Overview

Nahuel Molina
Image: Nahuel Molina · via Wikimedia Commons

Nahuel Molina Lucero, born on 2 December 1997, is a professional footballer from Embalse, Argentina, who primarily operates as a right-back. Standing at 1.75 meters, Molina has forged a reputation as a dynamic defender capable of influencing play in both offensive and defensive phases.

Position

Molina's primary position is right-back, a role in which he has excelled throughout his career. He is particularly adept at playing as a wing-back in systems that utilize three central defenders, allowing him greater freedom to advance up the flank. His tactical versatility also enables him to feature as a more traditional full-back in a four-man defense, adapting his game to the specific requirements of the formation. This flexibility makes him a valuable asset to his club and national team.

Identity

Molina's headline identity can be encapsulated as a 'modern attacking right-back'. He combines diligent defensive duties with a significant contribution to his team's attacking play. His ability to deliver crosses, make overlapping runs, and provide an outlet on the right wing defines his offensive contribution, while his defensive positioning and tackling have steadily improved over his career. This blend of attributes is characteristic of contemporary full-backs who are expected to cover extensive ground and impact the game at both ends of the pitch.

Career path

Nahuel Molina's football journey began in Argentina, where he progressed through the youth ranks before making the move to European football.

Boca Juniors and loan spells

Molina joined the famed youth academy of Boca Juniors, one of Argentina's most prominent clubs. After developing his skills in their youth setup, he made his senior debut for the club in 2016. To gain consistent first-team experience, Molina was subsequently loaned out to Defensa y Justicia in 2018 and later to Rosario Central in 2019. These loan spells proved crucial for his development, providing him with regular playing time in the Argentine Primera División and allowing him to hone his craft at a professional level [Transfermarkt].

Udinese

In September 2020, Molina made the significant step to European football, signing with Italian Serie A club Udinese Calcio [Transfermarkt]. His time in Italy saw him establish himself as a key player, particularly during the 2021-22 season where he became a regular starter. His performances in Serie A highlighted his attacking qualities, with a notable output of goals and assists for a defender, attracting attention from larger European clubs.

Atlético Madrid

Molina's strong displays for Udinese led to a transfer to Spanish giants Atlético Madrid in July 2022 [Transfermarkt]. Joining one of Europe's top clubs marked a new chapter in his career, placing him in a highly competitive environment under manager Diego Simeone. He quickly integrated into the squad, becoming the first-choice right-back and contributing to Atlético's defensive solidity and attacking width in both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. His move to Madrid demonstrated the recognition of his growing influence and potential at the highest level of club football.

Playing style

Nahuel Molina is characterized by his energetic and proactive playing style, typical of a modern full-back who balances defensive responsibilities with significant offensive contribution.

Technical attributes

Molina possesses good pace and stamina, which allows him to cover the entire right flank for the duration of a match. His offensive attributes include reliable crossing ability, often delivering dangerous balls into the box from wide areas. He is also proficient in making overlapping runs, creating numerical advantages in attack and pulling defenders out of position. On the defensive side, Molina is known for his tenacious tackling and good recovery speed, enabling him to track back and prevent counter-attacks. While not extensively engaged in aerial duels due to his position and height, he shows awareness in defensive headers when required [FBref].

Distribution and decision-making

His passing game is generally accurate, favoring short, sharp passes to link up with midfielders and wingers, as well as longer diagonal balls to switch play. Molina's decision-making in the final third has matured, showing an improved understanding of when to cross, when to drive into the box, and when to recycle possession. His ability to maintain possession under pressure and initiate attacks from deep positions is a key aspect of his game. According to Sofascore, Molina often records high passing accuracy percentages, highlighting his reliability in ball distribution.

Comparison

Molina's style of play can be compared to other attacking right-backs like Trent Alexander-Arnold in terms of offensive output and crossing ability, though Molina is often seen as more defensively disciplined. Another comparable player could be Dani Carvajal, known for his relentless work rate, defensive solidity, and willingness to contribute to attacks, albeit with different primary strengths.

Achievements & honours

Nahuel Molina has accumulated significant team honours in his career, most notably on the international stage with Argentina.

International honours

Molina has been a crucial member of the Argentina national team during a highly successful period. His most significant achievement came with the Albiceleste winning the FIFA World Cup.

Club honours

While his club career has seen him feature for prominent teams like Boca Juniors, Udinese, and Atlético Madrid, his international success stands out as his primary accolade to date.

International career

Nahuel Molina's international career for Argentina has been marked by rapid ascension and significant success, culminating in a central role in the national team's recent achievements.

Debut and early caps

Molina made his senior international debut for Argentina in June 2021 during a FIFA World Cup qualifier. His consistent performances at club level quickly earned him further call-ups, and he steadily cemented his place in Lionel Scaloni's squad as the first-choice right-back.

Major tournament appearances

He was a key figure in Argentina's victorious 2021 Copa América campaign, playing an integral role in the team that lifted the trophy. His defensive reliability and attacking contribution were vital throughout the tournament. Molina further solidified his international standing by featuring prominently in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He started several crucial matches, including the final against France, demonstrating his ability to perform under the highest pressure on the world stage [fifa.com/worldcup]. He scored his first international goal for Argentina against the Netherlands in the World Cup quarter-final [fifa.com/worldcup]. His participation in these major tournaments underscores his importance to the national team setup.

Role for country

For Argentina, Molina typically operates as a right-back or right wing-back, providing width, defensive cover, and an outlet for attacks. His understanding with the likes of Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María on the right flank has been a notable feature of Argentina's attacking patterns. As of May 2026, he has accumulated 34 caps for the Argentina national team and scored 1 goal, establishing himself as a fixture in a golden generation of Argentine football [Wikipedia].

What makes Nahuel Molina stand out

Nahuel Molina stands out primarily due to his exceptional engine and versatility as a right-back, allowing him to seamlessly transition between defensive duties and vital attacking contributions. His ability to maintain a high work rate throughout 90 minutes, coupled with his improving tactical awareness, makes him a consistent performer. A memorable moment demonstrating his attacking impact was his goal against the Netherlands in the 2022 FIFA World Cup quarter-final, showcasing his composure and finishing in a critical knockout stage match. Furthermore, his synergy with Argentina's creative players on the right side provides a crucial offensive outlet, consistently stretching opposition defenses.

“Molina has shown he can compete at the highest level, bringing both defensive solidity and attacking impulse.” — Lionel Scaloni (via interview snippets)