Nahuel Molina is one of the most reliable right-backs in world football today. The Argentine defender has earned praise for his speed, defensive awareness and ability to support attacks
Whether he is playing for Atlético Madrid or the Argentina national team, Molina brings energy and consistency to the right side of the pitch.
In recent months, football fans have closely followed discussions about his fitness after he dealt with injury concerns.
The good news is that Molina is now nearing full fitness and is expected to play an important role for both club and country once again. His return is a major boost because he has become one of the first-choice players in every team he represents.
From humble beginnings in Argentina to lifting the FIFA World Cup, Molina’s journey has been built on hard work and determination. Every stage of his career has helped him become one of the best full-backs in Europe.
This article explores Nahuel Molina’s life, football career, playing style, achievements, recent injury updates, career statistics and what lies ahead for the talented defender.
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Table of Contents
Who Is Nahuel Molina?
Nahuel Molina Lucero is a professional footballer from Argentina.1
He plays as a right-back for Atlético Madrid in Spain’s La Liga and represents the Argentina national team.
He was born on April 6, 1998, in Embalse, Córdoba, Argentina.
Football became a part of his life at a very young age. His talent quickly attracted attention and he joined Boca Juniors, one of Argentina’s biggest football clubs.
Although he started his professional career at Boca Juniors, Molina needed time and experience before becoming a regular starter. Loan spells helped him improve his game and gain confidence.
His performances eventually earned him a move to Europe, where he continued to develop into one of the continent’s top defenders.
Today, Nahuel Molina is known for combining strong defending with dangerous attacking runs. His pace, crossing ability and work rate make him one of the most complete right-backs in modern football.
Nahuel Molina on IG: “How much I love you.” ❤️ pic.twitter.com/kXsczJRDIW
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) June 23, 2026
Early Life and Childhood
Nahuel Molina grew up in Embalse, a small town in Córdoba Province. Like many young Argentine children, he spent countless hours playing football with friends and family.
His passion for football was obvious from an early age. Coaches noticed his speed and technical ability, which helped him stand out among players of the same age.
Molina joined youth football programs where he continued to improve. His dedication soon earned him an opportunity to join Boca Juniors‘ famous youth academy.
Moving to one of Argentina’s biggest clubs was a huge step. Competition was intense but Molina remained focused on improving every aspect of his game.
His coaches admired his willingness to learn. He developed into a versatile player who could defend well while also contributing to attacks.
These qualities would later become his trademark in professional football.
Quick Stats
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nahuel Molina Lucero |
| Date of Birth | April 6, 1998 |
| Age | 28 (2026) |
| Birthplace | Embalse, Córdoba, Argentina |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Height | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) |
| Position | Right-back |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Current Club | Atlético Madrid |
| League | La Liga |
| National Team | Argentina |
| Shirt Number | 16 (Argentina, varies by competition) |
| Professional Debut | Boca Juniors |
| Major Achievement | FIFA World Cup Winner (2022) |
Beginning His Professional Career at Boca Juniors
Boca Juniors is known for producing outstanding footballers and Molina hoped to follow that tradition.2
Breaking into the first team was not easy because experienced players already occupied his position. Even though opportunities were limited, every appearance helped him gain valuable experience. To continue his development, Boca Juniors decided that loan moves would provide regular playing time.
Those decisions proved to be important for Molina’s future success. Instead of staying on the bench, he gained experience by playing competitive matches every week. These seasons helped him become mentally stronger and tactically smarter.
By facing different opponents and adapting to new systems, Molina matured into a complete defender.
Loan Spells That Shaped His Career
Molina spent time on loan with Defensa y Justicia and Rosario Central in Argentina. Both clubs gave him valuable first-team experience.
At Defensa y Justicia, he learned the importance of discipline and teamwork. Every match required concentration because the competition was tough. His move to Rosario Central helped him become even more confident.
He improved his positioning, crossing, and ability to move forward without leaving defensive gaps. Regular playing time allowed Molina to grow quickly. Instead of being known only as a promising youngster, he became a dependable professional.
Those successful loan spells convinced many clubs that he was ready for bigger challenges.
Moving to Europe With Udinese
In 2020, Nahuel Molina signed with Udinese in Italy’s Serie A. This transfer marked a turning point in his career.
Italian football is famous for its tactical discipline and strong defending. Playing in Serie A helped Molina sharpen his defensive skills while maintaining his attacking strengths. He adapted surprisingly fast.
Week after week, he impressed fans with energetic performances. He frequently joined attacks and delivered accurate crosses into the penalty area. His speed also allowed him to recover quickly when possession was lost.
During his time at Udinese, Molina established himself as one of Serie A’s best attacking full-backs.
Scouts from Europe’s biggest clubs started following his progress. His performances also caught the attention of Argentina’s national team coaches.
Becoming an Argentina International
Representing Argentina is the dream of almost every footballer born in the country.
Nahuel Molina earned that opportunity after consistently performing well in Italy. His balance between attack and defense perfectly suited Argentina’s tactical system. International football presented a new challenge because every match carried enormous pressure.
Molina handled that pressure impressively. He quickly built strong partnerships with teammates and became an important part of the defensive line. His pace allowed Argentina to play aggressively without exposing the defense. His attacking runs also created additional options for forwards.
Before long, Molina became one of the national team’s trusted starters.
Winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup
The highlight of Nahuel Molina’s career came during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Argentina entered the tournament with high expectations. After an unexpected defeat in the opening match, the team responded brilliantly. Molina played an increasingly important role throughout the competition.
His greatest individual moment came in the quarter-final against the Netherlands. He scored the opening goal after a perfectly timed run behind the defense. The goal demonstrated everything that makes Molina special.
He recognized space early. He timed his movement perfectly. He finished calmly under pressure.
Argentina eventually lifted the World Cup trophy after defeating France in one of the greatest finals in football history.
For Molina, becoming a World Cup champion represented years of hard work finally paying off.
Joining Atlético Madrid
Nahuel Molina’s impressive performances for Udinese attracted interest from several top European clubs.
In the summer of 2022, Atlético Madrid signed the Argentine defender to strengthen their squad.
Moving to Spain was another major step in his career.
Atlético Madrid is known for competing for league titles and playing in the UEFA Champions League every season.
The club also has a reputation for producing disciplined defenders under manager Diego Simeone.
At first, Molina needed time to adapt to a new league and a different style of football. La Liga focuses on quick passing, technical ability and intelligent movement.
Every match required him to make fast decisions against some of the world’s best attackers.
As the season progressed, Molina became more comfortable. His confidence grew with every appearance.
He started making dangerous overlapping runs, creating chances with accurate crosses and helping Atlético Madrid both in attack and defense. His work ethic earned praise from teammates and supporters alike.
Today, he is considered one of Atlético Madrid’s most dependable defenders.
Playing Style of Nahuel Molina
Nahuel Molina is known as a modern right-back. Unlike traditional defenders who mainly focus on stopping attacks, Molina contributes in every area of the game. One of his biggest strengths is his speed.
His pace allows him to recover quickly when opponents launch counterattacks. It also helps him make overlapping runs that stretch opposing defenses. Another important quality is his stamina.
He works hard throughout the full 90 minutes and rarely slows down. His fitness allows him to move constantly between defensive and attacking positions. Molina is also an intelligent player.
He understands when to stay back and when to join attacks. This balance makes him valuable in different tactical systems. His crossing ability is another weapon.
Whether delivering low passes into the box or sending high crosses toward strikers, Molina creates opportunities for teammates. Defensively, he stays calm under pressure. He reads the game well, wins tackles and blocks dangerous attacks before they develop.
These qualities have made him one of Argentina’s first-choice defenders.
Nahuel Molina’s Career Achievements
Nahuel Molina has already built an impressive list of achievements despite still being in the prime years of his career.
Some of his biggest accomplishments include:
- FIFA World Cup winner with Argentina
- Copa América champion
- UEFA Finalissima winner
- Established first-choice defender for Argentina
- Regular starter for Atlético Madrid
- Successful seasons in Serie A and La Liga
- Goal scorer in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage
Winning major international trophies has significantly increased his reputation across world football.
Nahuel Molina’s Injury Concerns and Recovery
Like many professional footballers, Nahuel Molina has faced injury setbacks during his career.
Recent discussions focused on a muscle injury that temporarily kept him away from regular action. Fortunately, reports from Atlético Madrid and Argentina’s national team have been positive.
Medical staff carefully managed his recovery to avoid unnecessary risks. Instead of rushing back too early, Molina followed a structured rehabilitation program.
This included:
- Individual fitness sessions
- Light ball training
- Running exercises
- Team training
- Match fitness preparation
Each stage was designed to help him regain strength without increasing the risk of another injury.
As a result, Molina has gradually returned to training with the squad. His progress has encouraged coaches, teammates, and supporters. Current reports suggest he is nearing full fitness and is expected to return to regular competition.
For Atlético Madrid, this is excellent news because his attacking ability is difficult to replace.
Argentina also benefits greatly from having one of its most reliable defenders available again.
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Relationship With Diego Simeone
Playing under Diego Simeone is demanding. The Atlético Madrid manager expects discipline, commitment and maximum effort from every player. Nahuel Molina fits that philosophy perfectly.3
His willingness to defend first and attack when opportunities arise matches Simeone’s tactical approach.
The coach has often trusted Molina in important league and European matches. That trust reflects the defender’s consistency and professionalism.
As Molina reaches full fitness again, he is expected to remain an important part of Atlético Madrid’s plans.
Nahuel Molina’s Looking Ahead
The future looks promising for Nahuel Molina. At only 28 years old, he is entering the peak years of his career.
If he stays healthy, several goals remain within reach.
These include:
- Winning La Liga with Atlético Madrid
- Challenging for the UEFA Champions League
- Defending Argentina’s international titles
- Playing in another FIFA World Cup
- Reaching more career milestones for club and country
His combination of experience and physical ability gives him every opportunity to continue improving. Football fans can expect many more strong performances in the coming seasons.
Nahuel Molina Career Statistics
The following statistics provide an overview of Nahuel Molina’s professional career. The numbers may change as he continues to play for Atlético Madrid and Argentina.
| Competition | Club/Team | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentine Primera División | Boca Juniors | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Argentine Primera División | Defensa y Justicia (Loan) | 14 | 0 | 2 |
| Argentine Primera División | Rosario Central (Loan) | 34 | 1 | 6 |
| Serie A | Udinese | 68 | 10 | 7 |
| La Liga | Atlético Madrid* | 100+ | 6+ | 10+ |
| Argentina National Team* | Argentina | 50+ | 1 | 5+ |
International Career Highlights
Nahuel Molina has enjoyed remarkable success with the Argentina national team.
After earning his first senior call-up, he quickly became one of manager Lionel Scaloni’s trusted defenders.
His consistency helped Argentina build one of the strongest defensive units in international football.
Some of his biggest international achievements include:
- FIFA World Cup champion (2022)
- Copa América champion
- UEFA Finalissima winner
- Regular starter in FIFA World Cup qualifiers
- Important contributor in major tournaments
One of the most memorable moments of his international career came during the 2022 FIFA World Cup quarter-final against the Netherlands.
Molina scored Argentina’s opening goal after an excellent pass from Lionel Messi. The goal highlighted his ability to make intelligent attacking runs while remaining composed in front of goal.
His performances throughout the tournament proved that he could compete against the very best players in the world.
Partnership With Lionel Messi
Playing alongside Lionel Messi has helped Nahuel Molina develop even further. Messi often attracts multiple defenders, creating space for teammates making forward runs. Molina has learned to recognize these opportunities.
His overlapping movement gives Argentina another attacking option on the right side. Several dangerous attacks have started with quick passes between Messi and Molina. Their understanding continues to improve with every international match.
While Messi creates chances with his vision, Molina provides energy and width that stretch opposing defenses.
This partnership has become an important part of Argentina’s attacking system.
Defensive Qualities of Nahuel Molina
Although Molina is well known for his attacking runs, his defensive work deserves equal praise.
A successful full-back must defend against some of the fastest and most skillful wingers in football. Molina handles these challenges with confidence. His strongest defensive qualities include:
Reading the Game
He often predicts where the ball will go before opponents make their move. This allows him to intercept passes and stop attacks early.
One-on-One Defending
Molina remains calm when facing quick attackers. Instead of diving into tackles, he waits for the right moment to win possession.
Recovery Speed
If an opponent gets past him, Molina’s pace allows him to recover quickly. This reduces dangerous counterattacks.
Teamwork
He communicates well with central defenders and midfielders. Strong communication helps Atlético Madrid and Argentina remain organized.
Challenges During His Career
Like every professional footballer, Nahuel Molina has faced several challenges.
Breaking Into Boca Juniors
Competition for places made it difficult for him to become a regular starter. Instead of giving up, he accepted loan moves that helped him gain experience.
Adjusting to European Football
Moving from Argentina to Italy required patience. Serie A’s tactical style was very different from Argentine football. Molina adapted through hard work and determination.
Competing at Atlético Madrid
Joining one of Spain’s biggest clubs brought even greater expectations. Every match carried pressure because Atlético Madrid competes for major trophies. Molina responded by improving season after season.
Recovering From Injury
Recent injury concerns tested both his physical and mental strength. Fortunately, careful rehabilitation has placed him on the path back to full fitness. His return demonstrates resilience and professionalism.
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FAQ’s
Who is Nahuel Molina?
Nahuel Molina is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a right-back for Atlético Madrid and the Argentina national team. He is known for his speed, defensive ability and attacking support from the right side of the field.
How old is Nahuel Molina?
Nahuel Molina was born on April 6, 1998. As of 2026, he is 28 years old.
Which club does Nahuel Molina play for?
Nahuel Molina plays for Atlético Madrid in Spain’s La Liga. He joined the club in 2022 after an impressive spell with Udinese in Italy.
What position does Nahuel Molina play?
He mainly plays as a right-back. He can also play as a right wing-back when his team’s tactical system requires a more attacking role.
Has Nahuel Molina won the FIFA World Cup?
Yes. Molina was part of the Argentina team that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He played an important role throughout the tournament and scored a memorable goal in the quarter-final against the Netherlands.
Conclusion
Nahuel Molina’s rise from a young footballer in Embalse, Argentina, to one of Europe’s leading right-backs is a story of hard work, patience and continuous improvement.
Every stage of his journey, from Boca Juniors to Udinese and now Atlético Madrid, has helped shape him into a dependable defender who performs at the highest level.
Football fans can expect Nahuel Molina to remain one of the game’s most reliable right-backs for many years to come.
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