Nahuel Molina at FIFA World Cup 2026
Atlético Madrid
Primary
Right-Back
Others
Right Wing-Back, Right Midfielder
Nahuel Molina Lucero has solidified his reputation as one of the world's most dynamic and offensively gifted right-backs as the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches. The 28-year-old Atlético Madrid star is a vital component of Argentina's tactical identity, providing the width and crossing quality that allow the team to stretch opponents. His ability to transition from defense to attack at high speed has made him a favorite of both Lionel Scaloni and Diego Simeone.
Quick Answer
Nahuel Molina Lucero is a 27-year-old Argentina defender for Atlético Madrid.
He is primarily used as a right-back, with cover across right wing-back, right midfielder.
His reported weekly salary is €71,000, and his estimated net worth is €1.5 million.
Early Life and Background
Nahuel Molina was born on April 6, 1998, in Embalse, a picturesque town in the Córdoba Province of Argentina. Growing up in a region known for its rugged beauty and its deep-seated football culture, Molina's early years were defined by his love for the ball. His physical stamina and his natural speed were evident from a young age, traits that would later define his professional style.
Birthplace, family, and youth football journey
He began his formal development in the 'Barça Juniors Luján' project, a scout-driven initiative affiliated with FC Barcelona in Argentina. This exposure to high-level technical training was vital. When the project was integrated into the Boca Juniors academy in 2012, Molina transitioned seamlessly, eventually making his senior debut for the Buenos Aires giants.
The influence of his upbringing in Córdoba provided the foundation for his professional resilience. Growing up in a region known for producing world-class talent, Nahuel developed a tactical maturity and a psychological toughness that have allowed him to thrive in the competitive environments of Serie A and La Liga.
Nahuel Molina Personal Info and Profile
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Nahuel Molina Lucero |
| Date of birth | 6 April 1998 |
| Age | 28 |
| Nationality | Argentina |
| Height | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) |
| Weight | 70 kg (154 lbs) |
| Position | Right-Back |
| Preferred foot | Right |
| Current club | Atlético Madrid |
| Jersey number | 16 |
| Weekly salary | €71,000 |
| Estimated net worth | €1.5 million |
Nahuel Molina's physical profile—defined by elite speed and stamina—is perfectly suited for the demands of the modern right-back role. At 28, he is in the prime of his career, possessing the perfect balance of physical ability and tactical experience gained in Italy and Spain.
His financial status heading into 2026 reflects his standing as a World Cup winner and a regular starter for Atlético Madrid. With an annual salary of approximately €3.7 million and a contract until 2027, he remains a high-value asset in the European transfer market.
Nahuel Molina Club Career
Early clubs and development
Molina's early senior career at Boca Juniors included several formative loan spells. He spent time at Defensa y Justicia and Rosario Central, where he gained valuable experience in the Argentine Primera División. These moves were essential for a young defender looking to refine his defensive positioning while maintaining his natural attacking instincts.
In 2020, Molina moved to Serie A, where he became an immediate success at Udinese. His ability to play as a wing-back in a five-man defense allowed his attacking qualities to shine, recording 10 goals and 7 assists in two seasons. This remarkable output for a defender made him one of the most sought-after full-backs in Europe, leading to his high-profile transfer to Atlético Madrid in 2022.
Current club and recent form
At Atlético Madrid, Molina has been a mainstay in Diego Simeone's system. Known for its defensive rigour, Atlético has helped Molina improve the defensive side of his game without sacrificing his offensive contribution. In the 2025-26 season, he has recorded consistent appearances in La Liga and the Champions League, contributing multiple goals and assists while providing the tactical energy that solidifies Atlético's transitions.
Molina's current contract at the Metropolitano runs until June 2027. While he has been linked with moves to the Premier League and several Italian giants, he remains a central figure in Simeone's plans. At 28, he is currently in the prime of his career, possessing the physical tools and the tactical maturity needed to lead Atlético's defensive line through the current competitive cycle.
Nahuel Molina - Stats and Performance
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | Atlético Madrid | 25 | 2 | 2 |
| 2024-25 | Atlético Madrid | 30 | 1 | 3 |
| 2023-24 | Atlético Madrid | 33 | 2 | 3 |
| 2022-23 | Atlético Madrid | 33 | 4 | 2 |
| 2020-22 | Udinese | 64 | 10 | 7 |
| 2016-20 | Boca Juniors | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Career Total | Multiple Clubs | 200+ | 19 | 17 |
Molina's statistical profile is highlighted by high progressive carry numbers and exceptional crossing accuracy. His consistency in appearances for a top European side underscores his reliability and tactical value.
Molina's stats at Atlético highlight his evolution into an elite, all-action full-back. Recording some of the highest numbers for progressive carries and successful crosses in La Liga underscores his readiness for the highest level of competition. His threat in transition remains a major asset, showcasing his continued relevance as a world-class professional.
In the 2025-26 cycle, his successful tackles and tactical interceptions per match rank him among the top tier of defenders in Spain. This statistical excellence underscores his importance to Atlético's tactical structure and his continued relevance as a primary candidate for the national team's defensive unit.
International Career
Caps, goals, and major tournaments
Molina's international career moved from debut to dominance in a remarkably short period. Since his first cap in 2021, he has won every major trophy available to an Argentine international: the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 World Cup, and the 2024 Copa América. His goal against the Netherlands in the 2022 World Cup quarter-final is etched into Argentine football history.
With 58 caps as of May 2026, he is one of the most experienced members of the 'Scaloneta' era. His reliability on the right flank has allowed Argentina to maintain a consistent tactical shape across several high-pressure tournaments. As 2026 approaches, he remains the undisputed first choice for the right-back position, providing the energy and the winning pedigree that define the current squad.
| National team | Caps | Goals | Tournament involvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | 57 | 1 | World Cup winner in 2022; Copa America winner in 2021 and 2024 |
World Cup Record by Tournament
| Year | Host | Matches | Goals | Assists | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Qatar | 7 | 1 | 1 | Champion |
| 2026 | USA / Canada / Mexico | World Cup debut - upcoming | 0 | 0 | Upcoming |
| Total | - | 7 | 1 | 1 | 1 Title |
Molina was an ever-present force in Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph. He featured in all seven matches, providing the opening goal in the quarter-final against the Netherlands—a goal that showcased his offensive timing and composure. His ability to handle high-pressure environments was vital throughout the tournament.
Looking ahead to 2026, Molina provides the veteran experience of a player who has already conquered the global stage. His role in North America will be to provide the same high-energy attacking presence that was so successful in Qatar, as Argentina aims for a historic title defense.
Honours and Trophies
Nahuel Molina's honours are highlighted by his World Cup triumph in 2022 and multiple Copa América titles. These achievements reflect his status as a winner and a player who thrives in the most high-pressure environments, such as the Lusail Stadium and the Metropolitano.
Individual recognition has been consistent throughout his career, with Molina frequently cited as one of the best attacking full-backs in world football. His status as a regular for a top European side and his record-breaking international success reflect his standing as an elite global professional.
Transfer News and Market Value
As of early 2026, Molina remains under contract with Atlético Madrid until 2027, but he is frequently the subject of transfer speculation. Clubs across Europe's top leagues have been linked with the Argentine, as they look for elite full-backs with World Cup-winning experience. His current market value is estimated at €28M, reflecting his status as one of the premier defenders in La Liga.
Heading into the 2026 World Cup, Molina is settled and focused on maintaining his peak form for both club and country. His tenure at Atlético Madrid has been the perfect developmental step, ensuring he is battle-hardened and ready for the challenges of a world title defense on North American soil.
Nahuel Molina Salary and Net Worth
Weekly wages for Nahuel Molina at Atlético Madrid are approximately €71,000 (gross), a figure that reflects his status as a World Cup winner and a primary star in the Spanish top flight. This contract, running until June 2027, ensures he remains a well-compensated and highly valued member of the Atlético project. His total annual compensation is estimated at over €3.7 million.
Estimated net worth for the 28-year-old is approximately €1.5 million, reflecting a successful career in both Italy and Spain. His moves across Europe's top leagues and his status as a senior international provide a solid financial foundation. He remains a dedicated professional with a primary focus on technical excellence.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Weekly salary | €71,000 (gross) |
| Annual compensation | €3.7 million (gross) |
| Estimated net worth | €1.5 million |
| Contract end | June 2027 |
Nahuel Molina 2026 Style, Strengths, and Tournament Outlook
The 2026 outlook for Nahuel Molina is focused on his role as the high-energy engine for Argentina's right flank. His tactical intelligence and his offensive timing will be essential in North America, providing the width needed in tournament football. He is realistically expected to be a primary starter.
Strongest traits for the 28-year-old include his elite speed, his crossing accuracy, and his professional composure. His ability to lead a transition and his creativity from wide positions make him an invaluable asset for the national team selectors. In the 2026 preparation window, his role as an 'offensive anchor' will be key to the squad's stability.
