Atletico Madrid top scorers of all time: One ex-Premier League star, the endless Griezmann

Since Diego Simeone took the helm in 2011, Atletico Madrid has truly transformed into a "dragon," emerging as a powerhouse in European football. Over 15 years of leadership, the Argentine strategist, known for his rugged, fiery playing style as a professional, has turned his beloved team into an obstacle no club wants to face due to the branded "black magic" of Cholismo. 

However, if you think Simeone only knows how to train brawny defenders, perhaps the offside flag should be raised. Under the Simeone era, the board at the Wanda Metropolitano has profited from strikers on the negotiation table even more significantly than from defensive stars. Simeone’s number 9s are not always flashy, but they prove effective through the sheer number of goals scored each season.

If it is hard to visualize, look at Antoine Griezmann, Radamel Falcao, Fernando Torres, or currently Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth. In reality, before Simeone arrived, the Red and White history was already deeply inked by a series of legends. This article by Spbolivescore will discuss a contrasting world, one that leans toward beauty compared to the rough play of Los Rojiblancos: the list of Atletico Madrid top scorers of all time.

Atletico Madrid top scorers of all time

10. José Juncosa (103 goals)

Juncosa found the back of the net 103 times for the club. Joining from RCD Espanyol in 1944, the Spanish forward dedicated 11 seasons to Atletico until 1955. Throughout 188 appearances, Juncosa was a pillar of the team that secured back-to-back La Liga titles in 1949-50 and 1950-51. His most explosive season came in 1947-48 when he netted 22 league goals. 

Known for his tactical intelligence, Juncosa retired in 1955 at the age of 33 while still wearing the Red and White stripes. He passed away in 2003, leaving a legacy as one of the post-war era's finest attackers.

9. Enrique Collar (105 goals)

Collar, the legendary "Nino de Oro," scored 105 goals in a staggering 470 competitive fixtures. Serving as captain for a record 10 seasons, Collar was the heart of the club from 1952 to 1969. He was instrumental in winning the 1961-62 European Cup Winners' Cup and the 1965-66 La Liga title. After leaving Atletico, he played for Valencia before retiring in 1970 at age 35.

8. Adelardo Rodríguez (113 goals)

A true icon of longevity, Rodríguez scored 113 goals from a central midfield position across 504 matches between 1959 and 1976. Despite being a midfielder, his ability to arrive late in the box made him a prolific scorer. Adelardo won 3 La Liga titles and 5 Copa del Rey trophies. He retired at age 36 in 1976 and remains one of the most respected figures in Spanish football history.

7. Joaquín Peiró (125 goals)

Peiró, nicknamed "The Greyhound," netted 125 goals in just 219 official games between 1955 and 1962. This incredible efficiency allowed him to help the club win 2 Copa del Rey titles and the European Cup Winners' Cup. Peiró later moved to Italy, finding great success with Inter Milan and Roma. He finished his career with 166 total club goals and transitioned into a successful managerial career before passing away in 2020.

6. Fernando Torres (129 goals)

"El Niño" is perhaps the most beloved figure on this list. Across 2 spells (2001-2007 and 2015-2018), Torres scored 129 goals in 403 appearances. He debuted as a 17-year-old against Leganés and became the club’s youngest captain at 19. His most emotional moment was winning the 2017-18 UEFA Europa League, his only major trophy with his boyhood club. Torres retired in 2019 at Sagan Tosu in Japan and is currently the manager of Atletico Madrid B.

5. José Eulogio Gárate (136 goals)

Gárate was the ultimate "gentleman of the area," scoring 136 goals in 304 games between 1966 and 1977. He won 3 consecutive Pichichi trophies from 1969 to 1971, a feat rarely matched. A key figure in the 1969-70, 1972-73, and 1976-77 La Liga triumphs, Gárate was forced into early retirement at age 32 due to a rare knee infection. He is remembered as a striker who never received a red card.

4. Paco Campos (146 goals)

Campos was a dominant force in the 1940s, scoring 146 goals in 206 appearances. A master of the header and a dazzling dribbler, Campos led the team to 2 league titles. He holds an incredible record in the Madrid Derby, scoring 12 goals against Real Madrid. After retiring in 1952, he turned to coaching, famously discovering the talent of Adelardo Rodríguez.

3. Adrián Escudero (169 goals)

A one-club man, Escudero scored 169 goals in 330 games from 1945 to 1958. All of his goals came in La Liga, making him the club's highest league scorer for decades. He was a vital part of the "Stuka" frontline that terrified Spanish defenses. Escudero retired in 1958 at the age of 30 and remains a benchmark for loyalty in Madrid.

2. Luis Aragonés (172 goals)

"The wise man of Hortaleza" scored 172 goals in 370 games. A specialist in free kicks and leadership, Aragonés won 3 league titles as a player. He famously scored in the 1974 European Cup final. After retiring, he became the club's most iconic manager, leading them to even more glory. His influence on Spanish football culminated in coaching the national team to Euro 2008 victory.

1. Antoine Griezmann (211 goals)

The reigning king, Griezmann, stands alone at the top with 211 goals in 485 matches. Since arriving in 2014, with a brief hiatus at Barcelona, the Frenchman has rewritten the record books. He has scored 129 goals in La Liga and over 30 in the Champions League for the club. Griezmann was the MVP of the 2018 Europa League final, scoring twice against Marseille. Simeone often describes him as "the most important player in our history." 

Summary of the top 10 scorers in Atletico Madrid history:

Antoine Griezmann: 211 goals

Luis Aragonés: 172 goals

Adrián Escudero: 169 goals

Paco Campos: 146 goals

José Eulogio Gárate: 136 goals

Fernando Torres: 129 goals

Joaquín Peiró: 125 goals

Adelardo Rodríguez: 113 goals

Enrique Collar: 105 goals

José Juncosa: 103 goals

The terrifying prospect for future strikers at the Wanda Metropolitano is that Griezmann is still playing. He promises to make the number 1 spot in the Atletico Madrid top scorers all time list that Spbolivescore.net just compiled even further out of reach for anyone wishing to conquer it in the future.

Just yesterday, in Los Rojiblancos' 5-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League Round of 16, the Frenchman contributed a goal, helping Simeone’s side virtually place one foot in the quarterfinals.

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