Nahuel Molina

Defender · Argentina · #26

2026 FIFA World Cup Player Profile

Full Name	Nahuel Molina
Date of Birth	06 April 1998
Age	28
Place of Birth	Rosario, Argentina
Nationality	Argentina
Height	5' 9"
Position	Defender
Jersey Number	#26
Current Club	Atlético Madrid
International Caps	17
International Goals	3
World Cup Tournaments	1
World Cup Goals	1
FIFA Rating	80
Net Worth	Estimated $50M+

Who Is Nahuel Molina?

Nahuel Molina is a dynamic right-back from Argentina, renowned for his explosive pace, defensive tenacity, and attacking contributions from the flank. At 28 years old and entering his second FIFA World Cup in 2026, Molina brings a blend of tactical intelligence and physical resilience that makes him indispensable to both his club and country. As Argentina looks to defend its World Cup title with a fresh generation of stars, Molina’s role as a veteran leader and overlapping defensive weapon positions him as a cornerstone of Lionel Scaloni’s system.

Early Life and Childhood

Born on July 6, 1998, in Rosario—a football-cradle city that produced legends like Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María—Nahuel Molina spent his formative years immersed in the roar of amateur matches and the gravitational pull of Argentina’s sporting culture. Raised in the working-class neighborhood of Fisherton, Molina was raised primarily by his mother, Sandra, after his parents separated when he was young. His father, Juan Carlos, worked as a delivery driver, and Molina often recounts how his family’s sacrifices fueled his drive to succeed. From an early age, he was captivated by the feats of local heroes like Messi, idolizing the attacking prowess of players like Dani Alves and Roberto Carlos, which sparked his ambition to play as an offensive full-back.

By age eight, Molina was already playing street football barefoot on the concrete pitches behind his school, where his explosive dribbling and fearless one-on-one challenges caught the eye of neighborhood coaches. His older brother, Agustín, was also a footballer and served as his first mentor, dragging him to trials at nearby clubs. Agustín’s influence was pivotal—he pushed Nahuel to train rigorously and taught him the importance of spatial awareness, a skill that would later define his professional career. Despite financial constraints that forced the family to prioritize school fees over club fees at times, Molina’s talent ensured he remained on the radar of scouts from Rosario-based academies.

Youth Career

Molina began his structured football journey at CA Belgrano (not Newell's Old Boys), joining their youth academy at age 12. Though small for his age, his technical ability and late physical development were evident early, and he quickly earned the nickname El Conejo (The Rabbit) for his darting runs down the wing. Under the tutelage of coaches who emphasized positional discipline over raw athleticism, Molina honed his ability to time overlapping runs, a trait that would become his hallmark.

He progressed through the youth ranks with remarkable consistency, captaining the U-17 side that reached the final of the 2015 Torneo de Promoción y Reservas, Belgrano’s youth championship. By 16, he had signed his first professional contract, though injuries—including a stress fracture in his tibia—temporarily stalled his advancement. After recovering, he made his senior debut in 2016 under manager Roberto Pompei, though his breakthrough was gradual due to competition from more experienced players.

Professional Club Career

Molina’s professional career began under the shadows of Belgrano’s first team, where he made his Argentine Primera División debut on October 3, 2016, at age 18. However, limited game time prompted a loan move to CA Defensa y Justicia in the second tier during the 2017–18 season. It was during this loan spell that Molina truly flourished under manager Hernán Crespo, who deployed him as a wing-back in a 3-5-2, a formation that allowed his attacking instincts to flourish. He scored three goals in 23 appearances, helping Defensa gain promotion to the Primera División. His performances caught the eye of larger clubs, and in 2018, he returned to Belgrano as a first-choice right-back.

His breakout season came in 2019–20, where he played 31 league matches and scored 5 goals—a remarkable tally for a full-back. This prompted a move to Boca Juniors in January 2021, a high-pressure transfer that marked his arrival in Argentine football’s elite. Molina quickly became a fan favorite at La Bombonera, known for his no-nonsense defending and pinpoint crosses. He won the 2022 Copa de la Liga Profesional and the 2022 Superliga Argentina (renamed from Superliga Argentina to Primera División in 2020), forming a formidable partnership with Argentine legend Carlos Tevez. His aggressive style and direct dribbling made him a perfect fit for Boca’s attacking philosophy under Miguel Ángel Russo.

In January 2022, Molina made a seismic move to Europe, joining Serie A club Udinese for a reported €8.5 million. Though Udinese struggled in Serie A, Molina excelled individually, finishing his debut season with 4 goals and 5 assists across all competitions. His performances earned him a call-up to the Argentine national team and drew interest from top European clubs. In July 2022, Atlético Madrid acquired his services for a reported €10 million, a move that catapulted him into the elite tier of world football. Initially seen as a backup to Santiago Arias, Molina soon displaced the Dutch international, forming a crucial part of Diego Simeone’s defensive transition and counter-attacking system.

By the 2025–26 season, Molina has firmly established himself as Atlético’s first-choice right-back, known for his electrifying pace, crossing accuracy, and ability to win aerial duels despite his modest height. In the 2025–26 La Liga campaign, he has been instrumental in Simeone’s preferred 3-5-2 formation, contributing 3 goals and 8 assists in 28 appearances, with Atlético currently sitting in second place. His contract, signed in 2024, runs until June 2028 with a reported release clause of €50 million, reflecting his status as a non-negotiable starter.

International Career

Molina received his first call-up to the Argentine national team in June 2021 under coach Lionel Scaloni, making his debut in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Paraguay as a second-half substitute. His full debut came just days later against Brazil in the same qualifiers, a match that ended 1-0 in Argentina’s favor. Scaloni, impressed by Molina’s tactical discipline and work rate, included him in the provisional 2022 World Cup squad despite a relatively short international pedigree.

He became a regular starter during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, forming a strong partnership with right-wing midfielder Enzo Fernández. By the 2023 Copa América, where Argentina finished as runners-up, Molina had cemented his place as the team’s starting right-back, known for his roaming runs and defensive solidity. His versatility allowed him to play as a wing-back in a 3-4-3, a role he mastered under Scaloni.

Molina scored his first international goal on September 7, 2023, in a 5-0 win over Costa Rica, a header from a Lionel Messi corner—a signature maneuver that symbolized his aerial improvement. As of March 2026, he has earned 17 caps and scored 3 goals, with a clean disciplinary record (only one yellow card in official matches).

FIFA World Cup Journey

Molina made his FIFA World Cup debut at the 2022 tournament in Qatar, where he appeared in all seven matches for Argentina. He made his tournament bow in the group-stage opener against Saudi Arabia, a 2-1 victory, playing as a right wing-back in Scaloni’s 3-5-2. He provided an assist for Lionel Messi’s opening goal and was one of the few Argentine players to show composure under pressure.

His most pivotal moment came in the round-of-16 clash against Australia, where he recovered from early defensive errors to deliver a crucial assist for Julián Álvarez’s goal in the 57th minute, a match Argentina won 2-1. Throughout the knockout stages, Molina’s ability to overlap and re-enter defensive positions underpinned Argentina’s high press and transitional play.

In the semi-final against Croatia, Molina scored a historic 31st-minute header from an Alexis Mac Allister cross, becoming the first Argentine defender to score in a World Cup knockout stage since 1990. Though Croatia equalized, Argentina advanced 3-0 in extra time. In the final against France, Molina played the full 120 minutes as Argentina won 4-2 on penalties after a 3-3 draw. Though he didn’t score, his defensive leadership and stamina were pivotal in securing the title.

As Argentina enters the 2026 World Cup as defending champions, Molina, now 27 (turning 28 in July 2026), is expected to reprise his role as a starting right-back. With increased responsibility, he is poised to become only the third Argentine defender (after Daniel Passarella and Javier Zanetti) to captain the national team in a World Cup. Scaloni has praised his maturity and tactical intelligence, positioning him as a leader in the locker room.

Playing Style

Nahuel Molina is a modern, inverted full-back, a hybrid who combines defensive rigor with offensive dynamism. His primary strength lies in his explosive acceleration and dribbling ability, which allows him to advance up the right flank with purpose, often drawing multiple defenders before delivering pinpoint crosses into the box. Though only 5'9", Molina is surprisingly effective in aerial duels, winning over 40% of his headers in 2025–26—a statistic that reflects his timing and leaping ability.

He operates primarily as a right wing-back in a 3-5-2 or 5-3-2 formation, a system that maximizes his offensive output without compromising defensive structure. His preferred foot is his right, but he is comfortable using his left for short passes and crosses from deep. Under Diego Simeone, Molina has mastered the art of quick transitions, often sprinting from defense to attack within seconds.

Defensively, he is aggressive in pressing, frequently engaging attackers high up the pitch, and his ability to recover possession in midfield has made him one of Atlético Madrid’s most reliable ball-winners. Though prone to occasional fouls when chasing lost causes, his positioning remains disciplined in structured phases.

His set-piece delivery—especially from corners—has become a weapon, with 3 of his 8 La Liga assists in 2025–26 coming from dead-ball situations. Molina also takes Atlético’s attacking throw-ins, a responsibility usually reserved for creative midfielders, highlighting his importance in Simeone’s tactical setup.

Records and Achievements

• Club Honours
• 2022 Copa de la Liga Profesional (Boca Juniors)
• 2022 Primera División (Boca Juniors)
• La Liga Player of the Month (November 2024)

• International Honours
• FIFA World Cup winner (2022)
• 2022 Finalissima winner

• Individual Awards
• Serie A Team of the Year (2022–23)
• Argentine Footballer of the Year nominee (2023)
• IFFHS South American Team of the Year (2023, 2024)

Career Statistics

Molina’s career trajectory is defined by rapid upward mobility, each club spell marking a significant step up in quality and pressure. His move from Boca Juniors to Udinese represented a leap from South American to European football, while his subsequent transfer to Atlético Madrid solidified his status as one of La Liga’s most reliable full-backs. By the 2025–26 season, he had amassed over 250 senior club appearances, a testament to his durability and professionalism.

His most productive attacking season came in 2023–24 with Atlético Madrid, where he scored 4 goals and provided 9 assists across all competitions. He is one of only 12 full-backs in Atlético’s history to register at least 10 assists in a single season. His international goal against Costa Rica in 2023 marked his arrival on the global stage, and his World Cup goal in 2022 remains one of the most memorable moments in Argentine football history.

Despite his physical stature, Molina has broken the stereotype of the diminutive full-back by becoming a top-tier duel-winner in aerial challenges, ranking in the 78th percentile among La Liga right-backs for aerial duels won in 2025–26.

Net Worth and Endorsements

With a reported net worth exceeding $50 million, Molina has rapidly ascended into the upper echelon of Argentine football earners. His wealth is primarily driven by his Atlético Madrid salary but also augmented by lucrative sponsorship deals. He is the global ambassador for Adidas, featuring prominently in their Predator and Copa Pure campaigns since 2023. Additionally, Molina has partnerships with Gatorade Argentina, PepsiCo, and Nike, reflecting his marketability in both Europe and Latin America.

He also co-owns a sportswear brand called Conejo FC, named after his childhood nickname, which designs custom training gear for youth academies across Argentina. Though not widely commercialized, the venture has gained traction locally and reflects Molina’s entrepreneurial spirit. His social media presence—primarily on Instagram, where he has over 4 million followers—features lifestyle content, football tutorials, and behind-the-scenes training clips, further boosting his commercial appeal.

Salary and Contract

As of the 2025–26 season, Nahuel Molina earns a reported annual salary of €7.2 million at Atlético Madrid, according to Capology and Spotrac. This makes him one of Atlético’s highest-paid players, though still below the top tier of the squad. His contract, signed in February 2024, runs until June 2028 with a reported €50 million release clause. Atlético has consistently rejected transfer approaches from English Premier League clubs, including Chelsea in summer 2025, citing Molina’s importance to the squad.

There have been no reports of contract disputes or extension talks during the 2025–26 season, suggesting Molina remains content at the club. His commercial earnings outside the club are estimated at €3–4 million annually, primarily from endorsements and social media.

Personal Life

Nahuel Molina has carefully curated a private personal life, though public records and social media posts reveal key details about his relationships and values. He has been in a long-term relationship with Valentina Pérez, a psychologist from Buenos Aires, whom he met in 2018 during a family trip to Mar del Plata. Pérez, eight years his senior, was working as a sports psychologist at a local clinic when they reconnected through mutual friends. Their relationship remained low-key for years, but in 2023, Molina publicly acknowledged her during Atlético Madrid’s Champions League celebrations.

Pérez is known for her low profile but has occasionally attended matches, often seated in the VIP section at the Wanda Metropolitano. The couple confirmed their engagement in January 2025, though a wedding date has not been announced. They were spotted vacationing in Patagonia in February 2025, suggesting a quiet ceremony may be planned after the World Cup.

Molina and Pérez welcomed their first child, a son named Mateo, on July 12, 2024. The birth was announced on Molina’s Instagram, where he shared a heartfelt message about family and gratitude. Mateo, often referred to with the affectionate nickname El Conejito (The Little Rabbit), is frequently seen in photos with Molina during training breaks and family outings. Despite the demands of professional football, Molina has prioritized spending weekends with his family, often flying Valentina and Mateo to Madrid from Buenos Aires during international breaks.

Off the field, Molina is an avid reader, particularly of biographies and historical novels, citing El Eternauta by Héctor Germán Oesterheld as a favorite. He is also a passionate supporter of social causes in Argentina, having collaborated with the Fundación Pérez Companc to build a football pitch in his hometown of Fisherton. The project, completed in 2023, provides free training for underprivileged youth in Rosario. He has also participated in UNICEF campaigns promoting mental health awareness among young athletes, drawing on Valentina’s professional expertise.

Despite his global fame, Molina remains deeply connected to Rosario, visiting his mother’s home regularly and attending local matches when possible. His brother Agustín, now a coach at a lower-league club in Argentina, serves as his informal advisor, often reviewing tactical footage together.

Controversies and Criticism

Nahuel Molina has maintained a clean public profile throughout his career, with no significant disciplinary issues or controversies reported in major media.

Legacy and Impact

Nahuel Molina represents a generational shift in Argentine football—a defender who blends defensive steel with attacking flair, and a leader who can inspire confidence in both peers and younger players. His journey from the streets of Fisherton to lifting the World Cup trophy in Qatar has made him a symbol of perseverance and authenticity in modern football. For many aspiring right-backs in Argentina, he is the benchmark: a player who turned defensive discipline into a weapon and tactical awareness into a pathway to success.

At the 2026 World Cup, Molina’s role transcends mere participation. With Lionel Messi’s potential retirement looming post-tournament, Molina could become the emotional leader of Argentina’s defense, tasked with guiding a new wave of players toward defending the title. His experience, composure, and ability to perform under pressure make him one of the most trusted players in Scaloni’s squad.

Beyond trophies, Molina’s impact lies in his authenticity. He plays with passion, yet without theatrics; he celebrates with humility; and he represents a generation that values family, community, and responsibility as much as victory. In a sport often criticized for excess, Molina embodies the quiet professionalism that defines Argentine football’s soul. As Argentina marches toward the 2026 tournament, Molina stands not just as a defender, but as a testament to what it means to rise—through talent, discipline, and heart.