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Carlo Ancelotti and Simeone face to face in an image with a lilac background

Cholo Simeone Takes Revenge on Real Madrid by Stealing Carlo Ancelotti's Star

A youth academy talent who now shines at Atlético de Madrid after being rejected by Real Madrid

Pablo Barrios is a name that's starting to resonate in the world of soccer. Although his relationship with Real Madrid began in his childhood, his future seems to be marked by his connection with Atlético de Madrid. At 18 years old, Barrios, a former Madrid youth player until he was 14, shines in Atlético's youth team, led by Fernando Torres.

Farewell to Real Madrid

Barrios joined Real Madrid's youth academy at the age of eight, starting in the junior teams. For several years, he was part of Madrid's youth system until, at 14, the club decided not to continue with him.

A young man with brown hair and a serious expression is wearing a light blue jacket.
Real Madrid decided not to count on the player | Europa Press

That decision, seen as a great loss, allowed Barrios to join Atlético de Madrid, where he found the space to grow and develop.

Destiny Ties Him to Simeone

The young midfielder quickly began to stand out in the red-and-white youth academy. His organized play, field vision, and ability to make a difference led him to be drafted to Atlético's first team. Such an opportunity meant a historic milestone in his career. Although his debut with the first team was a 1-0 defeat, his renewal until 2025 shows that Atlético trusts in his potential.

Not only that, Pablo Barrios has shown his quality decisively in the Youth League, the UEFA Youth League. In the round of 16 against Real Madrid, Barrios stood out with two goals and an assist, eliminating Madrid 3-2 in Valdebebas. This triumph wasn't isolated, as Barrios also scored in the Youth League, where Atlético won 1-0 against Real Madrid.

The Feeling of Revenge

Barrios's victory over Real Madrid is not just a simple win on the field. For the young player, it's a kind of revenge.

Madrid's decision to let him go so young, despite his great potential, marked a turning point in his career. Now, with Atlético de Madrid, he has the opportunity to show what Madrid let slip away.

Two men looking at each other intensely on a soccer field.
Cholo trusts the young player | Canva

Moreover, this story of revenge is complemented by the context in which it occurs. Diego Simeone, "Cholo," continues to build a solid project at Atlético, and players like Barrios are key to its future. The loss of a star who was part of Madrid highlights Atlético's ability to turn talents into standout figures.

Barrios's Future at Atlético

With his renewed contract and the trust placed in him by Atlético, Pablo Barrios's future seems secure at the red-and-white club.

Current youth coach Fernando Torres has expressed his confidence in the player, highlighting his great future. Barrios is considered one of the gems of Atlético's youth academy and many already see him as an important piece for the first team in the coming years.