Saúl

Saúl Ñíguez Esclápez plays as a central or defensive midfielder for Atletico Madrid and Spanish national team. 

Saul is the Golden Boot winner of the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. He scored a hat-trick in the semi-finals at the 2017 UEFA European U-21 Championship becoming the top scorer of the tournament.

Early Life of Saul

Saúl Ñíguez Esclápez was born on November 21, 1994, in Elche, Spain. He is Spanish by nationality and belongs to the Spaniard ethnicity/race.

Saul is the son of José Antonio Ñíguez and Pilar Esclápez. His father was also a professional player who played several years with Elche CF including the 1984–85 season in the top division as a striker. He has two brothers Aarón and Jonathan who were also footballers.

Saul's Career

Saul’s career started in 2008 after he moved to Atlético Madrid. He later started in the youth team of neighboring Real Madrid.

Saul made his senior debut in 2010–11, appearing with the reserves in the third division, and his first goal came in a 3–1 away victory against Extremadura UD on 10 April 2011.

Saul debuted in La Liga on April 21, 2013, playing two minutes in a 1-0 success at Sevilla FC after replacing a fellow player, Koke.

Saul signed a contract with Rayo Vallecano in a season-long loan deal on July 21, 2013. He returned to Atletico featuring in both legs of the 2014 Supercopa de España in which Atlético defeated Real Madrid, starting in the first match.

Saul played 85 minutes in the first leg of the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League against FC Bayern Munich. He also scored the only goal at the Vicente Calderón Stadium after an individual effort in the match.

Saul's Net Worth, Salary, and Honors

Saul’s net worth is over millions, as he earns $121k (£90,000), playing with Atletico. His current market value is €70 million.

Saul uses Nike as his official brand and uses Nike Mercurial Vapor 360 shoe worth $250 at present.

Club

Atlético Madrid

• Copa del Rey: 2012–13
• Supercopa de España: 2014
• UEFA Europa League: 2011–12
• UEFA Champions League: Runner-up 2015–16

International

Spain

• UEFA European Under-19 Championship: 2012
• UEFA European Under-21 Championship: Runner-up 2017

Individual

• UEFA European Under-19 Championship Team of the Tournament: 2012
• UEFA European Under-21 Championship: Golden Boot 2017
• UEFA European Under-21 Championship Team of the Tournament: 2017

Saul's Personal Life

Saul is active on Twitter with thousands of followers. He often uses social networking sites such as Facebook and Instagram.

The Atletico midfielder stands the height of 1.8 meters and weighs 70 kg. He came from a footballer family.

Saul has earned 47 caps for Spain, all youth levels comprised. He played a friendly match with Costa Rica on May 26, 2015. He also played in a UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying match against Belarus.

Saul was the top scorer of the 2017 UEFA European U21 Championship, notably scoring a hat-trick to help see off Italy 3–1 in the semi-finals.

Saul is not married yet and has no children. He has kept his personal life low profile, despite the popularity in football. He has not shared any pictures with women on social networking sites.