Login
Login

Diego Llorente

{{short description|Spanish footballer}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2024}}

{{family name hatnote|Llorente|Ríos|lang=Spanish}}

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Diego Llorente

| image = Real Sociedad - Red Bull Salzburgo 62 (26433581918) (cropped).jpg

| caption = Llorente with Real Sociedad in 2018

| full_name = Diego Javier Llorente Ríos{{cite web|url=https://www.realsociedad.eus/en/team/player/real-sociedad/diego-llorente|title=Diego Javier Llorente Ríos|publisher=Real Sociedad|access-date=11 November 2018}}

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1993|8|16|df=y}}

| birth_place = Madrid, Spain

| height = 1.86 m

| position = Centre-back

| currentclub = Betis

| clubnumber = 3

| youthyears1 = 2000–2001 | youthclubs1 = Pérez Galdós

| youthyears2 = 2001–2002 | youthclubs2 = Trabenco

| youthyears3 = 2002–2012 | youthclubs3 = Real Madrid

| years1 = 2012–2013 | clubs1 = Real Madrid C | caps1 = 29 | goals1 = 1

| years2 = 2013–2015 | clubs2 = Real Madrid B | caps2 = 63 | goals2 = 3

| years3 = 2013–2017 | clubs3 = Real Madrid | caps3 = 2 | goals3 = 0

| years4 = 2015–2016 | clubs4 = → Rayo Vallecano (loan) | caps4 = 33 | goals4 = 2

| years5 = 2016–2017 | clubs5 = → Málaga (loan) | caps5 = 25 | goals5 = 2

| years6 = 2017–2020 | clubs6 = Real Sociedad | caps6 = 78 | goals6 = 4

| years7 = 2020–2024 | clubs7 = Leeds United | caps7 = 51 | goals7 = 4

| years8 = 2023–2024 | clubs8 = → Roma (loan) | caps8 = 38 | goals8 = 1

| years9 = 2024– | clubs9 = Betis | caps9 = 30 | goals9 = 2

| nationalyears1 = 2013 | nationalteam1 = Spain U20 | nationalcaps1 = 6 | nationalgoals1 = 0

| nationalyears2 = 2016– | nationalteam2 = Spain | nationalcaps2 = 10 | nationalgoals2 = 0

| club-update = 23:19, 13 April 2025 (UTC)

| nationalteam-update = 9 June 2022

}}

Diego Javier Llorente Ríos ({{IPA|es|ˈdjeɣo ʎoˈɾente ˈri.os}}; born 16 August 1993) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for {{Spanish football updater|Real Betis}} club Real Betis and the Spain national team.

Having been developed at Real Madrid, who also loaned him twice to clubs in La Liga, he signed with Real Sociedad in June 2017. Three years later, he joined Leeds United.

Llorente made his full debut for Spain in 2016. He was part of the squad at Euro 2020.

Club career

=Real Madrid=

Born in Madrid, Llorente joined Real Madrid's youth system in July 2002, one month shy of his ninth birthday.{{cite news|url=https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/real-sociedad/20170602/423128002476/el-perfilllorente-bautizado-en-la-seleccion-junto-a-oyarzabal.html|title=El perfil/Llorente, bautizado en la selección junto a Oyarzabal|trans-title=The profile/Llorente, baptized in the national team alongside Oyarzabal|newspaper=Mundo Deportivo|first=Ángel|last=López|language=es|date=2 June 2017|access-date=7 November 2021}} In the 2012–13 season he made his senior debut, appearing with the C team in a 1–1 away draw against Caudal Deportivo in the Segunda División B.{{cite web|url=https://www.futbolasturiano.es/noticias2/737.htm|title=Empate para abrir la temporada|trans-title=Draw to kickstart season|publisher=Fútbol Asturiano|first=Nacho|last=Pérez|language=es|date=25 August 2012|access-date=10 July 2023}}

On 24 March 2013, Llorente made his first appearance with Real Madrid Castilla, coming on as a substitute for injured Iván González in an eventual 4–0 home win over Córdoba CF.{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/2013/03/24/futbol/equipos/castilla/1364130615.html|title=Jesé y Morata destrozan con sus dobletes al Córdoba|trans-title=Jesé and Morata destroy Córdoba with their doubles|newspaper=Marca|language=es|date=24 March 2013|access-date=17 April 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/ActualidadCantera1213_en/News/1330041890619/1330141186709/noticia/Cronica/4-0:_An_outstanding_Castilla_thrash_Cordoba_at_the_Di_Stefano_where_they_remain_unbeaten_in_2013.htm|title=4–0: An outstanding Castilla thrash Córdoba at the Di Stefano where they remain unbeaten in 2013|publisher=Real Madrid CF|date=24 March 2013|access-date=17 April 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140414231856/http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/ActualidadCantera1213_en/News/1330041890619/1330141186709/noticia/Cronica/4-0:_An_outstanding_Castilla_thrash_Cordoba_at_the_Di_Stefano_where_they_remain_unbeaten_in_2013.htm|archive-date=14 April 2014}} On 11 May, he was an unused bench player for the main squad in a La Liga match at RCD Espanyol,{{cite web|url=http://espnfc.com/uk/en/report/348195/report.html?soccernet=true&cc=5739|title=Madrid draw hands title to Barca|publisher=ESPN FC|date=11 May 2013|access-date=11 May 2013}} but finally made his debut in the competition on 1 June, replacing Álvaro Arbeloa for the dying minutes of the last game of the campaign, at home against CA Osasuna.{{cite web|url=http://espnfc.com/uk/en/report/348168/report.html?soccernet=true&cc=5739|title=Mourinho bows out with win|publisher=ESPN FC|date=1 June 2013|access-date=2 June 2013}}

On 14 July 2015, Llorente moved to neighbouring Rayo Vallecano in a season-long loan deal.{{cite web|url=http://www.rayovallecano.es/noticia/diego-llorente-nuevo-jugador-del-rayo|title=Diego Llorente nuevo jugador del Rayo Vallecano|trans-title=Diego Llorente new player of Rayo Vallecano|publisher=Rayo Vallecano|language=es|date=14 July 2015|access-date=24 September 2020}} He scored his first goal in the top flight on 3 January 2016, the first in a 2–2 home draw against Real Sociedad,{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/spanish-primera-division/match/433805/rayo-vallecano-real-sociedad/report|title=Rayo Vallecano 2–2 Real Sociedad|publisher=ESPN FC|date=3 January 2016|access-date=29 May 2016}} and was an undisputed starter as his team eventually suffered relegation as third from bottom.

Llorente was loaned to Málaga CF also in the top tier on 8 July 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.malagacf.com/en/news/diego-llorente-arrives-at-malaga-cf-on-loan-from-real-madrid|title=Diego Llorente arrives at Málaga CF on loan from Real Madrid|publisher=Málaga CF|date=8 July 2016|access-date=9 July 2016}}

=Real Sociedad=

On 26 June 2017, Llorente signed a five-year contract with Real Sociedad.{{cite web|url=https://beta.realsociedad.com/es/noticias/detalle/la-real-sociedad-ficha-a-diego-llorente|title=La Real Sociedad ficha a Diego Llorente|trans-title=Real Sociedad sign Diego Llorente|publisher=Real Sociedad|language=es|date=26 June 2017|access-date=30 June 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805015528/https://beta.realsociedad.com/es/noticias/detalle/la-real-sociedad-ficha-a-diego-llorente|archive-date=5 August 2017}} In his league debut, on 10 September, he contributed one goal to a 4–2 away win against Deportivo de La Coruña after replacing Iñigo Martínez midway through the second half.{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/eventos/marcador/futbol/2017_18/la-liga/jornada_3/dep_rso/|title=Con la cabeza bien alta|trans-title=Head held high|newspaper=Marca|first=Delfín|last=Melero|language=es|date=10 September 2017|access-date=15 September 2017}} Four days later, in his first appearance in European competition, he started and scored twice in a 4–0 home defeat of Rosenborg BK in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League.{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/en/football/spanish-football/2017/09/14/59baed3f46163fa2498b45b6.html|title=Llorente leads Real Sociedad charge|newspaper=Marca|date=14 September 2017|access-date=15 September 2017}}

=Leeds United=

Leeds United announced the signing of Llorente on a four-year deal on 24 September 2020,{{cite web|url=https://www.leedsunited.com/news/team-news/27081/leeds-united-sign-diego-llorente|title=Leeds United sign Diego Llorente|publisher=Leeds United F.C.|date=24 September 2020|access-date=24 September 2020}} for a reported fee of £18 million.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54272055|title=Diego Llorente: Leeds United sign Spain defender from Real Sociedad|publisher=BBC Sport|date=24 September 2020|access-date=7 October 2020}} He made his Premier League debut on 5 December, coming on for the injured Robin Koch in the ninth minute of an eventual 3–1 away loss to rivals Chelsea.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/55111848|title=Chelsea 3–1 Leeds United: Blues go top after comeback win in front of fans|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Neil|last=Johnston|date=5 December 2020|access-date=5 December 2020}} He scored his first league goal on 19 April 2021, heading home a cross from Jack Harrison in a 1–1 home draw against Liverpool.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/56713525|title=Leeds United 1–1 Liverpool: Diego Llorente denies Reds place in top four|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Emlyn|last=Begley|date=19 April 2021|access-date=19 April 2021}}

=Loan to Roma=

On 31 January 2023, Llorente joined Serie A club AS Roma on loan until 30 June with an option to buy.{{cite web|url=https://www.asroma.com/en/news/2023/1/diego-llorente-completes-loan-move|title=Diego Llorente completes loan move|publisher=A.S. Roma|date=31 January 2023|access-date=31 January 2023}} He made his debut in the competition four days later, replacing Nicola Zalewski in injury time of the 2–0 home victory over Empoli FC.{{cite web|url=https://laroma24.it/news/campionato-campionato/2023/02/roma-empoli-esordio-per-llorente|title=Roma-Empoli: esordio per Llorente|trans-title=Roma-Empoli: debut for Llorente|publisher=La Roma 24|language=it|date=4 February 2023|access-date=19 June 2023}} Also as a late substitute, he appeared in the Europa League final against Sevilla FC on 31 May, a 4–1 penalty shootout loss in Budapest.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/0281-1825b16a79b7-12fe014d1f96-1000--sevilla-1-1-roma-aet-sevilla-win-4-1-on-penalties-bounou-the/|title=Sevilla 1–1 Roma (aet, Sevilla win 4–1 on penalties): Bounou the spot-kick hero for serial winners|publisher=UEFA|first=Mark|last=Pettit|date=31 May 2023|access-date=19 June 2023}}

Llorente returned to the Stadio Olimpico for the 2023–24 season, again on loan.{{cite web|url=https://www.leedsunited.com/news/team-news/31646/diego-llorente-rejoins-as-roma|title=Diego Llorente completes loan move|publisher=Leeds United F.C.|date=8 July 2023|access-date=8 July 2023}} He scored his first league goal on 10 March 2024, closing a 2–2 draw at ACF Fiorentina in the 95th minute.{{cite news|url=https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/10-03-2024/fiorentina-roma-2-2-ranieri-aouar-mandragora-llorente.shtml|title=Llorente salva la Roma al 95'. Fiorentina beffata, la Champions resta lontana|trans-title=Llorente rescues Roma at 95'. Fiorentina ridiculed, Champions is far away|newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport|first=Alessio|last=D'Urso|language=it|date=10 March 2024|access-date=2 May 2024}}

=Betis=

On 9 July 2024, Real Betis reached an agreement with Leeds United for the transfer of Llorente, who signed a four-year contract.{{cite web|url=https://www.realbetisbalompie.es/noticias/actualidad/el-real-betis-y-el-leeds-united-acuerdan-el-traspaso-de-diego-llorente-30298|title=El Real Betis y el Leeds United acuerdan el traspaso de Diego Llorente|trans-title=Real Betis and Leeds United agree the transfer of Diego Llorente|publisher=Real Betis|language=es|date=9 July 2024|access-date=9 July 2024}}

International career

Llorente was called up to the Spain national team by manager Vicente del Bosque in May 2016, for a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina.{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/futbol/seleccion/2016/05/27/57483cbeca4741df508b45bf.html|title=Estamos preparados|trans-title=We are ready|newspaper=Marca|language=es|date=27 May 2016|access-date=29 May 2016}} He made his debut later that month, replacing Cesc Fàbregas in the 3–1 win in Switzerland.{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/eventos/marcador/futbol/2015_16/amistosos_seleccion/3/spa_bih/|title=Nolito endulza un duelo atípico|trans-title=Nolito sweetens an atypical duel|newspaper=Marca|first=Tomás|last=Campos|language=es|date=29 May 2016|access-date=29 May 2016}}

On 24 May 2021, Llorente was included in Luis Enrique's 24-man squad for UEFA Euro 2020.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/euro-2020-news-live-england-squad-b1852654.html|title=Euro 2020 news LIVE: Sergio Ramos left out of Spain squad plus latest before England announcement|newspaper=The Independent|first=Jamie|last=Braidwood|date=24 May 2021|access-date=24 May 2021}}

Style of play

A right-footed player who possesses good positioning and is strong in the air, Llorente can operate as a central defender or defensive midfielder.

Career statistics

=Club=

{{updated|match played 13 April 2025}}{{soccerway|diego-javier-llorente-rios/262202}}

class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"

|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

!rowspan="2"|Club

!rowspan="2"|Season

!colspan="3"|League

!colspan="2"|National cup

!colspan="2"|League cup

!colspan="2"|Europe

!colspan="2"|Total

DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Real Madrid C

|2012–13

|Segunda División B

|29

1colspan="2" rowspan="4"|—colspan="2" rowspan="4"|—colspan="2" rowspan="4"|—291
rowspan="4"|Real Madrid B

|2012–13

|Segunda División

|1

010
2013–14

|Segunda División

|31

1311
2014–15

|Segunda División B

|31

2312
colspan="2"|Total

!63

3000000633
rowspan="4"|Real Madrid

|2012–13

|La Liga

|1

000colspan="2" rowspan="3"|—0010
2013–14

|La Liga

|1

0000010
2014–15

|La Liga

|0

0100010
colspan="2"|Total

!2

010000030
Rayo Vallecano (loan)

|2015–16

|La Liga

|33

240colspan="2" rowspan="6"|—00374
Málaga (loan)

|2016–17

|La Liga

|25

22000272
rowspan="5"|Real Sociedad

|2017–18

|La Liga

|27

3116{{efn|name=UEL|Appearances in UEFA Europa League}}3347
2018–19

|La Liga

|21

020colspan="2" rowspan="2"|—230
2019–20

|La Liga

|29

110301
2020–21

|La Liga

|1

0000010
colspan="2"|Total

!78

4410063888
rowspan="4"|Leeds United

|2020–21

|Premier League

|15

10000colspan="2" rowspan="3"|—151
2021–22

|Premier League

|28

31020313
2022–23

|Premier League

|8

03020130
colspan="2"|Total

!51

4404000594
rowspan="3"|Roma (loan)

|2022–23

|Serie A

|9

000colspan="2" rowspan="2"|—3{{efn|name=UEL}}0120
2023–24

|Serie A

|29

11011{{efn|name=UEL}}0411
colspan="2"|Total

!38

11000140531
Betis

|2024–25

|La Liga

|30

220colspan="2"|—10{{efn|Appearances in UEFA Conference League}}0422
colspan="3"|Career total

!349

191814030340123

{{notelist}}

=International=

{{updated|match played 9 June 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=29423|title=Diego Llorente|website=EU-Football.info|access-date=3 April 2021}}

class=wikitable style="text-align: center"

|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year

National teamYearAppsGoals
rowspan="6"|Spain

|2016

10
201810
201930
202010
202120
202220
colspan="2"|Total100

Honours

Real Sociedad

  • Copa del Rey: 2019–20{{cite news|url=https://www.marca.com/futbol/copa-rey/cronica/2020/01/22/5e28c7ed268e3efe068b45ed.html|title=La Real decide con sus aspirantes al '9'|trans-title=Real take care of business with their '9' candidates|newspaper=Marca|first=Óscar|last=Badallo|language=es|date=22 January 2020|access-date=1 June 2023}}{{cite news|url=https://en.as.com/en/2021/04/03/football/1617473340_092105.html|title=Athletic Club 0–1 Real Sociedad: result, summary, goal|newspaper=Diario AS|first=Paul|last=Reidy|date=3 April 2021|access-date=1 June 2023|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419225734/https://en.as.com/en/2021/04/03/football/1617473340_092105.html|archive-date=19 April 2021}}

Roma

  • UEFA Europa League runner-up: 2022–23{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/may/31/sevilla-roma-europa-league-final-match-report|title=Montiel edges Sevilla to seventh Europa League triumph with win over Roma|newspaper=The Guardian|first=Sid|last=Lowe|date=31 May 2023|access-date=1 June 2023}}

References

{{reflist}}

External links

{{Commons category}}

  • {{BDFutbol|101837}}
  • {{Futbolme|11148}}
  • {{LaPreferente|109677}}
  • {{Soccerbase|68854}}
  • {{NFT player|64457}}

{{Real Betis squad}}

{{Spain squad UEFA Euro 2020}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Llorente, Diego}}

Category:1993 births

Category:Living people

Category:21st-century Spanish sportsmen

Category:Spanish men's footballers

Category:Footballers from Madrid

Category:Men's association football central defenders

Category:La Liga players

Category:Segunda División players

Category:Segunda División B players

Category:Real Madrid C footballers

Category:Real Madrid Castilla footballers

Category:Real Madrid CF players

Category:Rayo Vallecano players

Category:Málaga CF players

Category:Real Sociedad footballers

Category:Real Betis players

Category:Premier League players

Category:Leeds United F.C. players

Category:Serie A players

Category:AS Roma players

Category:Spain men's youth international footballers

Category:Spain men's international footballers

Category:UEFA Euro 2020 players

Category:Spanish expatriate men's footballers

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Italy

Category:Spanish expatriate sportspeople in England

Category:Spanish expatriate sportspeople in Italy