Koke sets new Atletico Madrid appearance record

Long-serving Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke set a new record for the most appearances of any player for the Spanish side in Saturday’s meeting with Sevilla.

The 30-year-old featured in Atletico colours for the 554th time in all competitions, seeing him overtake fellow Atleti icon Adelardo Rodriguez.

Next on the list of Atleti’s all-time appearance makers are Pedro Tomas (483), Enrique Collar (468) and Carlos Aguilera (456).

Koke emerged through Los Rojiblancos’ youth ranks and made his first outing for the senior side in a 5-2 loss at Barcelona in September 2009.

He has made 392 appearances in LaLiga, 41 in the Copa del Rey, 84 in the Champions League, 29 in the Europa League, six in the Supercopa de Espana and two in the European Supercup.

Across his 13 years with Atletico, the 67-cap Spain international has won eight major trophies, including LaLiga in 2014 and 2021, while also reaching two Champions League finals.

The 2013-14 season saw Koke make his most appearances for Diego Simeone’s side in a single campaign, with 58 in all, with that also his most prolific scoring season as he registered seven goals.