Yannick Carrasco
Belgian footballer.
Yannick Carrasco, currently playing for Atlético Madrid, is a professional Belgian footballer known for his versatility and attacking prowess. Born on September 4, 1993, in Vilvoorde, Belgium, Carrasco began his youth career at local clubs before moving to the prestigious AS Monaco academy. He made his professional debut for Monaco in 2012, quickly establishing himself as a promising winger with his pace, dribbling skills, and ability to score goals.
In 2015, Carrasco joined Atlético Madrid, where he further developed under the guidance of manager Diego Simeone. His first stint at Atlético saw him play a crucial role in the team's success, including scoring in the 2016 UEFA Champions League final. Known for his ability to play on both flanks, Carrasco's tactical flexibility made him a valuable asset for the team.
In 2018, Carrasco made a surprising move to the Chinese Super League, joining Dalian Yifang. Despite the unconventional transfer, he continued to perform at a high level, which prompted a return to Atlético Madrid in 2020, initially on loan and then on a permanent basis. His second tenure with Atlético has been marked by key contributions in both domestic and European competitions.
Internationally, Carrasco has been a regular for the Belgian national team since his debut in 2015. He has represented Belgium in multiple major tournaments, including UEFA Euro 2016, the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and UEFA Euro 2020, contributing to Belgium's strong performances on the global stage.
Carrasco's career is characterized by his speed, technical ability, and knack for decisive moments, making him a standout figure in modern football.
Before football & youth career
Carrasco was born on September 4, 1993, in Vilvoorde, Belgium. He began his football journey at a young age, joining local club Stade Everois at the age of five. His talent was evident early on, and he soon caught the attention of larger clubs.
At the age of 11, Carrasco joined the youth academy of Genk, one of Belgium's top clubs known for developing young talent. He spent two years there, further honing his skills and standing out among his peers.
In 2007, at the age of 14, Carrasco made a significant move to Monaco's youth academy in France. This decision would prove crucial for his development. At Monaco, he progressed rapidly through the youth ranks, impressing coaches with his technical skills and attacking flair.
Carrasco's performances in Monaco's youth teams earned him a spot in the club's B team by 2010, and he was soon on the verge of breaking into the first team. His journey from local Belgian clubs to Monaco's academy laid the foundation for his successful professional career.
Start of his career
The 2010/11 season marked Yannick Carrasco's introduction to senior football with AS Monaco. At just 17 years old, Carrasco made his professional debut for Monaco in November 2010, coming on as a substitute in a Ligue 1 match against Saint-Étienne. He went on to make a total of 7 appearances in Ligue 1 during this season, all as a substitute. While he didn't record any goals or assists, these brief appearances gave him valuable experience at the top level of French football. Despite Monaco's relegation at the end of the season, Carrasco's performances in limited minutes showed promise for the future.
The 2011/12 season marked Yannick Carrasco's first full campaign with AS Monaco's senior team. Despite the club's relegation to Ligue 2 at the end of the previous season, this proved to be a valuable year for Carrasco's development as he gained significant first-team experience.
Carrasco made 27 appearances across all competitions, scoring 3 goals and providing 2 assists. In Ligue 2, he featured in 23 matches, contributing 2 goals and 2 assists. While Monaco struggled, finishing 8th in the league, Carrasco's performances were a bright spot for the team.
At just 18 years old, Carrasco showed flashes of the talent that would define his later career. His pace and dribbling ability made him a threat to opposition defenses, even if his end product was still developing. One of his memorable moments came in a 2-1 victory over Lens, where he scored the winning goal.
Carrasco's performances caught the eye of Monaco's coaches, and he became increasingly important to the team as the season progressed. He showed versatility by playing on both wings and occasionally in a more central role.
Internationally, Carrasco continued to represent Belgium at youth level, featuring for the U19 team in several matches. His performances at club level were putting him on the radar for higher youth levels and potentially the senior national team in the future.
The 2011/12 season was crucial for Carrasco's development, providing him with regular first-team football at a young age. Despite Monaco's struggles, this experience laid the foundation for his rapid progression in subsequent seasons.
The 2012/13 season was a pivotal one in Yannick Carrasco's career as he played a crucial role in AS Monaco's promotion campaign from Ligue 2 to Ligue 1. At just 19 years old, Carrasco established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in French football.
Carrasco made 34 appearances across all competitions, scoring 6 goals and providing 7 assists. In Ligue 2, he featured in 27 matches, contributing 6 goals and 7 assists as Monaco secured the league title and promotion to Ligue 1. His performances were characterized by his pace, dribbling ability, and increasing tactical awareness.
One of Carrasco's standout performances came in a 4-0 victory over Tours, where he scored two goals and provided an assist, demonstrating his potential to be a match-winner. His consistent performances throughout the season were crucial in Monaco's successful promotion campaign.
The young Belgian's development was evident as he became more comfortable with the physical demands of senior football. His ability to beat defenders one-on-one and create chances for his teammates made him a key player in Monaco's attacking setup.
Carrasco's performances at club level also earned him recognition internationally. He continued to represent Belgium at youth level, featuring for the U19 and U21 teams in various matches and tournaments.
The 2012/13 season was a breakthrough for Carrasco, as he proved he could perform consistently in professional football. His contributions were vital in Monaco's promotion, and his performances suggested that he was ready for the challenge of top-flight football in the coming season.
The 2013/14 season saw Yannick Carrasco firmly establish himself as a key player for AS Monaco. Following the club's promotion to Ligue 1, Carrasco played a significant role in their successful campaign, helping the team secure a second-place finish in their return to the top flight.
Carrasco made 37 appearances across all competitions, scoring 6 goals and providing 7 assists. In Ligue 1, he featured in 32 matches, contributing 5 goals and 6 assists. His performances were characterized by his explosive pace, dribbling skills, and improving end product.
One of Carrasco's standout performances came in a 2-0 victory over Marseille, where he scored a goal and provided an assist, showcasing his ability to impact big matches. His consistent performances throughout the season were crucial in Monaco's unexpected title challenge, finishing just behind Paris Saint-Germain.
The Belgian winger's development was evident as he became more comfortable taking on defenders and creating chances for his teammates. His ability to play on either wing provided tactical flexibility for Monaco coach Claudio Ranieri.
Carrasco's performances did not go unnoticed at the international level. He continued to represent Belgium at the U21 level, featuring in several UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers. His form at club level put him on the radar for the senior national team, although his debut would come the following year.
The 2013/14 season was a breakthrough for Carrasco, as he proved he could perform consistently at the highest level of French football. His contributions were vital in Monaco's successful return to Ligue 1 and laid the foundation for even greater things to come in his career.
Becoming a regular starter
The 2014/15 season was Yannick Carrasco's final year with AS Monaco and the campaign that brought him to wider attention in European football. He made 39 appearances across all competitions, scoring 7 goals and providing 11 assists.
In Ligue 1, Carrasco featured in 36 matches, contributing 6 goals and 9 assists as Monaco finished third in the table, securing Champions League qualification. His performances were characterized by his explosive pace, dribbling skills, and increasing end product.
One of the highlights of Carrasco's season came in the Champions League. Monaco reached the quarter-finals of the competition, with Carrasco playing a key role. He made 8 appearances in the tournament, scoring 1 goal and providing 2 assists. His goal came in a crucial 3-1 victory over Arsenal in the Round of 16 first leg at the Emirates Stadium, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
Carrasco's impressive performances throughout the season caught the eye of several top European clubs. His combination of technical skill, pace, and potential made him an attractive prospect.
On the international stage, Carrasco continued to progress with the Belgian national team. He earned his first senior cap for Belgium in March 2015, coming on as a substitute in a Euro 2016 qualifier against Cyprus. This marked the beginning of his career with the senior national team.
The 2014/15 season was a breakthrough for Carrasco, establishing him as one of the most promising young wingers in European football. His performances for Monaco laid the foundation for his subsequent move to Atlético Madrid, marking a significant step up in his career.
The 2015/16 season was Yannick Carrasco's first with Atlético Madrid following his transfer from Monaco. He made 43 appearances across all competitions, scoring 5 goals and providing 5 assists as he adapted to Diego Simeone's tactical system and the demands of La Liga.
In the league, Carrasco featured in 29 matches, contributing 4 goals and 3 assists. While his statistics were not spectacular, his performances showed promise and he gradually became more influential as the season progressed.
Carrasco's most memorable moment of the season came in the Champions League final against Real Madrid. Coming on as a substitute, he scored Atlético's equalizer in the 79th minute, becoming the first Belgian to score in a Champions League final. Despite his goal, Atlético ultimately lost on penalties.
Throughout the Champions League campaign, Carrasco made 13 appearances, scoring 2 goals and providing 2 assists, playing a key role in Atlético's run to the final. His performances in Europe's premier club competition demonstrated his ability to perform on the biggest stage.
The season also saw Carrasco establish himself in the Belgian national team. He featured in several Euro 2016 qualifiers and was named in Belgium's squad for the tournament, although his playing time was limited.
Carrasco's first season at Atlético was one of adaptation and growth. While he wasn't an undisputed starter, his potential was clear, and he showed the ability to make significant impacts in crucial moments. His performances laid the groundwork for an increased role in subsequent seasons.
The 2016/17 season was a standout year for Yannick Carrasco at Atlético Madrid. He made 53 appearances across all competitions, scoring 14 goals and providing 5 assists, establishing himself as a key player in Diego Simeone's side.
In La Liga, Carrasco featured in 35 matches, contributing 10 goals and 4 assists as Atlético finished third in the table. His performances showed significant improvement from the previous season, with increased goal output and more consistent performances.
Carrasco played a crucial role in Atlético's Champions League campaign, appearing in 12 matches as the team reached the semi-finals before being eliminated by local rivals Real Madrid. He scored 3 goals in the competition, including a memorable strike against Bayern Munich in the group stage.
One of the highlights of Carrasco's season came in October 2016, when he scored his first professional hat-trick in a 7-1 victory over Granada in La Liga. This performance showcased his growing confidence and finishing ability.
The Belgian winger's impressive form earned him a new contract with Atlético in October 2016, extending his stay at the club until 2022. This demonstrated the club's faith in his potential and his importance to their future plans.
Carrasco also cemented his place in the Belgian national team, featuring regularly in World Cup qualifiers and friendly matches. His performances at club level translated well to the international stage, where he became an increasingly important player for Belgium.
The 2016/17 season marked Carrasco's emergence as one of the most exciting young wingers in European football, combining his dribbling skills and pace with improved end product.
The 2017/18 season was a transitional one for Yannick Carrasco, split between Atlético Madrid and Dalian Yifang. He began the season with Atlético, making 28 appearances across all competitions, scoring 3 goals and providing 4 assists before his surprising move to China in February 2018.
In La Liga, Carrasco featured in 17 matches, contributing 3 goals and 4 assists. However, his playing time was reduced compared to previous seasons, with Diego Simeone often using him as a substitute. This led to speculation about his future at the club.
Carrasco also played in 5 Champions League matches as Atlético were eliminated in the group stage, dropping to the Europa League. He featured in 2 Europa League matches before his departure.
The most significant event of Carrasco's season was his unexpected transfer to Chinese Super League club Dalian Yifang in February 2018. This move, along with teammate Nicolás Gaitán, was reportedly influenced by Atlético's financial needs and Carrasco's desire for more playing time.
In China, Carrasco made an immediate impact, scoring 7 goals and providing 9 assists in 10 appearances for Dalian Yifang in the latter part of the season. His performances helped the newly-promoted club avoid relegation.
Despite the move to China, Carrasco maintained his place in the Belgian national team, featuring in friendly matches as Belgium prepared for the 2018 World Cup. The season ended with Carrasco being named in Belgium's World Cup squad, validating his decision to prioritize playing time over staying in a top European league.
Growing importance at his club
The 2018/19 season saw Yannick Carrasco playing for Dalian Yifang (now known as Dalian Professional) in the Chinese Super League, following his surprising move from Atlético Madrid in February 2018. This season represented Carrasco's first full campaign in China.
In the Chinese Super League, Carrasco made 25 appearances, scoring 7 goals and providing 9 assists. His performances were a bright spot for Dalian Yifang, who finished in 11th place in the 16-team league. Carrasco's technical skills, pace, and creativity stood out in the Chinese league, making him one of the most prominent foreign players in the competition.
Despite playing in a league generally considered to be of a lower standard than Europe's top divisions, Carrasco managed to maintain his place in the Belgian national team. He featured in several UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers during this period, demonstrating that his move to China hadn't significantly impacted his standing with the national team.
However, the season was not without its challenges. Carrasco faced some criticism and controversy, including an incident where he was accused of refusing to play in a match, which he later denied. There were also persistent rumors linking him with a return to European football, as many felt a player of his caliber should be competing at a higher level.
Despite these issues, Carrasco's individual performances remained strong. His ability to beat defenders, create chances, and score goals made him a key player for Dalian Yifang. The season also saw him adapt to a different style of football and a new cultural environment, experiences that would prove valuable in his overall development as a player.
The 2018/19 season was a period of transition and adaptation for Carrasco, as he sought to maintain his high standards in a different footballing context while keeping his career options open for a potential return to European football.
The 2019/20 season was a transitional one for Yannick Carrasco. He began the season with Chinese Super League club Dalian Professional (formerly known as Dalian Yifang) before making a return to Atlético Madrid in January 2020 on an initial loan deal.
In China, Carrasco made 10 appearances in the first half of the season, scoring 17 goals and providing 8 assists. His performances in the Chinese Super League demonstrated his quality and kept him in the thoughts of European clubs.
Carrasco's return to Atlético Madrid in January was seen as a significant boost for the Spanish club. He quickly reintegrated into Diego Simeone's squad, making 16 appearances across all competitions for Atlético in the second half of the season, scoring 1 goal and providing 4 assists.
The Belgian winger played a part in Atlético's memorable Champions League run, which saw them eliminate holders Liverpool in the Round of 16 before eventually falling to RB Leipzig in the quarter-finals. Carrasco's experience and quality were valuable additions to the team during this period.
In La Liga, Carrasco featured in 10 matches, helping Atlético secure a third-place finish and Champions League qualification for the following season. His performances showed glimpses of the quality that had made him a fan favorite during his first spell at the club.
The 2019/20 season was also significant for Carrasco on the international stage. Despite playing in China for the first half of the season, he maintained his place in the Belgian national team, featuring in several Euro 2020 qualifiers.
This season marked an important turning point in Carrasco's career, as his return to European football with Atlético Madrid set the stage for his resurgence as a top-level player in one of Europe's major leagues.
The 2020/21 season was a triumphant one for Yannick Carrasco and Atlético Madrid. The Belgian winger played a crucial role in helping the team secure the La Liga title, their first since 2014. Carrasco made 40 appearances across all competitions, scoring 7 goals and providing 12 assists.
In La Liga, Carrasco featured in 30 matches, contributing 6 goals and 10 assists. His performances were instrumental in Atlético's successful title campaign, with his creativity and ability to beat defenders proving vital in breaking down stubborn defenses.
One of Carrasco's standout moments came in a crucial 1-0 victory over Barcelona in November 2020, where he scored the only goal of the game. This win was seen as a pivotal moment in Atlético's title charge.
In the Champions League, Carrasco played in all eight of Atlético's matches as they reached the Round of 16 before being eliminated by Chelsea. He also featured in the team's brief Copa del Rey run.
This season saw Carrasco fully establish himself as a key player in Diego Simeone's system, often deployed as a wing-back where his attacking instincts and improved defensive work shone. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively made him an invaluable asset to the team.
Carrasco's performances did not go unnoticed on the international stage either, as he continued to be a regular for the Belgian national team, featuring in their Euro 2020 qualifiers and Nations League matches.
The 2020/21 season marked a significant step forward in Carrasco's career, cementing his status as one of the most effective wide players in La Liga and earning him widespread recognition for his contributions to Atlético's title-winning campaign.
In the 2021/22 season, Yannick Carrasco continued to be a key player for Atlético Madrid. He made 44 appearances across all competitions, scoring 6 goals and providing 6 assists. In La Liga, Carrasco played 34 matches, contributing 6 goals and 5 assists as Atlético finished third in the table.
The Belgian winger was particularly crucial in Atlético's Champions League campaign. He featured in all eight of their matches in the competition, helping the team reach the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Manchester City. Carrasco's versatility was on full display as he alternated between playing as a wing-back and a more advanced winger role.
One of the highlights of Carrasco's season came in May 2022, when he scored a crucial penalty in stoppage time against Real Madrid, securing a 1-0 victory for Atlético. This win was vital in helping the team secure Champions League qualification for the following season.
Carrasco also represented Belgium in their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign, featuring in several matches and helping his country secure their place in the tournament.
Despite some transfer rumors linking him with a move away from Atlético, Carrasco remained committed to the club. His performances earned him a contract extension until 2024, demonstrating the team's faith in his abilities.
Throughout the season, Carrasco's dribbling skills, pace, and ability to create chances were crucial for Atlético's attacking play. His work rate and improved defensive contributions also made him a valuable asset in Diego Simeone's tactical system.
Peak of his career
Yannick Carrasco, the Belgian winger, spent the 2022/23 season with Atlético Madrid in La Liga. Known for his dribbling skills and versatility, Carrasco continued to be an important player for Diego Simeone's side.
In La Liga, Carrasco made 32 appearances, scoring 6 goals and providing 5 assists. His contributions helped Atlético secure a third-place finish in the league, ensuring Champions League qualification for the following season.
Carrasco also featured in the Champions League, where Atlético reached the group stage but failed to progress further. In the Copa del Rey, the team had a disappointing run, being eliminated in the quarter-finals.
Throughout the season, Carrasco showcased his ability to play in various positions, including as a wing-back in Simeone's tactical setup. His work rate and defensive contributions were notable, fitting well into Atlético's disciplined system.
However, the season was not without controversy. Carrasco was involved in transfer speculation, with reports linking him to a move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Shabab. This led to some uncertainty about his future at Atlético Madrid.
Despite the ups and downs, Carrasco remained a key figure for the team, providing creativity and width in attack. His performances also earned him continued selection for the Belgian national team.
Overall, while not his most spectacular season statistically, Carrasco's 2022/23 campaign demonstrated his importance to Atlético Madrid and his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game.
Carrasco's 2023/2024 season has been marked by significant performances and pivotal contributions to his team. Playing for Atlético Madrid, Carrasco has continued to be a key player under manager Diego Simeone, known for his versatility, pace, and creativity on the wing.
Throughout the season, Carrasco has shown consistent form, contributing both goals and assists. His ability to play on either flank has provided Atlético with tactical flexibility, allowing Simeone to adapt his strategies based on the opposition. Carrasco's dribbling skills and crossing ability have been instrumental in breaking down stubborn defenses, while his knack for scoring crucial goals has been a vital asset for the team.
One of the highlights of Carrasco's season was his performance in the UEFA Champions League, where he delivered several standout displays. His ability to perform on the big stage has not only bolstered Atlético's European campaign but also enhanced his reputation as a clutch player.
In La Liga, Carrasco's contributions have helped Atlético Madrid remain competitive in the title race. His work rate and defensive contributions have also been noteworthy, fitting well into Simeone's demanding system that values both attacking prowess and defensive solidity.
Off the field, Carrasco has been a role model for younger players, showcasing professionalism and dedication. His season has been characterized by a blend of experience and flair, making him one of the standout performers for Atlético Madrid in the 2023/2024 season. As the season progresses, Carrasco's influence is expected to remain crucial for Atlético's aspirations domestically and in Europe.
Start of his international career
Carrasco represented Belgium at various youth levels before making his senior debut. He began his youth international career with the Belgium U15 team in 2008. From there, he progressed through the U16, U17, U18, U19, and U21 levels.
Carrasco was a key player for the Belgium U19 team, participating in the 2011 UEFA European Under-19 Championship. Although Belgium didn't advance past the group stage, Carrasco's performances caught the attention of many observers.
He then moved up to the U21 team, where he played a significant role in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers. Carrasco's performances at this level were crucial in his development and helped him gain recognition for the senior national team.
Throughout his youth international career, Carrasco consistently displayed the technical skills, pace, and creativity that would become hallmarks of his senior career. His experiences at these levels provided a solid foundation for his future success with the senior Belgian national team.
Full international
Carrasco's senior international career with Belgium began in March 2015 when he made his debut in a Euro 2016 qualifier against Cyprus. Since then, he has become a regular fixture in the Belgian national team, known as the Red Devils, participating in major tournaments and contributing to the team's success during their "golden generation" era.
Carrasco's versatility has been a significant asset for Belgium. Initially used primarily as a winger, he has also been deployed as a wing-back in a 3-5-2 formation, showcasing his adaptability and work rate. This flexibility has made him a valuable player for various national team managers, including Marc Wilmots and Roberto Martínez.
In Euro 2016, Carrasco's first major tournament, he made four appearances as Belgium reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Wales. While he didn't score in the tournament, his performances helped establish him as a regular in the national team setup.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia was a highlight of Carrasco's international career. He played in five of Belgium's seven matches as the team secured a third-place finish, their best-ever performance in a World Cup. Carrasco started in the bronze medal match against England, which Belgium won 2-0.
In the UEFA Euro 2020 (played in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), Carrasco was again part of the Belgian squad. He made four appearances in the tournament, including starts against Denmark and Italy. Belgium was eliminated in the quarter-finals by eventual champions Italy.
Throughout his international career, Carrasco has contributed both goals and assists for Belgium. One of his most memorable international goals came in a friendly against the Netherlands in 2016, where he scored the equalizer in a 1-1 draw.
Carrasco has also been a key player in Belgium's UEFA Nations League campaigns and World Cup qualifiers. His ability to play in multiple positions has made him a reliable option for the national team, whether starting or coming off the bench.
As of 2024, Carrasco has earned over 60 caps for Belgium, scoring several goals. His international career has coincided with one of the most successful periods in Belgian football history, playing alongside world-class talents like Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, and Romelu Lukaku.
Despite facing competition for starting spots due to Belgium's wealth of attacking talent, Carrasco has maintained his place in the national team setup. His work rate, tactical flexibility, and ability to make an impact in crucial moments have made him a valued member of the squad.
Carrasco's international career reflects his club performances - a player capable of brilliance, hard work, and tactical adaptability. As Belgium transitions from its "golden generation," Carrasco's experience and versatility continue to make him an important player for the national team.
Style of player
Yannick Carrasco is known for his dynamic and versatile playing style. Primarily a winger, he's equally comfortable on either flank, though he often prefers to play on the left side where he can cut inside onto his stronger right foot.
Carrasco's most notable attribute is his dribbling ability. He possesses excellent close control and the confidence to take on defenders one-on-one. His pace and acceleration make him a constant threat on counter-attacks and allow him to beat opponents in foot races.
While primarily an attacking player, Carrasco has developed his defensive skills over time, especially when playing as a wing-back. He shows good work rate and willingness to track back, making him valuable in tactical systems that require wide players to contribute defensively.
In terms of attacking output, Carrasco is capable of both scoring and creating goals. He has a powerful shot from distance and can finish well in one-on-one situations. His crossing ability and vision also allow him to create chances for teammates.
Carrasco's versatility is another key aspect of his play. He can operate as a traditional winger, an inverted winger, a second striker, or a wing-back, giving his coaches tactical flexibility.
Overall, Carrasco's style combines technical skill, pace, work rate, and tactical adaptability, making him a valuable asset for both club and country.