 Godín in action for Uruguay in 2012 | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Diego Roberto Godín Leal | ||
| Date of birth | 16 February 1986 | ||
| Place of birth | Rosario, Uruguay | ||
| Height | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) | ||
| Playing position | Centre back | ||
| Club information | |||
| Current club | Atlético Madrid | ||
| Number | 2 | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 2003–2006 | Cerro | 63 | (6) |
| 2006–2007 | Nacional | 26 | (0) |
| 2007–2010 | Villarreal | 91 | (4) |
| 2010– | Atlético Madrid | 99 | (3) |
| National team‡ | |||
| 2005– | Uruguay | 75 | (3) |
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 10 November 2013.
† Appearances (Goals).
‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 01:00, 21 November 2013 (UTC) | |||
Diego Roberto Godín Leal (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈdjeɣo ɣoˈðin]; born 16 February 1986) is a Uruguayan professional footballer who plays for Atlético Madrid in La Liga, as a central defender.
A fast and composed defender, he combines physical presence with an ability to play the ball comfortably from behind.
Club career
Early years / Villarreal
Born in Rosario, Godín started his professional career with C.A. Cerro at the age of 17. After his good performances, he was transferred to top division powerhouse Club Nacional de Football, where he quickly became captain due to his maturity and professionalism.
In August 2007, Godín signed a five-year deal with La Liga side Villarreal CF,[1] scoring in just his second game, a 2–3 away loss against CA Osasuna on 7 October,[2] and participating with 24 matches in the club's best-league placement ever (second). He consolidated his starting position in the subsequent seasons, mostly partnering Argentine Gonzalo Rodríguez in the heart of the back four.
Atlético Madrid
On 4 August 2010, after experiencing his best season at Villarreal – 36 games, three goals – Godín joined fellow first-divisioner Atlético Madrid on a five-year contract, after the two clubs agreed an initial fee believed to be around €8 million (or £6.6 million).[3] He made his official debut for the Colchoneros on the 27th, playing the entire 2–0 win against Inter Milan for the season's UEFA Super Cup.
On 1 November 2013 Godín signed a new contract with Atlétco, keeping him at the club until 2018. "I'm delighted to prolong my stay with the club. This is my home", he said.[4]
International career
Aged just 19, Godín made his debut for Uruguay, in a friendly defeat against Mexico in Guadalajara. He represented the nation at the 2007 Copa América.
Godín was selected for the squad at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, starting in the opener againstFrance (0–0), in Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town and playing in a further four matches for the eventual semifinalists.
International goals
| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 27 May 2006 | Stadion Crvena Zvezda, Belgrade, Serbia |  Serbia and Montenegro | 1–1 | 1–1 | Friendly |
| 2. | 16 August 2006 | Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria, Egypt |  Egypt | 0–1 | 0–2 | Friendly |
| 3. | 18 October 2006 | Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay |  Venezuela | 1–0 | 4–0 | Friendly |
Honours
Club
- Nacional
- Liguilla 2007
- Atlético Madrid
- UEFA Europa League: 2011–12
- UEFA Super Cup: 2010, 2012
- Copa del Rey: 2012–13
- Supercopa de España: Runner-up 2013
