Founding in 1903
Los Colchoneros – The Pride of Madrid
Club Atlético de Madrid, S.A.D., commonly referred to in English as Atlético Madrid or simply Atlético and colloquially as Atleti, is a Spanish professional football club based in Madrid that plays in La Liga. The club play their home games at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, which has a capacity of 70,692.
- Founded
- 1903
- Original Name
- Athletic Club de Madrid
- Founders Group
- Basque students residing in Madrid
- Initial Affiliation
- Independent club inspired by Athletic Bilbao
- First Stadium
- Campo de la calle de O'Donnell
Lore & Background
Founded on 26 April 1903 as Athletic Club Sucursal de Madrid by three Basque students living in Madrid. The club's first ground was the Ronda de Vallecas, in the eponymous working-class area on the south side of the city. In 1919, the Compañía Urbanizadora Metropolitana acquired land near the Ciudad Universitaria, and in 1921, Athletic Madrid became independent of parent-club Athletic Bilbao and moved into a 35,800-seater stadium built by the company, the Estadio Metropolitano de Madrid.
In Their Own Story
On a crisp afternoon in Madrid, three students traded their university coats for football shirts, driven by a simple need: to play where they lived. They founded Athletic Club de Madrid not as a rebellion against Bilbao, but as a home away from home for Basque exiles. In that gathering, under the capital sky, the seed was planted—not just for a team, but for an empire of passion that would eventually stand entirely on its own.
Reader's Guide
The club's traditional kits consist of red and white vertical striped shirts and blue shorts. Followers are nicknamed 'mattress makers', 'Indians' and 'redwhites'. Prince Felipe, later King Felipe VI, has been the honorary president of the club since 2003. Atlético are one of the most successful Spanish clubs, having won 11 La Liga titles, including a league and cup double in 1996.
Did You Know?
- The club merged with Aviación Nacional in 1939, becoming Atlético de Madrid in 1946.
- Atlético won the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1962, the UEFA Europa League in 2010, 2012 and 2018, and the UEFA Super Cup in 2010, 2012 and 2018.
- The club reached the UEFA Champions League final in 1974, 2014 and 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Atletico Madrid originally established?
The organization officially began operations in 1903, marking the start of its long history in Spanish football.
Who were the individuals responsible for creating the team?
Basque students residing in Madrid founded the organization as an independent entity inspired by Athletic Bilbao.
What name did the club use during its early years?
It was initially registered as Athletic Club de Madrid before eventually evolving into its modern identity.
Where did the team play their first matches?
The squad utilized the Campo de la calle de O'Donnell as their very first stadium for competition.
Why is the 1903 founding considered unique compared to other clubs?
Unlike many rivals born from factories or neighborhoods, this club emerged from academic camaraderie among students in the capital.
More in Club History & Eras
Elsewhere in the Atletico Madrid universe
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