Atletico Madrid Dominates World Cup Final Squads, Bayern Munich Absent for First Time in Nearly 50 Years

Neither the high-spending Premier League clubs, nor FC Barcelona, and certainly not the Spanish record champions Real Madrid: their city rivals Atletico Madrid boast the largest contingent with nine players in Sunday's (9 PM CET) World Cup final between Spain (4 players) and Argentina (5 players).

This is hardly surprising. The coach of the smaller club in the Spanish capital is Argentinian Diego Simeone, whose son Giuliano plays a significant role for both Atletico and the national team. Additionally, forwards Thiago Almada, Julian Alvarez, defender Nahuel Molina, and backup goalkeeper Juan Musso are from Madrid. They will face their Spanish club teammates Alex Baena, Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, and Alejandro Grimaldo, who recently transferred from Leverkusen to LaLiga.

While Atletico supplies the most players to the final rosters, the largest single bloc originates from FC Barcelona. In the squad managed by former German national coach Hansi Flick, Spanish players include Joan Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Gavi, Pedri, Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, and Lamine Yamal. Only one player is from Real Madrid: left-back Marc Cucurella, who recently moved from Chelsea to Los Blancos.

For the First Time in Almost 50 Years: No Bayern Player in the Final

Furthermore, one player hails from the Bundesliga: Exequiel Palacios has been under contract with Bayer Leverkusen since 2020. Following the semi-final defeats of France and England, however, no player from German record champions FC Bayern has made it to the final – a first since 1978.

English Translation:

Neither the wealthy clubs from the Premier League, nor Barcelona, and certainly not Real Madrid: their city rival Atletico Madrid provides the most players for the World Cup final on Sunday (9 PM CET) between Spain (4 players) and Argentina (5 players).

It's no wonder: the coach of the smaller club in the Spanish capital is Argentinian Diego Simeone, whose son Giuliano plays a significant role for both Atletico and the national team. In addition, forwards Thiago Almada, Julian Alvarez, defender Nahuel Molina, and reserve goalkeeper Juan Musso are from Madrid. They will face their Spanish club teammates Alex Baena, Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, and Alejandro Grimaldo, who recently moved from Leverkusen to LaLiga.

While Atletico supplies the most players to the two finalists' squads, the largest contingent comes from FC Barcelona.

In the squad of former German national coach Hansi Flick, Spanish players include Joan Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Gavi, Pedri, Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, and Lamine Yamal. Only one player is from Real Madrid: left-back Marc Cucurella, who recently moved from Chelsea to the Royals.

For the First Time in Almost 50 Years: No Bayern Player in the Final

At least one player also comes from the Bundesliga: Exequiel Palacios has been under contract with Bayer Leverkusen since 2020.

Following the defeats of the French and English in the semi-finals, no player from the German record champions FC Bayern has made it to the final – for the first time since 1978.