Jonathan David has scored in each of his first three LaLiga appearances for Atlético Madrid, including against Real Madrid. Can the Canadian continue his stunning start?
Jonathan David has wasted little time making himself at home in Madrid. The Canadian striker joined Atlético Madrid from Juventus on a season-long loan on September 1, arriving with an opportunity to revive a career that had stalled somewhat in Turin. Less than three weeks later, David had already scored in each of his first three LaLiga appearances, including the winning goal against Real Madrid in the Madrid derby.
That sequence has turned David into one of the most talked-about new arrivals in Spain. Atlético Madrid has confirmed that he is only the seventh player in the club’s 123-year history to score in his first three league appearances. The last player to achieve the feat was Lyuboslav Penev in 1995. For a striker who endured a difficult debut season in Italy, the transformation has been remarkably quick.
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How Has Jonathan David Started At Atlético Madrid?
David’s LaLiga introduction did not begin perfectly. He was an unused substitute in Atlético Madrid’s 3-0 defeat to Athletic Club before making his first league appearance from the bench against Real Sociedad. He needed only 30 minutes to get on the scoresheet as Diego Simeone’s side won 3-0 in San Sebastián.
Four days later, David made his first Atlético Madrid start against Osasuna and scored again. His goal arrived in the 24th minute after he followed up his own effort, giving the hosts the breakthrough in a match they eventually won 4-0. He also provided an assist later in the game for Álex Baena. Then came the biggest test. With Real Madrid visiting the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, David scored the decisive second goal in Atlético Madrid’s 2-1 victory. That completed a remarkable sequence: three league appearances, three goals, and one assist.
Why Has David’s Form Changed So Quickly?
Part of the explanation lies in the opportunity he has received under Simeone. David arrived when Atlético Madrid needed another attacking option, with the futures and availability of Julián Álvarez and Alexander Sørloth creating uncertainty around the forward positions. Atlético Madrid secured him on loan from Juventus with a €25 million option to make the move permanent at the end of the season.
That loan has given David a fresh environment and a manager willing to use his movement. David is not simply a penalty-box striker. He can drop towards midfield, combine with teammates, and attack spaces behind defenders, which gives Simeone another way of constructing attacks. His performance against Osasuna was a good example. David scored, helped create another goal and was involved in Atlético Madrid’s attacking play throughout the first half. Against Real Madrid, he again found the right space when the opportunity arrived. The numbers are small because he has only made three league appearances, but the early return has been difficult to ignore.
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What Happened To David At Juventus?
The contrast with his Juventus spell makes the current run even more notable. David signed for Juventus in July 2025 after five seasons with Lille, where he scored 109 goals in 232 appearances across all competitions. He helped Lille win the 2020/21 Ligue 1 title and established himself as one of Europe’s most productive young forwards.
His first season in Turin, however, never reached those levels. David made 46 appearances for Juventus in the 2025/26 campaign and scored eight goals. He then made one appearance at the beginning of the following season before moving to Atlético Madrid. The loan therefore represents a chance to reset rather than simply another transfer. And so far, that reset has worked.
Is Atlético Madrid Already Thinking About A Permanent Deal?
The €25 million purchase option has suddenly become much more interesting. Atlético Madrid are not obliged to sign David permanently, but his performances have already changed the conversation. Spanish reports have suggested that the club could consider exercising the option if he maintains this level throughout the season. There is still a long way to go before that decision becomes necessary. David will have to maintain his form across an entire season rather than three matches, while Atlético Madrid will also have to assess their wider attacking plans.
For now, though, the Canadian has done exactly what a new striker needs to do: score early, help the team win, and give supporters a reason to believe that the move can work. His goal against Real Madrid was particularly significant because it came in one of the biggest fixtures in Spanish football. It also completed a club-record sequence that had not been seen at Atlético Madrid for 31 years.
David arrived in Madrid looking for a second chance after a frustrating year in Turin. Three LaLiga matches later, he is beginning to look like one of Atlético Madrid’s most intriguing attacking players. Can Jonathan David maintain this extraordinary scoring run and turn his loan spell at Atlético Madrid into a permanent move?
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