Koke

On October 14, 2013, Koke made his debut for the Spain national team in a World Cup qualifier against Georgia. The match took place in Albacete, Spain, and Koke played as a substitute. This marked the beginning of his international career with the national team, highlighting his growing importance and promising future as part of the Spanish midfield. His performance with Atlético Madrid had attracted the attention of the national team selectors, leading to this debut.

On June 1, 2013, Koke played a crucial role in helping Atlético Madrid win the Copa del Rey, the prestigious Spanish domestic cup competition. Atlético faced Real Madrid in a thrilling final at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Koke's performance in midfield was instrumental as Atlético emerged victorious, defeating their city rivals 2-1 after extra time. This victory was a significant achievement for Koke and his club, breaking Real Madrid's dominance in local encounters and earning them silverware.

On May 17, 2014, Koke was a key figure in Atlético Madrid's historic La Liga title win. The team secured the championship on the final matchday with a draw against Barcelona at Camp Nou. Koke's performances throughout the season were vital to Atlético's success, providing creativity and resilience in midfield. This title win was Atlético's first in La Liga since 1996 and solidified Koke's reputation as one of the best midfielders in Europe, playing under coach Diego Simeone.

On May 28, 2016, Atlético Madrid faced Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League final held at San Siro Stadium in Milan. Koke was an essential part of the team throughout the tournament, playing a significant role in their run to the final. Despite a valiant effort, Atlético lost to their city rivals in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw. Koke's contributions were praised, but the defeat was hard-fought and showcased the intensity of the Madrid derby on the European stage.

On October 16, 2018, Koke reached a significant milestone by playing his 400th competitive match for Atlético Madrid. His longevity and consistency with the club have made him a key player, embodying the values and style of play that Atlético is known for under Diego Simeone. This achievement highlighted his career-long commitment to the club he joined as a youth, and he continued to be a vital presence in midfield, contributing both defensively and offensively.

In August 2019, following the retirement of Diego Godín, Koke was appointed as the captain of Atlético Madrid. This appointment was a recognition of his leadership qualities, experience, and long-standing commitment to the club. As captain, Koke took on greater responsibility both on and off the pitch, representing the team's values and leading by example. His elevation to captaincy marked a new chapter in his career, as he sought to guide Atlético to further successes.

On January 9, 2020, Koke helped Atlético Madrid win the Supercopa de España with a victory over Barcelona. The tournament was held in Saudi Arabia, and Atlético faced Barcelona in the semifinals. Koke scored a decisive goal as Atlético secured a place in the final, where they ultimately emerged victorious. This victory added another domestic trophy to Koke's collection and exemplified his ability to impact crucial matches, underscoring his importance to the team.

On May 22, 2021, Koke played a pivotal role as Atlético Madrid clinched their second La Liga title during his tenure. The team's triumph came at the end of a dramatic season, culminating in a 2-1 victory over Valladolid on the final day to secure the championship. Koke's leadership and experience were crucial throughout the campaign, as he provided stability and creativity in midfield. This victory solidified his status as a club legend, having been instrumental in multiple title-winning seasons.

In June 2021, Koke was an integral part of the Spanish national team as they competed in the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament, which was held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Koke played in midfield, contributing to Spain's journey to the semifinals, where they faced Italy. His performances were characterized by his typical work rate, technical skill, and tactical awareness, all of which helped Spain reach the later stages of the competition. His involvement in Euro 2020 further demonstrated his importance to the national team setup.

On September 18, 2022, Koke became Atlético Madrid's all-time leading appearance maker, surpassing previous records and cementing his status as a club icon. This milestone was celebrated during a La Liga match, acknowledging his dedication to the club throughout his career. Koke's accomplishments are a testament to his consistency, loyalty, and ability to maintain high-performance levels over many seasons. His record reflects the significant impact he has had on Atlético Madrid and his lasting legacy at the club.