Without a doubt, Diego Simeone is a football icon known for his fierce presence both as a player and as a manager. While his touchline demeanour often showcases aggression and intensity, there’s a deeper, untold story behind this legendary figure—one that reveals his humble beginnings and family values. Born to a modest, hardworking family, Diego was raised by his mother, Maria Pablo Simeone, a hairdresser, and his father, Carlos, an amateur footballer who later became a salesman. Their tireless work ethic had a profound impact on Simeone’s character, shaping the tenacity and determination he’s famous for.
The Story of Cholo: Diego Simeone’s Humble Beginnings to Global Fame
Growing up in a below-middle-class home, Diego was no stranger to hard work, a trait he inherited from his parents. His sister, Natalia Simeone, plays a significant role in his life too. A professional football agent, she currently manages Diego’s coaching career, making their sibling bond even more integral to his success.
In addition to his professional life, Simeone’s personal journey has been shaped by his love story with Carolina Baldini, the mother of his three sons, including Giovanni Simeone, a well-known footballer in his own right.
This biography also delves into the origins of Diego’s famous nickname, “Cholo,” given to him by a primary school teacher named Oscar Nesi. It’s a fitting title for a man whose career is defined by combativeness, strategy, and leadership on the field.
Welcome to the full story of Diego Simeone, the man behind the managerial genius and the master of on-field aggression. Let’s explore the journey of “Cholo,” from his humble roots to becoming one of football’s most respected figures.
Diego Simeone’s Childhood Story – Early Life and Family Background:
The Early Years of Diego Simeone (Career).
For Biography starters, Diego Pablo Simeone Gonazles was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on April 28, 1970, to Don Carlos Alberto Simeone (father) and Mrs Maria Pablo Simeone (mother).
He grew up in the Palermo district of Buenos Aires and began playing football on the street. He did not have a disadvantaged childhood like Alexis Sanchez, which we’ve written.
Diego Simeone’s mother was a hairdresser, while his father was an amateur footballer who later turned salesman. Both were extremely hardworking. Little wonder Diego Simeone took their genes.
Simeone says it is from his parents that he learned to work hard, and he was also influenced by their constant routine. According to him,
“My parents taught me values, respect, order, everything that has helped me in life. That includes my ruggedness on the pitch. They were very noble.”
As a kid, he got gifted in sports thanks to training from his dad. He was a fan favourite for his attitude, which he puts down to his upbringing. Diego battled through the youth system at his first club, Velez Sarsfield.
Diego Simeone was so good that he played for three amateur clubs at once. “Star of Gold, Caseros; General Paz, of Mataderos, and El Fortín, of Devoto”.
He would shuttle between the three. “I went from one side to the other, sometimes on the same day,” confirms Diego Simeone.
He always won games for his three clubs because that’s what it’s all about: being a Simeone.
Diego Simeone Family Life:
Starting off, his father, Don Carlos Alberto Simeone, played amateur soccer in his youth. He is a major player when it comes to his son’s managerial career decisions. As many would put it, “Diego Simeone always respects and listens to his father’s advice.“
Meet Diego Simeone’s Dad – Don Carlos Alberto Simeone.
Simeone’s father once revealed when his son would depart Athletico Madrid and put the likes of Arsenal, who are looking into Arsene Wenger’s eventual replacement, on red alert.
According to Carlos Alberto Simeone, “My son is very comfortable in Madrid. But I think that at some point, a change will come,” He revealed this when he discussed with the Argentinian newspaper La Nacion.
He also promised he would convince his son to coach a national team when he gets between the age of 50 and 55. Don Carlos Alberto Simeone retired as a coach of River Plate, where he coached his grandson Giovanni Simeone in 2008.
Diego Simeone Sister:
Diego Simeone has a sister named Natalia Simeone. She is a professional football agent who currently manages her brother’s coaching career.
This is Natalia Simeone, Diego’s sister.
Over the years, Natalia has played leading roles in her brother’s transfer/contract negotiations, financial planning, sponsorship and investment. She is among the best Argentine female football agents and has an outstanding professional flair.
Diego Simeone Love Story – Who is Carolina Baldini?
Carolina Baldini, famously known as “La Chola” in Argentina, was born in Buenos Aires in December 1976. She was a model and the childhood sweetheart of Diego Simeone, with whom she shared a long-standing relationship before eventually marrying. Their bond, which began in their younger years, grew into one of Argentina’s most talked-about love stories.
He met her when she was 19 at a popular nightclub in Argentina. They both dated for two years before getting married on July 22, 1994. It was a befitting wedding as Limousines were used by all escorts.
The wedding ceremony between Diego Simeone and Carolina Baldini.
After their fab wedding, she quit modelling and became a soccer player’s WAG and the proud momma of three handsome boys. Ideally, on 5th July 1995, their marriage was blessed with a son, Giovanni Simeone. Two more sons followed; their names were Gianluca and Giuliano Simeone. Giovanni, the oldest, is a grown man, and he, a professional footballer, plays alongside Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Giacomo Raspadori at Napoli.
Divorce Story:
Diego Simeone and his wife, Carolina Baldini, ended their nearly two-decade-long marriage, with their relationship often overshadowed by infidelity rumors on both sides. Argentine media outlets speculated heavily about alleged affairs, putting the couple under public scrutiny.
Between 2009 and 2010, the couple officially separated, sparking further media frenzy. Reports pointed to Diego’s rumored affair with 21-year-old model Julieta Espina as a potential cause of the breakup.
In response, Carolina was photographed on beaches in Brazil and Mexico, getting close with Fabian Orlovsky, also known as the “Argentine He-Man,” a gym teacher known for his impressive physique. These photos added fuel to the fire, suggesting that both sides had their own entanglements during their marriage.
In an interview, Carolina addressed the rumours surrounding the photos of her and Fabian, explaining that she had already spoken to Diego about the situation. She clarified that Fabian, a gym teacher and lifeguard, had been her friend for years and insisted that nothing inappropriate had occurred.
Despite efforts to reconcile, Diego and Carolina ultimately couldn’t save their marriage. They decided to part ways, handling the divorce amicably and prioritizing the well-being of their children throughout the process.
Following the divorce, Carolina took on a new challenge, competing in the Argentine versions of Dancing with the Stars and Dancing on Ice, showcasing her resilience and versatility in the spotlight.
She also made her comeback to modelling that year and started hosting television shows. Luckily, they started talking in 2011. She remained in Argentina while her ex-husband signed with Atletico Madrid.
Life after Divorce:
After their divorce, it took Simeone about two years to stay out of the relationship spotlight. However, it wasn’t difficult for the Argentine to find love again.
He later revealed to many his new relationship with the gorgeous Carla Pereyra, who is 16 years his junior.
Rumours about their relationship were first reported in 2014 after confirming they are indeed very close and have become a couple. The alleged couple was even spotted having dinner several times. They held hands and showed serious love to each other.
It is pertinent to note that Carla Pereyra is also from Argentina, just like her man. Though she has lived in Spain for about a decade. Her love life itself has been very complicated.
The model actually became famous for her romance with the Spanish ballet and flamenco dancer Joaquín Cortés.
She has also been romantically linked to PP politician Alejando Ballestero. Moreover, she is also Antonio de la Rua’s (Son of the Argentine President) ex-girlfriend.
Not so long after her relationship with Diego Simeone started, Carla became pregnant. News about Carla Pereyra’s pregnancy was first reported in April 2016. On September 30th 2016, Carla Pereyra gave birth to a baby girl named Francesca.
“The greatest thing in life, love for our children! Welcome, Francesca,” Simeone shared on Instagram, posting a touching photo of his newborn’s hand gently holding his.
Diego Simeone’s Sons:
Diego Simeone’s eldest son, Giovanni, was born in Madrid while his father was playing for Atlético Madrid. In 1997, the family relocated to Italy but returned to Spain in 2003 due to Simeone’s career moves. In 2008, Giovanni joined River Plate’s youth academy when his father became the first-team coach. Giovanni now plays as a striker for Napoli in Serie A. As of 2024, he is a non-active member of Lionel Scaloni‘s Argentine national team.
His two younger brothers, Giuliano and Gianluca, hold both Argentine and Spanish nationality but represent Argentina internationally.
Diego Simeone Biography Facts – About his Nickname:
Simeone’s nickname, “Cholo,” was given to him by one of his primary school teachers named Oscar Nesi.
Back then, Diego Simeone showed too much aggression and combativeness on the field as a player.
Such aggressive style was similar to a former player Carmelo Simeone (not related), who formed the basis of Diego’s Cholo nickname.
The Argentinian once spoke about his nickname in a question-answer session with FIFA.com and said,
“There used to be a Carmelo Simeone at Boca Juniors who they called Cholo, but that’s not how I got my nickname.
It happened when one of my primary school teachers, Oscar Nesi, called me it, and it just stuck. In my youthful days, I was physically intimidating and was also a hard tackler.”
Diego Simeone could bleed in the field and still refuse to go out for treatment. To many, its the El Cholo effect.
His Physical Education Training Style:
If not for football, Simeone would have studied Physical Education. It’s fair to say, Diego Simeone is a mean-looking man with a mean personality and a mean management style. But, it also turns out, that he delivers a hardcore training session.
Maybe this is the reason why Griezmann is exceptionally fit at Euro 2016Ideally, things do not always work out for people, and one must always have a backup in all walks of life, including and especially their careers.
What would Simeone have done if he would not have played football? He would have studied Physical Education.
Talking about an alternate career choice, the Argentinian once claimed,
“In secondary school, they once asked us what we wanted to be. Someone said a lawyer, one said an accountant and another said a doctor.
When I said ‘footballer’, everybody burst out laughing. If football hadn’t worked out I planned to study Physical Education.” It always has to be physical for Simeone. Doesn’t it?
Lack of Fear:
He feared no one but himself, and he is used to demanding more from himself and his players, even as a manager. Fearful would probably be one of the last words that could be used to describe Diego Simeone.
Never too far from a confrontation, Simeone was always like a raging bull on the field, and in his own words, he did not fear any opponent.
Speaking about whom he feared during his playing career, Simeone said,
“There was no player or team in particular. In fact, I feared myself the most because I knew that if I wasn’t mentally prepared to give 100 per cent in every game, then I wasn’t the same player.“
Atletico Madrid’s Lucky Charm:
Simeone has proved to be a lucky charm of sorts for Atletico Madrid, both as a player and as a manager.
When Simeone joined Atletico Madrid in 1994, their last league title triumph had come in 1976-77 season. The Rojiblancos won the La Liga title in 1995-96 – Simeone’s second season as an Atletico player.
They also won the Copa del Rey in the same season to mark a historic double. Simeone left Atletico in 1997 after making 98 appearances but returned for a second stint from 2003-05, which did not yield any silverware.
And as if Atleti’s domestic triumphs were circled around the Argentine, their next league title came in 2013-14 with him as manager.
National Team Career:
Diego Simeone Club Career:
Starting off, Diego began in the youth systems of Velez Sarsfield, where he made his professional debut in 1987. He played 82 games with the team, scoring 15 goals.
In 1989, he made a move to Pisa Calcio in the Serie A, where he played three seasons. In 1992, he began a two-year stint with Sevilla.
As mentioned earlier, he has a past with Atlético Madrid, having played for the club from 1994 to 1997. His standout season was in 1995-1996 when he played a key leadership role in helping the team secure both the league title and the Copa del Rey.
Not many knew that Diego Simeone played alongside Brazilian Ronaldo.
