by Club Atlético de Madrid, commonly known as Atlético Madrid, has a storied history that reflects its resilience, passion, and evolution into one of Europe’s elite football clubs.
Founding and Early Years (1903–1939)
Atlético Madrid was established on April 26, 1903, by three Basque students residing in Madrid. They envisioned the club as a youth branch of their hometown team, Athletic Bilbao, and named it Athletic Club de Madrid. Initially, the team donned blue and white kits, inspired by Blackburn Rovers. In 1911, seeking a more economical option, the club switched to red and white striped jerseys, influenced by Southampton FC’s colors. This change led to the nickname “Los Colchoneros” (The Mattress Makers), as traditional mattresses in Spain featured similar red and white stripes.
In 1921, Atlético secured its first official title by winning the Regional Federation Championship against Madrid FC. The club’s early decades were marked by regional competitions and building a loyal fan base.
Post-Civil War Era and Rise to Prominence (1939–1970)
The Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) had a profound impact on the nation, and football was no exception. In 1939, Atlético merged with Aviación Nacional, the air force’s team, due to a shortage of players and resources, forming Athletic Aviación de Madrid. This partnership proved fruitful, as the club clinched its first La Liga titles in the 1939–40 and 1940–41 seasons. By 1947, the association with the air force ended, and the club adopted its current name, Club Atlético de Madrid.
The 1950s and 1960s saw Atlético establish itself as a formidable force in Spanish football. Under the guidance of coach Helenio Herrera, the team secured back-to-back La Liga titles in 1949–50 and 1950–51. During this period, Atlético also began to make its mark in European competitions, showcasing a blend of tactical discipline and flair.
Golden Era and European Ventures (1970–1990)
The 1970s are often regarded as a golden era for Atlético Madrid. In the 1972–73 season, the club won La Liga, setting the stage for its most significant European achievement at the time. In 1974, Atlético reached the European Cup final against Bayern Munich. After a 1–1 draw in the initial match, a replay saw Bayern emerge victorious with a 4–0 win. However, later that year, Atlético won the Intercontinental Cup by defeating Independiente of Argentina, as Bayern declined to participate.
The 1980s were a period of fluctuating fortunes. While the club secured Copa del Rey titles in 1985 and 1991, consistent league success remained elusive. Financial challenges and managerial changes contributed to the instability, but the team’s passionate supporters remained steadfast.
Challenges and Resurgence (1990–2010)
The 1995–96 season was a historic one for Atlético, as they achieved a remarkable double by winning both La Liga and the Copa del Rey under coach Radomir Antić. This success was characterized by a robust defense and a potent attack, with players like Diego Simeone playing pivotal roles.
However, the turn of the millennium brought challenges. In 2000, due to financial difficulties and administrative issues, Atlético faced relegation to the Segunda División. The club spent two seasons in the second tier before returning to La Liga in 2002. The subsequent years were focused on rebuilding and stabilizing the club’s position in the top flight.
The Simeone Era and Modern Success (2011–Present)
A transformative chapter in Atlético’s history began in December 2011 with the appointment of former player Diego Simeone as head coach. Simeone instilled a philosophy centered on defensive solidity, resilience, and a counter-attacking style. His impact was immediate; in the 2011–12 season, Atlético won the UEFA Europa League, defeating Athletic Bilbao 3–0 in the final.
The momentum continued as Atlético secured the UEFA Super Cup in 2012 with a resounding 4–1 victory over Chelsea. In the 2012–13 season, they triumphed in the Copa del Rey final against city rivals Real Madrid, ending a 14-year winless streak in the Madrid derby.
The pinnacle of domestic success under Simeone came in the 2013–14 season when Atlético clinched the La Liga title, breaking the duopoly of Barcelona and Real Madrid. They also reached the UEFA Champions League final that year but were narrowly defeated by Real Madrid in extra time. A similar fate befell them in the 2015–16 Champions League final, again losing to Real Madrid, this time in a penalty shootout.
In 2018, Atlético added another Europa League title to their collection, defeating Marseille 3–0 in the final. The club also won the UEFA Super Cup that year, overcoming Real Madrid 4–2. The 2020–21 season saw Atlético once again crowned La Liga champions, with key contributions from players like Luis Suárez.
Under Simeone’s tenure, Atlético has consistently challenged both domestically and in Europe, earning a reputation for being one of the most disciplined and hard-working teams. As of November 2024, Simeone reached a milestone of 700 games in charge, reflecting his enduring influence and success at the club.
