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Jan Oblak: Atleti's wall on the verge of making history

Jan Oblak doesn't need to raise his arms to prove he is a giant. The Atlético de Madrid goalkeeper is just 90 minutes away from writing his name in golden letters in Spanish football. If all goes as expected on the final day of LaLiga, the Slovenian will become the first goalkeeper to win six Zamora Trophies, surpassing no less than legends such as Víctor Valdés and Ramallets.

The path is practically clear. Only a science fiction carambola would prevent Oblak from winning the award for the least goalkeeper of the season. For it to escape him, Courtois would have to play against Real Sociedad, not concede a single goal, and at the same time Atletico would have to concede a scandalous goal in Girona. And looking at the numbers of Simeone's team, who have hardly conceded any goals this season, it seems a scenario more worthy of a video game.

The Slovenian already knows what it's like to win this award. He has done it five times: consecutively between the 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 seasons, and again in 2020-2021. Then came a three-season drought, with Bono, Ter Stegen and Unai Simón taking over. But Jan is back. And he is back with a bang.

This award would also be Atlético de Madrid's eighth Zamora since the arrival of Simeone, counting the two won by Courtois. In other words, ‘Cholo’ has built such a solid system that the goalkeepers shine almost by default. But beware, Oblak's goes beyond any defensive system. It is reflex, concentration, positioning, leadership. And above all, an enviable consistency.

Oblak is not only making history. He also has a contract until 2028. That leaves him plenty of room to continue adding to his trophy cabinet and make his record almost unattainable for future generations. At 31 years of age, and with the full confidence of the club and the coaching staff, he has plenty of room for improvement. His only direct rival in recent times has been Courtois, who has three Zamoras and a present conditioned by injuries.

Although it may seem otherwise, Oblak is not obsessed with individual awards. He is all about teamwork. That is why his greatest joy remains the league title that Atleti won in 2020-2021, a season in which he was a key player in goal, but also part of a unit that worked like a Swiss watch.

In recent seasons, the Metropolitano club have failed to win titles. But the Slovenian goalkeeper has not given up. And in this 2024-2025 season, he has once again proved that he is still a life insurance for his team.

If there are no surprises, next weekend Oblak will not only close another season in goal. He will also close the circle of a unique feat. Six Zamoras. A milestone that places him above everyone who has ever put on a pair of gloves in Spain. And who knows if in a few years' time, that number will not be too few. Jan Oblak is writing his history. And he is doing it in style.