From the fiery chants of the Wanda Metropolitano to the dusty terraces of old Vicente Calderón, Atlético de Madrid has seen dozens of goal machines in its long history. But which name towers above all? In this article, TigerKick will guide you through the saga of Atlético’s most prolific marksmen, explain how the modern record was broken, dig into the competition, and explore what makes the top scorer in Atletico Madrid history more than just a number.
Atletico’s All-Time Goal Kings
When fans debate “top scorer in Atletico Madrid history,” they’re referring to the player who has scored the most official goals in all competitions wearing the red-and-white shirt. That includes league games, Copa del Rey, European tournaments, and domestic su, several legends built up impressive tallies — but only one now stands alone at the summit., the top scorer in Atletico Madrid history is Antoine Griezmann, having surpassed Luis Aragonés’ long-standing record of 173 goals and continued accumulating beyond that mark. Currently, Griezmann’s total sits at 200 goals in official competitions for Atlético.
Below is a look at the top five all-time scorers for Atlético:
| Rank | Player | Goals (All Competitions) | Approx. League Goals | Era(s) | Key Notes |
| 1 | Antoine Griezmann | ~200 | 137 | 2014–2019, 2021–present | Current record holder |
| 2 | Luis Aragonés | 173 | 123 | 1964–1974 | Longtime record holder until 2023 |
| 3 | Adrián Escudero | 169 | 150 | 1945–1958 | One of the top historic scorers |
| 4 | Paco Campos | 158 | 144 | 1940s | Solid numbers in his period |
| 5 | José Eulogio Gárate | 136 | 109 | 1966–1977 | A strong presence in the 60s–70s |
Griezmann’s rise to first place is particularly remarkable because he eclipsed Aragonés’ record only recently, and he still continues to add to his tally.
Griezmann’s Path To The Record
Early Years in Madrid
Antoine Griezmann made his Atlético debut in 2014, arriving. Over his first spell (2014–2019), he gradually cemented himself as a key attacking weapon, scoring consistently across league, European, and domestic cups.
By the time he left for Barcelona in 2019, he’d already built a strong base of goals. But the record still belonged to Aragonés, and the gap was nontrivial.
Return and the Climb
Griezmann returned to Atlético in 2021 (initially on loan, later permanently) and picked up where he left off. With each season, he inched up the all-time rankings, passing club legends along the way.
On December 23, 2023, he officially broke the record by scoring his 174th goal for Atleti, surpassing Luis Aragonés’ mark.
Since then, Griezmann has continued scoring and, as of September 30, 2025, netted his 200th goal in a 5–1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League. That landmark moment underscored the depth of his legacy.
Strengths Behind His Numbers
Why did Griezmann succeed where others stalled? Some contributing factors:
- Versatility: He can play across the front line and drop into midfield, opening scoring routes.
- Durability: Over many seasons, he maintained fitness and form, even as teammates and managers changed.
- Big-match mentality: Many of his goals come in high-stake matches—derbies, European ties, cup deciders.
- Longevity across two spells: His cumulative years in Madrid (first spell + return) increased his opportunity to amass goals.
The Past Icons: Aragonés and Others
Luis Aragonés: The Legend Before the Legend
For decades, the name Luis Aragonés was synonymous with Atlético’s goal pedigree. His 173 official goals stood as a record. Aragonés was not only a scoring force but later went on to be a DTA, a tactical master and symbol of “Atlético style.”
His breakdown of goals: 123 in the league, 22 in the Cup, and additional markers in European and intercontinental competitions.
Other Historic Figures
- Adrián Escudero: amassed 169 goals, many during the postwar era, and still ranks high on Atleti’s all-time list.
- Paco Campos: active in the 1940s, scored 158 goals, his name still echoing among Atlético’s golden era.
- José Eulogio Gárate: thriving in the late 60s and early 70s, contributed 136 goals.
These players achieved greatness in different eras—less media exposure, fewer European matches—but their records endured for decades, reminding us that Griezmann’s conquest would not be easy.
Griezmann’s Record in Context
Foreigner or Spaniard?
Griezmann’s record also makes him Atlético’s highest-scoring foreign player ever, surpassing all non-Spanish legends in club history.
Rate and Efficiency
While some historic strikers had higher goal-per-game ratios (especially in leagues with fewer matches or fewer competitions), Griezmann’s advantage is the sheer volume across competitions and longevity. His 454 appearances for the club (through both spells) make him not just prolific but also durable.
Records Broken
- Broke the all-time Atlético goal record in December 2023.
- Reached 200 goals in September 2025.
- Became the foreign player with the most La Liga appearances, surpassing Messi.
The Future: Can Anyone Catch Griezmann?
Beating a 200-goal mark in Atlético frontlines is a tall order. For a challenger, several elements must align:
- Longevity at the club — a decade or more is essential.
- Consistent scoring across all competitions each season.
- Staying injury-free and keeping form through managerial changes.
- Deep involvement in European and domestic cups to increase goal opportunities.
Among current Atlético stars, there is no immediate name that looks like a threat to Griezmann’s record. His unique combination of productivity, consistency, and two spells at the club give him an edge few can match.
Conclusion
In summary, the top scorer in Atletico Madrid history is Antoine Griezmann, who currently sits on a monumental 200 goals in official competitions for Atlético. He overtook the legendary Luis Aragonés in late 2023 and has continued to build on that legacy ever since. Griezmann’s achievement is not just numerical — it’s a testament to his consistency, adaptability, and enduring importance to Atleti across changing eras.
If you enjoyed diving into Atlético’s goal-scoring legends, TigerKick invites you to explore our pages on Atlético’s all-time XI, greatest derbies vs Real Madrid, and monthly stats breakdowns. Stay tuned — and come back when you want more stories, analysis, and stats aboutur favorite players and clubs!
