, opens the door for Barrios. The Uruguayan was loaned out on the final day of the transfer window, a decision the club made to ensure the defender gets playing time. The current captaincy order is therefore Koke, Oblak, Llorente, and Barrios.
This new hierarchy reflects a generational transition within the squad. While Koke and Oblak represent experience and seniority, Llorente and Barrios embody the present and immediate future of the project. You can view the full squad composition on our squad page.
What is Barrios's role in Simeone's team?
Diego Simeone has built his midfield around Barrios for several seasons now. The Argentine manager considers him indispensable for the team's balance, contributing both in creation and recovery. "He is a cornerstone for Simeone," stated the Marca report, noting how the coach tried to manage his minutes last campaign to prevent injuries.
The match load was excessive last season, surpassing 60 games across all competitions. This led to recurring muscle issues that even prevented him from going to the World Cup with his national team. The work done this summer aims to break that injury cycle. His presence is vital for Atletico's ambitions this season, where the club is competing in LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League group stage.
The team faces a demanding schedule, with a next league match against Real Betis on Sunday, September 6th, as listed on our fixtures page.
