During the September international break, 16 players from Atlético Madrid joined their national teams, collectively covering approximately 133,229 kilometers—more than three times around the Earth.
Four Argentine players from Atlético—Juan Musso, Cristian Romero, Julián Álvarez, and Giuliano Simeone—face the longest journeys, totaling around 20,851 kilometers. Argentina will play three friendlies: against Bolivia in Córdoba, followed by matches versus Burkina Faso and Benin in Buenos Aires. These fixtures also mark part of the farewell program for Lionel Messi with the national team.
Close behind is Lee Kang-in, who will travel about 20,729 kilometers as he heads to South Korea. His team is set to play four friendlies against Ecuador, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Uzbekistan, according to calculations by Mundo Deportivo.
Óscar Vargas will participate in four matches with Mexico on U.S. soil, facing Colombia, Peru, the United States, and Chile. His total travel will be approximately 20,188 kilometers. The midfielder might see playing time under coach Rafael Márquez, as Atlético’s Diego Simeone has rarely utilized him so far.
Ademola Lookman will cover 16,777 kilometers representing Nigeria. His team will compete in two African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Jonathan David is expected to travel 14,935 kilometers as Canada plays friendlies against Chile, Peru, and the United States.
Among Atlético players not crossing the ocean, Mendoza and Esquivel have the longest trips. With the Spain U21 team, they will travel about 10,316 kilometers for European Championship qualifiers against Finland, San Marino, and Romania.
David Hancko and the Slovakia national team will cover roughly 10,120 kilometers. Slovakia faces two matches against Moldova, plus fixtures against Kazakhstan and the Faroe Islands in the UEFA Nations League.
Spanish Atlético players will collectively travel 7,442 kilometers, competing in Nations League matches against England, Croatia (twice), and the Czech Republic. Meanwhile, Jan Oblak will journey around 6,471 kilometers for Slovenia‘s games against North Macedonia, Switzerland, and Scotland.
The shortest trip belongs to Morten Hjulmand, who will travel approximately 5,400 kilometers. The Denmark squad will face Norway, Portugal, and Wales twice during the international window.
