Mario Hermoso

A product of Real Madrid's famous La Fábrica academy, Mario Hermoso took an indirect path — via Valladolid, Espanyol, and five years at Atlético Madrid — before joining Roma on a free transfer in the summer of 2024. At Atlético he made 174 appearances and was part of the squad that won La Liga in 2020-21 under Diego Simeone, making 31 appearances in that title-winning campaign.

At 1.84m, Hermoso is a left-footed central defender who combines technical quality with physical presence. He is equally comfortable playing in a back four or a back three, and his ability on the ball makes him a natural fit for coaches who want defenders who can help build from deep. He has earned five caps for the Spanish national team.

His experience in big games — Champions League knockouts, title races — brings a winning mentality that helps raise the standards around him in training and on matchdays.