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Article Summary
Nahuel Molina is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a right-back for La Liga club Atlético Madrid and the Argentina national team. Born in Embalse, Córdoba, on 6 April 1998, Molina came through the youth ranks at Boca Juniors before making his senior debut in 2016. He gained valuable experience on loan at Defensa y Justicia and Rosario Central before moving to Europe with Udinese in 2020. His impressive performances in Serie A earned him a move to Atlético Madrid in July 2022 for €20 million. Molina has been a key figure for Argentina, winning the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the 2024 Copa América. He is remembered for scoring Argentina’s opening goal in the quarter-final against the Netherlands at Qatar 2022. At the 2026 World Cup, he has been a regular starter for Argentina. He has been in a relationship with Bárbara Occhiuzzi since 2016, and they have a daughter. His net worth is estimated at approximately £8.19 million ($8-12 million).
Table of Contents
- Early Life and Background
- Club Career
- International Career
- Major Achievements
- Personal Life
- Latest News
- Upcoming Events
- Recent Awards
- Career Timeline
- Career Statistics
- FAQs
- Key Takeaways
- Conclusion
Quick Facts Table
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nahuel Molina Lucero |
| Born | 6 April 1998 |
| Birthplace | Embalse, Córdoba, Argentina |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Age | 28 (as of 2026) |
| Height | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) |
| Position | Right-back / Right wing-back |
| Current Club | Atlético Madrid |
| Jersey Number | 16 |
| Partner | Bárbara Occhiuzzi (since 2016) |
| Children | One daughter: Allegra (born January 2026) |
| Net Worth | Estimated £8.19 million ($8-12 million) |
Full Biography
Early Life and Background
Nahuel Molina Lucero was born on 6 April 1998 in Embalse, Córdoba, Argentina. Growing up in the province of Córdoba, Molina showed an early passion for football. He joined the Barça Juniors Luján sports project, a FC Barcelona-affiliated initiative in Argentina, which even took him to Barcelona to train with the club’s lower sections as a ten-year-old. In 2012, the Juniors Luján project was integrated into the youth ranks of Boca Juniors, and Molina continued his development there.
Club Career
Boca Juniors and Early Loans (2016-2020)
Molina began his professional career with Boca Juniors, making his first-team debut on 18 February 2016 in a league match against San Martín de San Juan. He made nine appearances for the Xeneize in the 2015/16 season.
In January 2018, Molina was loaned to Defensa y Justicia for the rest of the year. He then spent 2019 on loan at Rosario Central. These loan spells provided valuable first-team experience that helped shape his development.
Udinese (2020-2022)
In September 2020, Molina made the move to European football, joining Udinese in Serie A on a free transfer. His two seasons in Italy were a turning point in his career. Playing regularly in Serie A, Molina showcased his attacking abilities as a right-back, scoring seven goals in the 2021-22 season. His consistent performances in Italy earned him a reputation as one of the most promising full-backs in Europe.
Atlético Madrid (2022-Present)
On 28 July 2022, Molina joined Atlético Madrid on a five-year deal for a reported fee of €10 million plus €5 million in variables. Under the guidance of Diego Simeone, a manager renowned for developing defenders, Molina has become a regular starter.
During the 2025-26 La Liga season, Molina made 22 appearances, contributing 2 goals and 2 assists with an average match rating of approximately 6.98. His contract runs until 30 June 2027. In August 2025, Bournemouth reportedly had a €20 million bid accepted by Atlético, but Molina turned down the move. As of June 2026, he remains at the club.
International Career
Debut and Copa América Success
Molina made his senior debut for the Argentina national team on 3 June 2021. He was part of the squad that won the 2021 Copa América, playing five matches in the tournament.
2022 FIFA World Cup: The Goal That Defined a Career
Molina was a key member of Argentina’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. In the quarter-final against the Netherlands, he scored the opening goal at the 35-minute mark, following a brilliant assist from Lionel Messi. The goal was crucial in Argentina’s journey to the title.
2024 Copa América
Molina was part of the Argentina squad that won the 2024 Copa América, adding a second continental title to his collection. As of July 2026, he has earned 45 caps for Argentina and scored 1 goal.
2026 World Cup
Molina was selected for Argentina’s 2026 World Cup squad as the starting right-back. Throughout the tournament, he has competed for the position with Gonzalo Montiel, with manager Lionel Scaloni rotating the two based on fitness.
Major Achievements
Argentina Senior Team
- Copa América: 2021, 2024
- Finalissima: 2022
- FIFA World Cup: 2022
Argentina Youth Team
- Pan American Games: 2019 (Gold Medal) (as part of U23 squad)
Personal Life
Molina has been in a relationship with Bárbara Occhiuzzi since May 2016, when he was still playing in Boca Juniors’ youth teams. The couple met in Buenos Aires and have maintained a low-profile relationship.
Bárbara, born on 6 August 1996 in Córdoba, is two years older than Molina. She is a model and entrepreneur. The couple have a daughter named Allegra, born in January 2026.
Latest News
As of July 2026, Nahuel Molina is competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Argentina. He has been a regular starter at right-back, though he has faced competition from Gonzalo Montiel. Manager Lionel Scaloni has rotated the two based on physical condition.
Molina’s market value is estimated at approximately €14-17 million. His current contract with Atlético Madrid runs until June 2027.
Upcoming Events
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| 2026 FIFA World Cup | Starting right-back for Argentina |
Recent Awards
| Year | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Copa América | Won |
| 2022 | FIFA World Cup | Won |
| 2022 | Finalissima | Won |
| 2021 | Copa América | Won |
Career Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1998 | Born in Embalse, Córdoba, Argentina |
| 2012 | Joined Boca Juniors’ youth ranks |
| 2016 | Made professional debut for Boca Juniors on 18 February |
| 2018 | Loaned to Defensa y Justicia |
| 2019 | Loaned to Rosario Central |
| 2020 | Signed for Udinese in Serie A |
| 2021 | Made senior Argentina debut; won Copa América |
| 2022 | Signed for Atlético Madrid; won Finalissima and World Cup |
| 2024 | Won Copa América with Argentina |
| 2025/26 | Regular starter for Atlético Madrid |
| 2026 | Selected for Argentina’s 2026 World Cup squad |
Career Statistics
| Club | Seasons | League Apps | Goals | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boca Juniors | 2015-2018 | 9 | 0 | Senior debut |
| Defensa y Justicia (loan) | 2018 | – | – | Loan spell |
| Rosario Central (loan) | 2019 | – | – | Loan spell |
| Udinese | 2020-2022 | 60 | 7 | Breakthrough in Europe |
| Atlético Madrid | 2022-Present | 119 | 9 | As of 2025/26 season |
International Caps: 45
FAQs
How old is Nahuel Molina?
Nahuel Molina was born on 6 April 1998 in Embalse, Córdoba, Argentina, which makes him 28 years old as of 2026.
What is Nahuel Molina’s net worth?
Nahuel Molina’s net worth is estimated to be approximately £8.19 million ($8-12 million) as of 2026. He earns £48,000 per week at Atlético Madrid.
Which club does Nahuel Molina play for?
Nahuel Molina plays as a right-back for La Liga club Atlético Madrid. He joined the club in July 2022 and his contract runs until June 2027.
Has Nahuel Molina won the World Cup?
Yes. Molina was a key member of the Argentina squad that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He scored the opening goal in the quarter-final against the Netherlands.
Is Nahuel Molina going to the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. Molina has been selected for Argentina’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup and has been a regular starter at right-back.
What is Nahuel Molina’s height?
Nahuel Molina stands at 1.75 metres (5 feet 9 inches).
What trophies has Nahuel Molina won?
Molina has won the Copa América (2021, 2024), Finalissima (2022), and FIFA World Cup (2022) with Argentina.
Does Nahuel Molina have children?
Yes. Molina and his partner Bárbara Occhiuzzi have a daughter named Allegra, born in January 2026.
Is Nahuel Molina married?
Molina is in a long-term relationship with Bárbara Occhiuzzi. They have been together since 2016.
What is Nahuel Molina’s market value?
As of 2026, Molina’s market value is estimated at approximately €14-17 million.
Key Takeaways
- Nahuel Molina is an Argentine right-back born on 6 April 1998 in Embalse, Córdoba.
- He began his career at Boca Juniors before moving to Europe with Udinese in 2020.
- He joined Atlético Madrid in July 2022 for €20 million and has been a regular starter under Diego Simeone.
- He has been a key figure for Argentina, winning the 2021 and 2024 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
- He scored the opening goal in Argentina’s quarter-final against the Netherlands at Qatar 2022.
- He has been selected for the 2026 World Cup as a starting right-back.
- He has been in a relationship with Bárbara Occhiuzzi since 2016; they have a daughter, Allegra.
- His net worth is estimated at approximately £8.19 million ($8-12 million).
Conclusion
Nahuel Molina’s journey from the youth ranks of Boca Juniors to the pinnacle of world football is a story of perseverance and steady growth. He overcame early challenges, including loan spells away from his parent club, to establish himself as one of Argentina’s most reliable right-backs. His move to Udinese proved to be the turning point in his career, showcasing his attacking instincts and earning him a move to Atlético Madrid. Under Diego Simeone, Molina has become a trusted regular, known for his overlapping runs and solid defensive work. His goal against the Netherlands in the 2022 World Cup quarter-final will forever be etched in Argentine football history. At 28, he is competing in his second World Cup, aiming to defend Argentina’s crown. With a growing family and a career at its peak, Nahuel Molina continues to write his story as one of Argentina’s modern footballing heroes.
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