Mandatory Credit: Mike Blake-Reuters via Imagn Images

Atletico Madrid 2025-26 Season Preview: Team Updates, New Signings, What to Expect, and More

Mandatory Credit: Mike Blake-Reuters via Imagn Images

The Spanish giants will begin their 123^rd season in existence in 2025/26. With renewed hopes and a rampant transfer season so far, the evergreen Diego Simeone is looking to win at least one, if not more, silverware this season.

The 2024/25 season was bittersweet for Atletico as they broke their all-time record with 14 consecutive game victories in all competitions but failed to win any trophy – finishing third in La Liga, semi-finals of Copa Del Rey, Round of 16 in Champions League and group stage exit in Club World Cup.

Johnny Cardoso, reporting for red and white duty 🫡 pic.twitter.com/MjQC0YRqnw
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) August 6, 2025

New Signings and Team Updates

Atletico are moving fast in the transfer window, having already bought 9 players. So far, they have signed Alex Baena, the left winger from Villareal and midfielders Johnny Cardoso and Thiago Almada from Real Betis and Botafogo respectively.

For the backline, they opted for goalkeeper Juan Musso from Atalanta, David Hancko from Villarreal, Santiago Mourino from Alaves, Clement Lenglet from Barcelona as centre-backs, and full-backs Matteo Ruggeri from Atalanta and Marc Pibull from UD Almeria.

Rodrigo De Paul set to return at the end of this year on loan from Inter Miami. Other departures include Samuel Lino, Arthur Vermeeren, Santiago Mourino, Rodrigo Riquelme and Angel Correa.

New colors 😍 pic.twitter.com/19ROhKzDzU
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) August 4, 2025

What to expect

In LaLiga, Atletico will be a force to be reckoned with as always. However, with Real Madrid and Barcelona’s team looking stronger than last season, it will be quite the uphill climb to challenge for the league title. Copa del Rey is a title they could push for with good tactics and squad rotations. They will feature in the semi-finals of Supercopa De Espana against their city rivals in a challenging derby.

Certainly difficult, but not impossible for Simeone’s squad. Lastly, the UCL is every club’s target. However, Atletico are not the current favorites to win it against other European elites, unless their new signings can bring some magic to the pitch.

ALSO READ: Manchester City 2025-26 Season Preview: Team Updates, New Signings, What to Expect and More

Atletico Madrid

La Liga 2025-26

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.