The Argentinian star sits down with GOAL to reflect on his path with Atletico Madrid, his World Cup triumph with Argentina, and the role his family has played along the way.
Angel Martin Belt Martinez, born in Rosario, Argentina on March 9, 1995, has matured into a key figure at Atletico Madrid. Now 28, he joined Simeone’s squad just as he celebrated becoming a world champion with Argentina. GOAL catches him at a pivotal moment in the season, revealing a player who feels grateful for the club, cherished by the fans, and valued by his coach. A devoted follower of the Virgin of San Nicolás, Correa has a notable connection with Pope Francis and believes his mother, currently battling cancer, is the most important person in his life. She raised him and nine siblings before football opened new doors. “She is a warrior,” Angel shares.
Atlético’s campaign has taken unexpected turns. What appeared certain earlier has given way to a season that has demanded resilience. How does he explain the recent lift in form?
“Honestly, this hasn’t been the season any of us hoped for. The staff, the players, the supporters — we all wanted a different fate. It hasn’t unfolded that way, but the task now is to keep pushing, to climb as high as possible, and to secure a spot in the Champions League.”
In his ninth season with the club, Correa remains one of the most beloved players among the fans. Do you feel that love back?
“Fans always show me love, and so do my teammates. The unconditional support from the crowd drives us to win games. Atlético’s character is rooted in strength at home and the energy from our supporters. That energy brings out the best in us and helps us win.”
“I came to Atlético as a boy, and Simeone helped me grow as a player and as a person”
The coach has become a defining figure in his career, recently entering a historic chapter. “What Simeone has accomplished is remarkable. He even holds a record for the most appearances as a coach in Atlético history. In modern football, it’s rare for someone to spend so many years at one club. He is a phenomenal manager, and Cholo proves it year after year. My bond with him mirrors the respect I share with all my teammates. It hasn’t always been easy; I arrived here at a young age, and he helped me develop over the years. I’m deeply grateful.”
OBJECTIVE – Atletico Madrid
“My mother is my strength; she has faced cancer for three years, and I am incredibly proud of her”
Correa’s childhood was tough. He lost his father and grew up in a challenging neighborhood before football offered a path out of poverty. He often repeats that his mother is the central figure in his life. Why is that?
“My mother is the most important person in my life, without a doubt. Both my mother and my daughters mean everything to me, and so does our whole family. Our strength comes from Marcela, my mother. Even though she has been battling cancer for three years, she fights every day. She fills me with pride, and we try to give her the strength to keep living.”
In a family with strong Christian roots, many wonder about the Pope Francis connection. Is there truth to that story?
“(Laughter) It’s true that Pope Francis once visited a small chapel in the San Lorenzo area. He came through and, years later, became pope. I shared a communion with him along with some neighbors from the area, and I have a photo that always reminds me of that day. I even had a private audience with the pope. He is a fan of San Lorenzo and remembers that moment well.”
Would he consider returning to Argentine football someday?
“I would love to go back to Argentina at some point and give back to the clubs that shaped me. I debuted at San Lorenzo, and I’m grateful for all it gave me. I’d also like to play for Rosario Central, a club tied to my father’s memories, who is no longer with us.”
World champion with Argentina, the journey to that moment was not easy.
“Describing the World Cup experience is hard. It was incredible yet tough at the start. After a strong Copa América win, there was hope of going to the World Cup, and the initial omission was a harsh blow. Going back to Argentina to regroup with family and friends helped me gain perspective.”
“When I was left off the World Cup list, it was hard; I went home to clear my head”
How did he cope with the final squad decisions?
“I was saddened. I went back to Argentina to recharge with family and friends. Then the call came for the final squad, and the moment I joined with Tiago Almada and others felt unforgettable. It was a whirlwind, but we made it.”
The World Cup story also included Messi’s triumph.
“Messi deserved it. That World Cup was exactly what he hoped for, and witnessing it come true is something special.”
“Some fans sold cars or homes to attend the World Cup; their support filled us with pride”
The Argentina fans brought an unforgettable energy to the tournament.
“The fans were wild and wonderful. They carried us through. They even earned the best fans award. People stretched their resources to be there, and that strength fed our performance on the pitch, helping us become champions.”
The final question pits adversity against achievement. Have tough times ever amplified the reward?
“I never planned it that way, but I do think that hardship often makes success sweeter. Winning with Atlético de Madrid in Spain and then lifting the World Cup with Argentina ranks among the highest moments of my life. Being part of that historic group remains the best thing I’ve done.”
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