Jun 23, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; Atletico De Madrid Diego Simeone reacts against Botafogo during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

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Alex Baena Inherits Atlético Madrid’s No. 10 Shirt in Landmark Transfer

Atlético de Madrid have officially unveiled Alex Baena as their latest summer signing, and the 23-year-old Spanish international will wear the number 10 shirt — one of the most iconic in the club’s history.

A · L · E · X · M · A · N · Í · A pic.twitter.com/wOlgOfl0pM
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) July 28, 2025

A Number Steeped in Legacy

Wearing the No. 10 shirt at Atlético is no small feat. It is a number that has been worn by some of the club’s most cherished figures — legends like Gárate, Adelardo, Paulo Futre, Milinko Pantić, and more recently, Ángel Correa. For Baena, stepping into that lineage brings both honor and pressure, a symbol of trust from Diego Simeone’s side and belief in his creative capabilities.

The former Villarreal man signed a five-year contract that ties him to the Wanda Metropolitano until 2030. Known for his versatility, vision, and playmaking ability, Baena is expected to bring fresh attacking impetus to the Rojiblancos as they aim to build on last season’s third-place finish.

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Alex Baena- Star on the Rise

Baena arrives at Atlético after a breakout couple of seasons with Villarreal. In 2023-24, he led La Liga in assists with 14 and followed it up with another productive campaign — seven goals and nine assists in 32 league appearances in 2024-25. His performances didn’t go unnoticed at the international level either. Baena has already been capped ten times by Spain, scoring twice, and was part of the national squad that lifted the European Championship last summer under Luis de la Fuente.

The move to Atlético represents a major step forward for Baena, who will now be playing Champions League football in red and white. His creativity and set-piece ability are expected to complement the tactical discipline of Simeone’s system.

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What’s Next for Atleti?

Baena is not the only new face at Atleti this summer. The club has also completed the signing of left-back Matteo Ruggeri from Atalanta as they aim to reshape the squad for a deeper European run. With the addition of Alex Baena, Atleti seem to be signaling a slightly more adventurous approach in attack — and a new No. 10 could be central to that evolution.

As the 2025-26 season approaches, all eyes will be on Baena to see whether he can live up to the legendary weight of the shirt — and lead Atlético to new heights.