When Judith de Vargas and José Enrique Giménez welcomed their son, José Giménez, into the world, little did they know that they were witnessing the birth of one of Toledo’s future sporting legends. Friends and family celebrated his arrival, but few could have predicted that this boy, about whom many good things were said, would grow up to become one of Atlético Madrid’s greatest central defenders.
The Early Years and Rise of El Comandante: José Giménez’s Journey to Football Fame.
José Giménez was a shy, quiet, and energetic child. His love for soccer was evident early on, and he channelled his energy into playing the game at every opportunity—both during school and in his free time. His father, José Enrique Giménez, often returned home late from work, but he always made time for his son’s passion. Despite his busy schedule, José Enrique would drop young José off at his training sessions before heading to work and pick him up afterwards, proud of his son’s dedication and enthusiasm for the sport.
However, José Giménez’s journey to the top was not without its challenges. One of the most painful moments came when he faced rejection in his quest to join his dream club, Peñarol. A coach told him he wasn’t destined to play football and suggested he pursue something else, claiming he didn’t have the necessary skill.
This article delves into the story of El Comandante’s humble beginnings, his resilience in the face of rejection, and his meteoric rise to stardom in the world of football.
Jose Gimenez Childhood Story – Early Life:
For Biography starters, his full name is José María Giménez de Vargas. Jose Gimenez, as he is often called, was born to his mother, Judith de Vargas and his father, José Enrique Giménez, in Toledo, Uruguay. Both parents pictured below came from a middle-class family background and operated an average household.
Jose Gimenez Parents- Mother- Judith de Vargas and father, José Enrique Giménez.
José Giménez grew up with his sisters in his city of origin, Toledo. It’s a small city in the Canelones Department of Uruguay. Early on, little Jose, pictured below, was described as a shy, quiet and energetic child.
Jose Gimenez Childhood Photo.
As time went on during his youth stage, such little energies were properly harnessed while Gimenez played soccer both during school and off-school periods. Playing soccer during the off-school period was more engaging with Jose, thanks to the approval of his parents.
Back then, his dad, José Enrique Giménez, was fond of returning late from work. He would always take his son to his training session even though it meant dropping him off before going to work. Jose’s mum, Judith de Vargas, also played the same role.
Jose Gimenez Biography – Career Buildup and Early Career Life:
Like Darwin Nunez and Rodrigo Bentancur, dreaming of becoming a professional was his plan A. In the local fields of Canelones, little Jose played alongside his best friend, Franco Milano. Back then, it was every child’s dream to join an academy, as playing local non-academy football paid no dividends.
Jose Gimenez’s friend Franco Milano was the first among his peers to get accepted into a local academy. Upon joining, he motivated Jose Gimenez to attend a trial with Penarol’s youth division.
“I went there with Franco Milano. Upon reaching the academy, the former coordinator of Penarol youth division asked me.
‘What are you doing here?’. ‘I told him I came to play football, that I want to play in Penarol'”
Said Jose Gimenez. Actually, the answer given to him was mean. This came after he had undergone a few test trials. The mean response went as follows;
“No dear, you should not play football, do something else, you don’t have the skills.”
said the coordinator of Penarol’s youth division.
Moving On…
This response was hurtful to Jose, who knew full well that playing football and not education were his top priorities. Sadly, poor Gimenez was kicked out and went home crying, leaving behind his friend Franco Milano, who was selected by the club.
From that moment of disappointment, Jose Gimenez promised himself he would make it. However, he wasn’t sure if he wanted to be a great player. However, he was just convinced he was going to make it.
At this time, determination and patience became his watchwords. Jose was later accepted by Toledo Junior, a team of very humble people from his neighbourhood.
Road to Fame Story:
Gimenez settled quickly with Toledo Junior, seeing the whole of his youth career with the club before switching to Danubio FC, a club reputable for projecting young Uruguayan footballers to Europe. Jose, in his high energies, made his professional debut for the club that played in the Uruguayan Primera División.
Gimenez’s journey showcases the rise of a young Uruguayan footballer destined for European acclaim. Credit to FootballTop
As he continued to develop, Gimenez saw himself becoming the best among his peers. This feat brought in constant pressure to perform, which he was able to handle.
At the age of 17, José was being closely watched by several top European clubs, including Atlético Madrid. This most important day in his life finally came to pass. His dreams came true on the 25th of April 2013, the day a happy Jose Gimenez signed an agreement to join the Spanish side Atlético Madrid.
From being scouted at 17 by top European clubs to realizing his dream on April 25, 2013 – Jose Gimenez joyfully inks his future with Atlético Madrid.
Jose Gimenez Bio – Rise to Fame:
Gimenez had to prepare until the pre-season of the 2013-2014 season before making his first appearance with the Spanish club. His major recognition came when he scored a superb header against the biggest rival, Real Madrid, in Atlético’s 2–0 win via the Copa del Rey in January 2015.
It took no time before trophies and medals started getting incorporated in Gimenez’s CV. As at the time of writing, the Uruguayan centre-back has won the Spanish Supercup, Europa League and UEFA Supercup.
Jose Gimenez’s collection of trophies with Athletico Madrid stands as a testament to his hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his career.
Indeed, the one-time rejected boy who later got the nickname “El Comandante” has now proven to the world that he is the next biggest promise of his Uruguayan defensive generation after Diego Godin. As of the time of writing, Jose Gimenez has become the mortar to Diego Godin’s brick in Diego Simeone’s impregnable wall. The rest, as they say, is history.
Jose Gimenez’s Relationship Life with Regina Lafolla:
Every successful man needs a woman. However, behind a successful footballer in Jose Gimenez, there exists a glamorous WAG in the gorgeous person of Regina Lafolla.
Jose Gimenez and Regina Lafolla.
Both lovers met in 2012, a moment Regina saw her man on TV during the U-20 World Cup tournament. Upon meeting each other, both fell in love and began dating each other.
According to media reports, the couple is yet to be married. Together, they have two kids named Lautaro Bautista Gimenez Lafolla, who was born in 2013 and another whose name is unknown at the time of writing.
Jose Gimenez’s Wife, Regina Lafolla, and Kids.
Did you know?… Regina Lafolla does not understand much about the game of football despite her husband being a footballer. However, like many other supportive soccer WAGs, she likes to see her husband succeed.
Personal Life:
Getting to know Jose Gimenez’s personal life would help you get a complete picture of him. Starting off, he is not only eccentric and energetic but also a deep thinker who can see things without prejudice, making him a problem solver. Additionally, José is the type of player who stands up for his teammates whenever they are harshly fouled on the field.
Jose Gimenez is someone who can easily adapt to the energy that surrounds him. Did you know?… Sometimes, Jose gets this deep need to spend time alone and away from everything in order to restore his strength.
Also, about his personality, Jose Gimenez is a huge dog lover. There is indeed a saying that there is no loyalty left in the modern game. This, however, doesn’t take into consideration the relationship that exists between Jose Gimenez and his dogs.
Jose Gimenez Family Facts:
To begin with, while José Giménez’s family is familiar with Spanish culture due to their Uruguayan background, their roots are actually in Toledo. This charming small town, known for its rich history, had a population of around 4,400 according to the 2011 census.
About Jose Gimenez’s Father:
Jose Gimenez’s dad is a man who sees himself as someone who currently lives in his dreams by supporting his son’s career. José Enrique Giménez is well known for wearing his son’s country and club colours.
About his father, José Enrique Giménez.
About Jose Gimenez’s Mother:
Unlike her husband, Judith de Vargas has made a conscious choice not to seek public recognition. Just like her daughter-in-law, she knows not much about soccer.
About Jose Gimenez’s Siblings:
Jose Gimenez didn’t grow up alone alongside his parents. According to our findings, he has some beautiful sisters whom he has probably gone to extensive lengths to shield them from the public eye.
Jose Gimenez Sisters Credit to Instagram
Lifestyle:
Gimenez, like Julian Alvarez, is a top-earning sportsman. As a result, it is expected that he should live a full-filled lifestyle with no other person but the love of his life, Regina Lafolla.
It was one of those perfect moments with Regina Lafolla.
Untold Facts:
In the final section of José Giménez’s biography, we’ll uncover some lesser-known details about the central defender, who has a mindset similar to that of Jonathan Tah. Let’s dive in and explore these intriguing insights.
1. Once had a Difficult Time Living in Madrid:
Living in Madrid was tough for Jose Gimenez since he was still young at the time. Food was a complicated issue for him, and he could only resort to speaking with his mum through Skype. However, those moments passed as Jose learned how to cook.
2. About Jose Gimenez Tattoos:
As observed below, Giménez is, without a doubt, a lover of tattoos. The meaning of his tattoo is centred around his origin and childhood days. Also on his arm is the date of his national debut.
3. Making Spanish Friends:
Having Godin and Cebolla Rodriguez made everything easier for Jose Gimenez since staying in Europe. Together, both countrymen helped him in providing advice on how he is to handle his life off the pitch.
Jose Gimenez’s early helpers were Godin (left) and Cebolla (right). Credit to Aguanten Che
However, Cebolla was much closer. Both Jose and he shared rooms during his time at Atlético Madrid and playing with the Uruguay national team.
Fact Check:
Thanks for reading our Jose Gimenez Childhood Story and Untold Biography Facts. At we strive for accuracy and fairness in our quest to deliver Uruguayan football stories. You will definitely enjoy reading Manuel Ugarte and Alvaro Rodriguez‘s life history. If you find something that doesn’t look right, please share it with us by commenting below. We’ll always value and respect your ideas.
