Diego Godín
Diego Godín Leal (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈdjeɣo ɣoˈðin]; born 16 February 1986) is a Uruguayan professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Brazilian club Atlético Mineiro and the Uruguay national team.
Godín began his career at Cerro, before moving to Nacional in 2006. He spent three years with Nacional, winning the Uruguayan Primera División twice. In 2007, he was named the Uruguayan Footballer of the Year.
In 2010, Godín joined Villarreal in Spain. He spent two years with Villarreal, making 70 appearances in all competitions. In 2011, he was named the La Liga Defender of the Year.
In 2011, Godín joined Atlético Madrid. He spent nine years with Atlético, making 389 appearances in all competitions. He won the La Liga title twice, the Copa del Rey once, the UEFA Europa League twice, and the UEFA Super Cup three times.
In 2020, Godín joined Inter Milan. He spent two years with Inter, making 76 appearances in all competitions. He won the Serie A title once.
In 2022, Godín joined Atlético Mineiro.
Godín has made over 150 appearances for the Uruguay national team. He has represented Uruguay at the FIFA World Cup four times, in 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022. He also represented Uruguay at the Copa América eight times, winning the tournament in 2011.
Godín is considered to be one of the greatest Uruguayan footballers of all time. He is known for his strength, aerial ability, and leadership.
Honours
Club
- Uruguayan Primera División: 2005–06, 2008–09
- La Liga: 2013–14, 2020–21
- Copa del Rey: 2012–13
- UEFA Europa League: 2011–12, 2017–18
- UEFA Super Cup: 2012, 2018, 2020
- Serie A: 2020–21
- Coppa Italia: 2021–22
International
- Copa América: 2011
Individual
- Uruguayan Footballer of the Year: 2007
- La Liga Defender of the Year: 2015–16
- UEFA Europa League Squad of the Season: 2011–12, 2017–18
- UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season: 2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17
- FIFA FIFPro World11: 2018
- UEFA Team of the Year: 2018
