Atletico Madrid

Founding and Early Years

Atlético Madrid came into being on 26 April 1903 as Athletic Club Sucursal de Madrid, founded by Basque students as a Madrid branch of Athletic Bilbao, from whom it inherited its red-and-white colours. The club became independent in the 1920s before merging in 1939 with Club Aviación Nacional.

Club Evolution

After many years at the Vicente Calderón stadium by the Manzanares river, the club moved in 2017 to a new stadium in the San Blas district, now named the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, whose capacity today exceeds 70,000.

Great Managers

Diego Simeone, a former standout player for the club, became its manager in 2011 and lastingly transformed its playing identity, built around a defensive intensity that has become a reference point in Europe. Under his leadership the club won La Liga in 2014 and 2021, along with two Europa League titles, making him the club's most successful manager.

Iconic Players

Antoine Griezmann became the club's all-time top scorer, surpassing legend Luis Aragonés, across his two spells at the club between 2014 and today. The club was also carried by academy product Fernando Torres and by Diego Godín, a defensive cornerstone of the 2014 title.

Major Achievements

Atlético Madrid has won La Liga 11 times, twice under Diego Simeone (2014, 2021), beating a heavily favoured Real Madrid and Barcelona to the title. The club has also won the Europa League three times (2010, 2012, 2018).

The Club Today

Still led by Diego Simeone, the most iconic manager in its recent history, and presided over by Enrique Cerezo, Atlético Madrid remains one of Spain's most competitive clubs, driven by a recognisable playing identity and its historic rival Real Madrid in the Madrid derby.