Atletico Madrid chief hails ‘historic’ nine-player presence in 2026 World Cup final and insists Julian Alvarez ‘will stay’

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has hailed as “historic” the presence of nine of the club’s players in the 2026 World Cup final – and moved to shut down speculation over Julian Alvarez’s future by insisting the Argentina forward will remain at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Speaking ahead of Atletico’s annual team dinner at the “Jose Maria” restaurant in Segovia, Cerezo underlined both the scale of the club’s representation on the biggest stage in international football and what he sees as the strength of the current squad.

“With a third consecutive World Cup, we are the club with the greatest representation in a final, and even more so in this very important final,” Cerezo said, in comments reported by Spanish newspaper AS.

“Having all these players there is very important. We practically have a full team in the World Cup final. We are happy, proud, and here we are waiting for the champions.”

Alvarez ‘is an Atletico Madrid player’

Cerezo was pressed on whether his World Cup final tally included Julian Alvarez, whose future has been the subject of intense transfer speculation.

Asked directly if Alvarez was part of that count, Cerezo replied: “What can I say? Julian is an Atletico Madrid player.”

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has recently suggested that the Catalan club’s offer for Alvarez was limited, but Cerezo brushed off Barca’s chances of signing the forward.

“Joan Laporta is a good friend and a great president, and he knows very well, as you also know, where Julian Alvarez will play next year,” the Atletico chief said.

‘Everything is forgivable’ – Cerezo on Alvarez’s transfer comments

Alvarez had caused controversy with public remarks expressing a desire to leave, prompting questions over whether he owed Atletico fans an apology.

Cerezo struck a conciliatory tone.

“I think we all make mistakes in this life. He made a slip, as happened to me with Jesus Lopez, Julian. In this life, except for some things that you know, everything is forgivable,” he said.

The Atletico president was then asked whether the club was as tough in negotiations with foreign teams as it is with Real Madrid and Barcelona – where the stance has been characterised as “€500m or nothing” for a sale.

Cerezo doubled down: “I repeat to you once again. Julian Alvarez is an Atletico Madrid player and will remain an Atletico Madrid player.”

‘World champions’ squad and future transfers

Looking ahead to possible signings, Cerezo suggested Atletico are working to further strengthen a squad he believes is already operating at an elite level.

“They are working to bring in important players,” he said. “Notice how hard they are working – we have players so that there will be 10 or 12 others in the next World Cup final. We are delighted. We have a great team, they are world champions.”

‘An eternal contract’ for Simeone

Attention also turned to the future of long-serving head coach Diego Simeone, whose current contract is due to expire in a year’s time.

“How many years have we spent with Simeone?” Cerezo said. “Contracts, as you know, can be eternal or quick. And here it is an eternal contract.”

His comments suggest Atletico intend to continue with Simeone at the helm, reinforcing the image of stability around the club’s sporting project.

Champions League final on home soil

The 2027 Champions League final is scheduled to be played at Atletico’s Metropolitano Stadium, raising the prospect of the club contesting the showpiece on home soil.

Cerezo half-jokingly appealed to the media for help in boosting the team’s prospects.

“Let’s see if you will help a little so that we can play the final in our stadium this year,” he said. “Yes, we need your help. We must know how to play off the pitch. You are the ones who must say that the team is very good, that it plays well even if it loses, things like that which anyone at Real Madrid does.”