Atlético Madrid, like many others, sees that Diego Simeone, who is the world’s highest paid football manager, no longer has the same passion and success that he has often shown in his almost 15 years at the club.
Now the eternal third in La Liga (now in 5th place) is preparing for a time after Simeone. – There should be a consensus among Spanish experts that they will look around quickly if the top four and Champions League qualification are not made visible, already Monday’s hanging match against Real Betis is referred to as a game of fate.
Filipe Luis has taken firm steps in his coaching career in Brazil and positions himself as one of the favourites to take over the helm of Atlético Madrid when Simeone leaves the Metropolitano.
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Filipe Luis and his consolidation at Flamengo as a stepping stone.
Filipe Luis took over as coach of Flamengo in 2024 after leading the youth departments and quickly won titles such as the Copa do Brasil and Supercopa. In Brazil, he shows a style reminiscent of Simeone’s: defensive intensity, ability to regroup, and strong messages of character and team spirit.
His achievements have caused a stir in Europe. After the defeat in the Club World Cup, the continental press already attributes a future to him in elite clubs. Flamengo is even negotiating to extend his contract until 2027.
Atlético de Madrid and Simeone’s legacy: Filipe Luis comes into the picture.
When Cholo Simeone leaves Atlético de Madrid, the club will seek continuity in its red-and-white DNA with a coach who identifies with its style and philosophy. This is where Filipe Luis emerges as a natural candidate.
His experience as an Atlético player has a symbolic weight: he knows the house, the requirements and the way things are done at the red and white club.
The connection is also strong on a discursive level: Filipe has repeated statements reminiscent of Simeone, and has emphasized the importance of defense and collective spirit.
Project, agent and time: keys to the potential following.
His new agent, Jorge Mendes, will be an essential figure to orchestrate his return to Spain and facilitate negotiations with Atlético or other European clubs.
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The timing of the succession will depend on exactly when Simeone decides to leave the club: some voices place that transfer between 2026 and 2027, when the team will already need a new impulse.
If Atlético wants to fill that void effectively, they will need to anticipate and offer football guarantees, institutional confidentiality and support in the project.
Advantages and risks of choosing Filipe Luis as Simeone’s successor.
As an advantage, Filipe Luis brings his club logo, knowledge of Spanish football, and ability to blend his Brazilian style with European requirements.
Among the risks are his lack of experience in major European leagues as a head coach, and the pressure of taking over Simeone’s legacy, a figure that is highly valued within the club.
He will also need to secure a team that allows him to develop his style without being limited by rigid structures or tactical limitations.
While Flamengo secures him with a renewal, his professional ambition points to Europe, and Atlético de Madrid emerges as the ideal destination. Filipe Luis is no longer just an up-and-coming coach in Brazil: he is shaping up to be Simeone’s heir.
