Jorge Resurreccion Merodio, known as Koke, is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for La Liga club Atletico Madrid, whom he captains, and for the Spain national team.
He has spent the entirety of his career with Atletico Madrid since making his debut with the first team in 2009, playing over 500 competitive matches and winning the 2013–14 and 2020–21 La Liga, two Europa League titles and two UEFA Super Cup trophies, while he was also a Champions League runner-up in 2014 and 2016.
Koke won the 2013 European Championship with the Spain under-21 team. He also made his debut for the full side that year, and represented the country at three World Cups and two European Championships.
Koke is right-footed, but his versatility allows him to play as right, left or central midfielder. He is also known for his passing, and ability to create attacking opportunities.
Koke earned the plaudits of his peers, including Barcelona's Xavi who regarded him as his successor:
He has everything: talent, physical ability, he is a footballer of the present and the future... He has been marked out as the conductor of Spain's orchestra for the next 10 years. I have a special affection for him because we play in the same position and I think he is an extraordinary player. |
