The Atlético Madrid midfielder will face Inter in the Champions League: “We’ve been the only ones able to knock them out in the last three years. My unconventional ideas? My teammates are curious…”
No. Marcos Llorente isn’t a soccer player like the others. And for many reasons. The first is genetic: the idea of “following in his father’s footsteps” is far too simplistic in his case. His father is Paco Llorente, who played for Real Madrid for seven years. But his mother, Maria Angela—who played basketball at a high level—is the daughter of Ramón Grosso, a legend of Real Madrid with whom he won six European Cups. And then there’s his uncle, Julio Llorente; Marcos is the great-grandson of the legendary Paco Gento and his brothers Antonio and Julio; and we must also mention the Llorente uncles from the world of basketball. In short, a unique pedigree. Marcos is also unique on the field: he left Real Madrid because Casemiro was blocking his spot, but then at Atlético he played as a No. 8 and a No. 7. And for some time now, under Simeone and on the national team, he’s been playing as a No. 2. Finally, there’s his lifestyle, which has put him in the spotlight for behaviors that some find eccentric, others crazy, and still others interesting. Walking around shirtless in the middle of winter, red lights at home, glasses with yellow or red lenses depending on the time of day and where he is, the Paleolithic diet, nighttime fasting… these are some of the things that shape Marcos’s life.
I’m going on the defensive: I’m almost twice her age and I sleep well. My circadian rhythms—which are so dear to her—are in good shape.
“Good, I’m glad for you. Sleep is essential.”
Is the Earth…?
“Round, or spherical. I’m not a flat-Earther. I’ve never said that, though some people have attributed it to me because my habits are different from others’.”
But you’re concerned about chemtrails.
“Of course.”
Do you really think they’ve increased and are having a negative effect?
“Absolutely, but I’m not here to convince anyone.”
You avoid sunscreen and advocate for the benefits of sunlight. Aren’t you afraid of the negative consequences everyone talks about so much?
“No, not at all. Skin cancer can affect people who are exposed to the sun just as much as those who live in a cave. I don’t see a direct link. I’m more concerned about the UV lamps that many people use or used—those are dangerous; natural light isn’t. I’ve been sunbathing without protection for 20 years, and my father for 40.”
He’s against sunglasses.
“Exactly. Obviously, if you stare directly at the sun, you’ll burn your eyes, but if you go about your day without sunglasses, it’s nothing but good for your eyes.”
He advocates the Paleolithic diet, and therefore eats meat—another topic of heated debate.
“Of course. The problem isn’t the cow, but what it eats. If it’s fed grass in an open field, there’s no problem. If you offer me highly processed meat for 2 euros a kilo, that’s a different story, but you can’t lump everything together.”
Even while defending his principles, he adapts to other people’s lifestyles, right?
“Of course. At training camp—whether here with the national team or with Atlético—it’s not like I can eat whenever I want or only what I want. You can have dinner after sunset. You need balance, because that’s the only path to happiness. Let’s say I follow my lifestyle 300–310 days a year. Then there are times to celebrate, to have fun, and you shouldn’t go crazy.”
Are you surprised that your statements are causing such a stir?
“No. I know exactly what I’m doing and I follow my own path. If anyone’s interested, I’m here. Otherwise, let them go their own way. The problem is that what I say goes against what we’ve always been told, and that bothers people, but I’ll say it again—it’s not my problem.”
You say you like wine. When did you discover it?
“Let’s just say that for a couple of years now, I’ve started drinking more mindfully and enjoying it more. I used to buy watches, but since you can’t wear them comfortably on the street anymore, I spend my money on wine. It serves a wonderful social function: a bottle brings together great values—friendship, family, affection, and emotion.”
Any regional preferences?
“I really like France; there are interesting wines in America; in Italy, I’d mention Case Basse di Soldera as well as the Monfortino Barolo from Conterno. And Masseto, of course. I really like older vintages of Sassicaia; the 1985 is among my all-time favorites. You have some great wines. Do you know them?”
Yeah, yeah, of course. But I don’t have the same financial firepower as you to enjoy them often. Shall we talk a little about soccer?
“As you wish.”
The national team?
“I like being part of it, but I don’t get upset if they don’t call me up. That said, coming here and being able to enjoy this fantastic group—training and playing with the best from every club—is unique, a marvel. You learn so much.”
Do your teammates ask you about your personal life?
“Yes, some are more curious; others want to learn more and listen. Then everyone makes their own decisions.”
And what about Atlético?
“Pretty well. We need to start making our mark away from the Metropolitano. We’re strong at home; away, we need to improve. We won in Seville against Betis, a tough opponent—that’s the path we need to follow.”
And Inter, your next Champions League opponent?
“A great team, with world-class individual talent, a well-established group, and a recognizable style of play that hasn’t changed under the new coach. And like us between 2014 and 2016, they lost two Champions League finals in three years. They have a very clear vision, and in this Champions League campaign they’ve won four out of four matches. It’ll be a great game, very open—to beat them, we’ll have to give it our all.”
Just like a year and a half ago.
“Exactly. That two-leg series in 2024 showcased the true beauty of soccer—a sport where the favorite or the team in better form doesn’t always win. They were flying high; we were struggling, yet we came through. Atlético has been the only team to knock Inter out of the Champions League in the last three years.”
