Giovanni Simeone


Giovanni Pablo Simeone Baldini, also known as El Cholito, is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a striker for club Cagliari, on loan from Fiorentina, and the Argentina national team. He is the eldest among three sons of former footballer and current Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone.

Early life

The son of former Argentine international footballer Diego Simeone and Carolina Baldini, Giovanni Simeone was born in Madrid while his father was playing for Atlético Madrid. His family moved to Italy in 1997, but later returned to Spain in 2003 following his father's career club changes. Two years later he moved to Argentina, and joined River Plate's youth setup in 2008 when his father was appointed coach of the first team. He has two younger brothers, Gianluca and Giuliano. He holds both Argentine and Spanish nationality, but represents Argentina internationally.

Club career

River Plate

After progressing through the youth ranks, Simeone signed a three-year professional deal with the club in November 2011. In July 2013 he was called up by the main squad for the pre-season, Simeone made his league debut on 4 August 2013, starting and playing the full 90 minutes in a 0–1 away loss against Gimnasia La Plata. Later that month he renewed his contract, signing until 2016. Simeone scored his first professional goal on 8 September, netting the second of a 3–0 home win against Tigre.

Loan to Banfield

On 6 July 2015, Simeone joined fellow Argentine Primera División side Banfield on a season-long loan deal. On 12 July 2015, he scored the match-winning goal on his debut in a 1–0 victory against Quilmes.

Genoa

On 18 August 2016, Simeone signed for Italian club Genoa for €3 million. He scored his first goal, on his first start for the club in a 1–1 draw with Pescara on 25 September 2016. On 27 November, Simeone netted a brace in Genoa 3–1 win over Serie A leaders, Juventus.

Fiorentina

Among speculation of Atlético Madrid's interest in signing the young player to be coached by his father Diego Simeone, Giovanni signed with Serie A club Fiorentina on August 16, 2017 for an undisclosed fee. On April 29, 2018, Simeone completed his first hat-trick in Serie A in Fiorentina's 3–0 win against Napoli.

Cagliari

On 30 August 2019, Simeone joined Cagliari Calcio on a year-long loan deal from Fiorentina, which includes an obligatory purchase clause at the end of the period.

International career

Capped for Argentina at under-20 level, Simeone finished as top scorer at the 2015 South American Youth Football Championship, helping Argentina win its fifth title in the competition.
On 8 September 2018, Simeone scored on his senior international debut, in a 3–0 friendly win over Guatemala in Los Angeles.
He was part of a team that won the friendly Adidas Cup against Mexico in November 2018

Style of play

Simeone is an elegant yet powerful and opportunistic forward with an eye for goal, who is capable of playing anywhere along the front line; although he has been deployed as a second striker, he has also been used in a central role as a main striker, and is a competent and efficient finisher with both feet, despite being naturally right footed. A tenacious and energetic player, he is known for his work-rate and defensive contribution off the ball, and often drops into midfield in order to help his team win back possession. He is also known for his speed and intelligent attacking movement, which enables him to create space and provide depth for his team. Regarded as a promising young player, he also possesses good technical skills, as well as flair and finesse on the ball, and is capable of linking-up with his teammates and bringing other forwards into play.

Career statistics

Club

International

International goals

#DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
1.7 September 2018Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, United States3–03–0Friendly

Honours

Club

;River Plate
;Argentina

Performances