Rodrigo Riquelme

Rodrigo Riquelme Reche was born on February 2, 2000, in Madrid, Spain. He began playing football at a very young age, joining the youth setup at Rayo Vallecano before moving to Atlético Madrid's academy. His early start in football and subsequent development in a top club's youth system laid the foundation for his professional career.

Rodrigo Riquelme made his professional debut for Atlético Madrid on August 10, 2019, in a pre-season friendly match against Numancia. While it was not an official competitive match, it marked Riquelme's first appearance with the senior squad, showcasing his talent and the club's trust in his abilities as a midfielder and a winger.

On September 1, 2019, Rodrigo Riquelme made his official La Liga debut for Atlético Madrid in a match against Eibar. Riquelme came on as a substitute and helped his team secure a 3-2 victory. This appearance marked his entry into top-flight football in Spain, playing under the management of Diego Simeone.

In October 2020, Rodrigo Riquelme was loaned to AFC Bournemouth in the English Championship for the 2020-2021 season. This move was aimed at providing him with more playing time and experience in a competitive environment outside Spain. During his loan, Riquelme showed his capabilities as an effective midfielder with a flair for attack and creativity.

Following his return from England, Rodrigo Riquelme was loaned to CD Mirandés for the 2021-2022 season. Competing in Spain's Segunda División, Riquelme continued to develop his skills and showcased his ability to perform consistently in a demanding league. His time in Mirandés helped him mature as a player and gain valuable match experience.

In August 2022, Rodrigo Riquelme went on another loan spell, this time to Girona FC, a club competing in La Liga. The loan for the 2022-2023 season was part of Atlético Madrid's plan to help Riquelme gain experience in Spain's top division consistently. At Girona, Riquelme had the opportunity to play against top-level competition week in and week out.

On May 7, 2023, Rodrigo Riquelme scored a memorable goal against Real Madrid in La Liga, showcasing his talent and potential on a big stage. His performance during this match drew attention for its quality and confidence, further cementing his reputation as a rising star in Spanish football.

Rodrigo Riquelme was part of the Spanish U21 national team that participated in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 2023. He played a vital role in Spain's campaign, contributing with both goals and assists that helped the team reach the latter stages of the tournament. His performances highlighted his ability to perform at an international level.

In August 2023, Rodrigo Riquelme returned to Atlético Madrid for the pre-season, preparing for the new football season. This period was crucial for Riquelme as he aimed to secure a spot in the first team squad under manager Diego Simeone. His involvement in the pre-season showed the club's interest in integrating him into their plans for the future.

Rodrigo Riquelme made his return to competitive football with Atlético Madrid in September 2023 after spending the previous seasons on loan. His reintegration into the team marked an important milestone in his career, showing his growth as a player and Atlético's continued belief in his potential to contribute to their campaign in La Liga.