Diego Pablo “Cholo”Simeone is one step away from becoming the longest active coach in the history of European football, with his contract with Atlético de Madrid expiring in June 2027. The Argentine, who took over in December 2011, has guided the Madrid club for 15 years, during which time the team has consolidated its position as one of the few clubs that reach the Champions League each season alongside Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern, PSG and Manchester City.
Simeone's 15th anniversary is also celebrated as the date on which he equaled Luis Aragonés as the coach with the most victories in LaLiga, and next Sunday he is expected to surpass that record by securing the leadership of the competition. In addition to the league titles, Cholo has led Atlético to win two European Cups, two European Super Cups, a Copa del Rey, a Spanish Super Cup and has reached the final phase of the Champions League on two occasions. His career also includes the transformation of the club from a team that was on the verge of relegation to a benchmark in European football.
Despite these achievements, Simeone is not the coach with the longest tenure at the same club in Europe; That title is held by FrankSchmidt, who coached Heidenheim in Germany from 2007 until this season. Schmidt, who led the club from the fifth division to the Bundesliga and Conference League, announced that he will leave the team at the end of the campaign after 20 years of service. His departure opens the possibility of Simeone becoming the longest active coach in the region, provided Atlético decides to renew his contract.
The Madrid club has not yet officially confirmed the extension, but the management and Simeone himself are working to ensure that the Argentine continues at the helm. If the renewal is signed, Cholo would surpass historical figures such as Willie Malley (Celtic, 43 years old) and Guy Roux (Auxerre, 42 years old), although he would still be ahead of coaches such as Mikel Arteta or MarceloPellegrini, who have not reached ten years in their respective teams. The next step will be the decision of Atlético de Madrid, which will determine whether Simeone will continue as the oldest active coach in European football.