Giuliano Simeone has emerged as one of Argentina’s breakout stars at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Atlético Madrid forward played a key role in Argentina’s dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England in the semifinals, further cementing his reputation as one of the country’s brightest young talents.

While his fearless style on the pitch has won plenty of admirers, his journey to the top has been shaped by the people closest to him. From growing up in a football-obsessed household to following in the footsteps of one of the game’s most recognizable figures, here’s a closer look at Giuliano Simeone’s parents and the influence they’ve had on his career.

Who are Giuliano Simeone’s parents?

Giuliano Simeone was born on December 18, 2002, in Rome, Italy, to Diego Simeone and Carolina Baldini. His father, Diego, widely known as “El Cholo,” is one of football’s most accomplished managers and has led Atlético Madrid to multiple domestic and European successes since taking charge in 2011. His mother, Carolina Baldini, is a former Argentine model who later transitioned into business.

Diego and Carolina were married for nearly two decades and had three sons together: Giovanni (born 1995), Gianluca (born 2000), and Giuliano (born 2002). All three followed in their father’s footsteps and became professional footballers.

Following their divorce, Diego married Argentine model Carla Pereyra. The couple has two daughters, Francesca and Valentina, making Giuliano part of a large football-loving blended family.

After stepping away from modeling, Carolina focused on raising her children before launching her clothing brand, Buenos Aires Denim (B.A.D.), which gained significant popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beyond her entrepreneurial work, she has been actively involved in charitable initiatives, participating in fashion events that support children with Down syndrome, promoting breastfeeding awareness, and collaborating with several non-governmental organizations across Argentina.

Where did Diego Simeone and Carolina Baldini meet?

Diego Simeone and Carolina Baldini first met during the summer of 1992 in San Bernardo, a beach resort in Argentina. At the time, Diego was 22 years old and was building his reputation as a professional footballer after spells with Vélez Sarsfield and Pisa, while 18-year-old Carolina was beginning her career as a model.

Introduced through a mutual friend, the pair quickly formed a close bond, and their summer romance soon developed into a long-term relationship. After dating for two years, they married in July 1994 and went on to build a family together, welcoming three sons, Giovanni, Gianluca, and Giuliano.

In later interviews, Carolina reflected on those years, saying many footballers’ wives of her generation devoted their lives to supporting their husbands’ careers, often setting aside their own ambitions. She stepped away from modeling to accompany Diego as his playing career took them across Italy and Spain, where they raised their growing family.

Although the couple separated in 2008 and later finalized their divorce, their relationship spanned nearly two decades and coincided with the formative years of Diego’s playing career and the upbringing of their three football-playing sons.

What is the ethnicity of Giuliano Simeone’s parents?

Giuliano’s parents both have Argentine backgrounds, but here’s what makes it unique. The Simeone family has a very strong Italian background. This is because Diego Simeone’s grandparents came from Italy, and their heritage remains prominent within the family. As a matter of fact, Giuliano was born in Rome because his father played for Lazio.

Giuliano holds dual citizenship in Argentina and Italy, although he represented Argentina at the international level. Carolina Baldini also comes from an Argentine background, as she was born and raised in Buenos Aires. Diego and Carolina make the perfect example of an Argentine story.

Inside Giuliano Simeone’s relationship with his parents

Giuliano has talked freely about what it is like to be the son of someone like Diego Simeone. He said, “Outside of training, obviously he’s my dad, and he loves me a lot, like any father, and we have a different relationship. Outside of training, we talk a lot about football.” Besides, he is very much aware of the circulating rumors, saying that he receives all those chances because of his surname.

His relationship with his mother, Carolina, is equally special. When Giuliano scored his first goal for Argentina against Brazil, she was in the stands, tears streaming down her face. She’s described him as “perseverant, focused, and determined”. After Argentina’s semifinal win against England, Carolina posted a heartfelt message to her son, “Hay partidos que se juegan con los pies, y hay partidos que se juegan con el alma,” which basically means, “There are matches that are played with the feet, and there are matches that are played with the soul.”

Despite the distance, Carolina lives in Argentina while Giuliano is based in Spain; their bond remains unbreakable. 

What’s next for Giuliano Simeone? Argentina faces Spain in the World Cup final this Sunday. The stakes couldn’t be higher. For Giuliano, it’s a chance to step out of his father’s shadow and write his own chapter in football history. “Now we have to rest and go with everything on Sunday,” he said.

With his mother in the stands, you can bet the entire Simeone clan will be holding their breath. One thing’s for sure: whether Argentina lifts the trophy or not, Giuliano Simeone has already proven he belongs on this stage.