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Over the years Atletico Madrid captain's complimented a steely, solid approach to the game with the presence of some world-class strikers who have fired them to glory. The following 5 strikers all played for the club for varying periods of time, yet all certainly played their part in the clubs success and rise to prominence within the Spanish game.
These are strikers who were all hot property in the world game during their time at the club, and many have gone on to achieve great things with other clubs while some have looked to see out their careers in the lower reaches of football as they close out their playing days.
Here we look at some of the most prolific and well-known that have featured up top for the side from Madrid.
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#1 Fernando Torres
Where else could we start on this list? 'El Nino' is a legendary figure at his boyhood club Atletico Madrid. After joining the club in 1995 age 11, he went on to make over 400 appearances in two separate stints.
Torres netted 129 times for the Madrid-based side and often donned the captain's armband even as young as 19 years of age as was his influence and importance to the side. He was greatly missed when he departed for Liverpool in the Premier League where he was at the peak of his powers.
Torres then went on to play for Chelsea and AC Milan, before returning to Atletico Madrid in 2016 for a second spell. He is currently plying his trade in Japanese football with Sagan Tosu.
Although he now plays at a much lower level, Torres is an idol at this club, and you would have to go far to find much more popular than him with Atletico's adoring fanbase.
#2 Sergio Aguero
Now known as one of the most prolific Premier League strikers of all time, it is worth remembering that Atletico Madrid was where Sergio Aguero was scoring goals before Manchester City swooped for his services. Atletico plucked the diminutive striker from Argentinian football at the age of 18 and from a very early stage, it was clear they had found a real gem.
Aguero scored 101 goals in 234 appearances for Los Rojiblancos before departing for the Premier League and has never looked back. A Premier League legend in the making, Atletico fans will always look back with great fondness at Sergio 'Kun' Aguero, who won the Europa League during his time in Spain and the UEFA Super Cup.
His goals were a key part of an exciting Atletico side which boasted great attacking prowess backed up by a tigerish defense and seemingly unbreakable team spirit. His attacking flair was a very welcome addition in the side, and he was often the difference maker in tight, cagey matches.
Since leaving Atletico Madrid, Aguero has established a reputation for being a lethal finisher and one of the most complete strikers in the world. Every manager would love to have a player like Aguero up front, as he has proven time and time again how consistent he is at the very top level.
After his humble upbringings in Argentina, he will owe a lot of his success to the Spanish side who gave him his big opportunity in European football. Still in blistering form and contention for the Premier League Golden Boot once again this season, the Argentine has 11 goals in 15 appearances in all competitions so far this campaign and looks set to push for the 30 goal mark for the 5th time in his incredible career.
#3 David Villa
David Villa will always be recognized as one of the most prolific strikers in La Liga history and also for the Spain national team. He also enjoyed a successful season at Atletico in 2013-2014 in which the team won the La Liga title and Villa played a key part. Although his spell at the club was relatively short-lived, it was certainly memorable.
The Spaniard scored 17 goals in 45 appearances in all competitions and certainly gave it his all during his spell at the Vicente Calderon. Although largely known for his exploits for the national team and time with Barcelona/Valencia, Atletico fans will long remember his role in their title-winning campaign.
He joined Atletico after several seasons spent in La Liga netting goals at an astonishing rate for first Valencia and then Barcelona. After 129 goals for Valencia, the lethal Spaniard would then go on to score a further 48 goals in the famous colors of Barcelona.
It was here he would find new levels to his game, contributing more in build-up play and assists in a star-studded line up where he certainly didn't appear out of place. His strike rate for Spain is absolutely incredible also, with 59 goals in 98 caps seeing him top the list of all-time scorers for the Spanish national team which simply underlines what a brilliant goalscorer he was.
Atletico may have experienced David Villa towards the tail end of his career, but what a privilege it was to see him pull on the red and white jersey. Villa is now seeing out his club career at New York City FC and is still as prolific as ever - terrorizing defenses on the other side of the world.
#4 Diego Forlan
Largely known in England for an underwhelming spell at Manchester United, Diego Forlan experienced far greater success once he left England finding his goalscoring form at Villarreal, Inter and most prominently Atletico Madrid.
The Uruguayan hitman bagged 96 goals in 196 games for Atletico Madrid and was instrumental in their Europa League success scoring a brace in the final to win the trophy for his side. A memorable player and one Atletico fans won't be forgetting in a hurry.
Forlan has always been admired for how he picked himself up despite his failings in England, as well as his performances on the big stage for Uruguay. He was excellent at the 2010 World Cup, even receiving the FIFA Golden Ball in that year which is presented to the best player at the tournament.
This would have been no surprise to the Atletico fans who were witnessing him turn out these performances on a weekly basis.
#5 Radamel Falcao
A goalscoring machine during his time at Atletico Madrid, Radamel Falcao was at one point one of the most feared strikers in world football. Scoring goals for fun at FC Porto saw a big money move to Atletico materialize.
The Colombians goalscoring record at Atletico was incredible, a very impressive 70 goals in 91 appearances contributing greatly to Europa League, Copa Del Rey and UEFA Super Cup successes. During his time in Madrid, Falcao became one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe and many still see this as the prime of his top-level career.
After a hugely successful time in Madrid, Falcao made a switch over to French football with AS Monaco. Despite being disrupted by injury, he has largely continued to score goals in Ligue 1.
In between disappointing spells with Manchester United and Chelsea, Falcao is still leading the line for Monaco where he has a tally of 71 goals in 116 games which is not to be sniffed at. Although largely past his best, people will never forget the predatory instincts of Radamel Falcao at his peak.
