Saúl Ñíguez: The Journey of a Spanish Midfielder
Saúl Ñíguez Esclápez, better known as Saúl, is one of the most respected names in European football and, since July 2025, a significant addition to the Flamengo squad in Brazil. Born on November 21, 1994, in Elche, Spain, Saúl has built a career marked by versatility, resilience, and achievements. This article explores the midfielder’s journey, from his humble beginnings to his arrival in Brazilian football, highlighting key moments in his life and career.
Early Life and Football Roots
A Football-Loving Family
Saúl was born into a family where football was more than a sport; it was a tradition. His father, José Antonio Ñíguez, was a professional player for Elche in the 1980s, and his older brothers, Aarón and Jonathan Ñíguez, also pursued football careers. Growing up in such a football-centric environment shaped Saúl’s passion from an early age. At 11, he showed promise in youth academies, joining the youth team of Real Madrid, one of the world’s most prestigious clubs.
Time at Real Madrid and Move to Atlético
At age 11, Saúl began his journey at Real Madrid, where he stayed for two years. Despite his potential, he faced challenges, including reports of bullying, which led him to switch to rivals Atlético de Madrid at 13. This move was a turning point. At Atlético, Saúl found an environment that nurtured his talent and helped him develop his technical and tactical skills.
Rise at Atlético de Madrid
Professional Debut and Early Titles
Saúl made his debut for Atlético de Madrid’s first team in the 2011-12 season, at just 17, in a UEFA Europa League match against Beşiktaş on March 8, 2012. Though he played only the final minutes, his presence marked the start of a promising career. That season, Atlético won the Europa League, Saúl’s first title with the club.
In the following season (2012-13), Saúl split time between the B team and the first team, gaining experience in competitions like the Copa del Rey and Europa League. His versatility, able to play as a defensive midfielder, attacking midfielder, or even full-back, began to draw attention.
Loan to Rayo Vallecano
To gain more playing time, Saúl was loaned to Rayo Vallecano for the 2013-14 season. There, he displayed maturity, performing consistently in La Liga. His impressive performances led Atlético to recall him the following season, extending his contract until 2019.
Establishment at Atlético
Back at Atlético de Madrid, Saúl became a key figure in coach Diego Simeone’s system. In 2014, he contributed to the Spanish Super Cup victory against Real Madrid, coming off the bench in the second leg, which ended in a 1-0 win. That same year, he scored his first goal for the club in a 4-0 thrashing of Sevilla in La Liga.
In the 2015-16 season, Saúl shone brighter. On April 27, 2016, he scored a stunning goal against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League semifinal, securing a 1-0 victory at the Vicente Calderón. Although Atlético lost the final to Real Madrid, Saúl cemented his reputation as a clutch player capable of deciding big matches.
Overcoming Adversity: The Kidney Injury
A Life-Threatening Moment
In 2015, Saúl faced the greatest challenge of his career. During a Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen, he suffered a severe abdominal blow from Greek defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos. The impact caused a serious kidney injury, with internal bleeding and significant damage to his left kidney. Saúl was rushed to the hospital, where doctors even considered removing the organ.
“They told me my kidney was destroyed. It was the worst moment. I saw my father crying at my bedside. I thought about removing the kidney, but the doctor suggested other options,” Saúl revealed to The Guardian in 2017.
Recovery and Resilience
Determined to return to the pitch, Saúl opted for conservative treatment, using an internal catheter for nearly two years to filter blood. He endured intense pain and frequent urinary bleeding but refused to stop playing. Just 38 days after the injury, he returned to action, scoring in a 2-0 win against Córdoba. His resilience inspired fans and teammates, showcasing his mental strength.
International Career and Other Clubs
Spanish National Team
Saúl represented Spain at various youth levels, standing out at the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, where he was the tournament’s top scorer despite Spain’s loss in the final. He debuted for the senior national team in 2016 and was called up for the 2018 World Cup, solidifying his status as one of his generation’s top midfielders.
Loan to Chelsea
In 2021, Saúl was loaned to Chelsea in the Premier League, with an option to buy. Although he was part of the squad that won the FIFA Club World Cup against Palmeiras in 2022, his stint was criticized. He played 23 matches, scoring just one goal, and struggled to adapt to the Premier League’s pace. At the end of the season, he returned to Atlético.
Sevilla and Rebuilding
In the 2023-24 season, Saúl was loaned to Sevilla. Despite flashes of brilliance, with one goal and six assists, he faced challenges, including a hamstring injury. Sevilla’s battle against relegation made for an inconsistent season, but Saúl showed dedication and quality in several matches.
Arrival at Flamengo
A New Chapter in Brazil
On July 23, 2025, Saúl was announced as a Flamengo signing, agreeing to a three-year contract. The transfer, a free move after a mutual contract termination with Atlético de Madrid, marked a milestone in his career. Saúl chose Brazil despite more lucrative offers from Europe. At Flamengo, he wears the number 8 shirt, previously worn by Gerson, who was sold to Zenit.
Saúl’s move to Flamengo was driven by his relationship with coach Filipe Luís, a former Atlético teammate. “Filipe was already a coach when he played. He always shared tactical ideas. He told me I could be a full-back, but I never wanted to,” Saúl joked during his unveiling at the club.
Debut and Adaptation
Saúl debuted for Flamengo on July 31, 2025, in a 1-0 loss to Atlético-MG in the Copa do Brasil round of 16. Although he hasn’t featured in some early matches, coach Filipe Luís plans to give him more minutes, particularly in the Brazilian Championship. The Spanish press, like As, criticized his initial lack of prominence, but Saúl remains focused on adapting to Brazilian football.
“I’m not worried about Brazil’s intense schedule. At Atlético and Chelsea, I played every three days. It’s just about resting, eating well, and training,” Saúl said, expressing confidence in his physical ability.
Playing Style and Versatility
A Complete Midfielder
Saúl is renowned for his versatility. He can play as a defensive midfielder, attacking midfielder, winger, or even left-back, adapting to various tactical setups. His vision, defensive work rate, and passing quality make him a valuable asset. However, he has admitted a preference for playing in central midfield, where he can contribute most.
“At Sevilla, I played in various positions, but looking back, I would’ve preferred to stick to one,” Saúl reflected in an interview.
Impact at Flamengo
At Flamengo, Saúl is seen as a replacement for Gerson, bringing experience and leadership to the midfield. His signing, alongside Samuel Lino, another former Atlético player, was praised by Spanish journalist Rodra from ESPN, who highlighted Saúl’s ability to “make a difference” in Brazil.
Personal Life and Legacy
Off the Pitch
Saúl has been married to Yaiza Salamanca since 2022 and has two children, África (born in 2021) and Enzo (2023). He is also an entrepreneur, co-owning the Disidente restaurant in Valencia, investing in the sports clothing brand Born Living Yoga, and founding Club Costa City, a youth football and education project with his brother Aarón.
Saúl is passionate about golf, a sport he plays with his daughter. He once celebrated a goal for Sevilla by mimicking a golf swing, explaining that the sport helps him mentally.
Overcoming Challenges
Saúl’s career is defined by resilience. Beyond the kidney injury, he overcame a hamstring injury at Sevilla and returned to the pitch with determination. His story of perseverance inspires fans and teammates, and his move to Flamengo is seen as an opportunity for personal and professional reinvention.
Achievements and Stats
Saúl played 427 matches for Atlético de Madrid, scoring 48 goals, making him the seventh-most capped player in the club’s history. He won seven titles, including two Europa Leagues (2011-12 and 2017-18), one Copa del Rey (2012-13), one Spanish Super Cup (2014), one UEFA Super Cup (2018), and one La Liga title (2020-21). With Chelsea, he won the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup.
The Future at Flamengo
Saúl is still adapting to Brazilian football, but his experience and technical quality make him a promising addition. Under Filipe Luís’s guidance, he has the chance to shine at one of Brazil’s most popular clubs. “I want to grow with Flamengo. I didn’t come for the money, but because I identify with the club,” Saúl said, showing his motivation.
With a career full of achievements and challenges overcome, Saúl Ñíguez is more than a footballer; he is an example of dedication and versatility. At Flamengo, he has the opportunity to write a new chapter in his story, bringing his passion and talent to Brazilian football.
