Atlético de Madrid confirmed Wednesday that long-serving captain Jorge Resurreción Merodio “Koke” has signed a one-year contract renewal to continue playing for the club of his life in the 2026/27 season.
Koke, 34, reportedly had been subject to intense interest from MLS side Atlanta United in recent weeks. But Atlético’s all-time leader in appearances has opted to trigger
the renewal clause in his contract to play at least one more season, and his deal now ends on the same day that Diego Simeone’s contract does: June 30, 2027.
“It is an honor to continue representing the club of my life,” Koke said in an official statement. “Hopefully it’s not just one more year, but many more, and I’ll work hard for it.”
Koke enjoyed a superb individual season in 2025/26, when he made 56 appearances in all competitions as Atlético battled numerous injuries in midfield. He helped Atleti reach its first Copa del Rey final for 13 years and its first UEFA Champions League semifinal for nine years, though Atleti came up short in both competitions and the Rojiblancos’ league campaign saw them finish a disappointing fourth. But the bittersweet season only deepened Koke’s resolve to lead them to a trophy in 2027.
“The goal has to be to get a title (next year). We haven’t done it for a few years. The fans, the team and the club can’t think of anything other than winning a title and returning to Neptuno, where we all want to be,” Koke said.
Koke joined Atlético’s academy as an eight-year-old, and he has gone on to make 740 appearances in all. He’s won eight trophies at the club; he is one of two active players (the other being Josema Giménez) to have won LaLiga twice without playing for Barcelona or Real Madrid. The upcoming season may well be Koke’s last — he turns 35 in January and will be a reserve if Pablo Barrios and Johnny Cardoso are fit. But whether or not this renewal prefaces a farewell next spring, at least we will get to enjoy this living legend for another year.
