The La Liga club has transferred 55% of its shares to the American fund Apollo Global Management.
Historic Ownership Change
Atlético Madrid has officially announced the sale of more than half of its shares to the American investment fund Apollo Global Management – a move that makes the fund the majority owner of the club.
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This represents a historic shift in the ownership structure of los colchoneros. According to the newspaper AS, the club is currently valued at over €2 billion. Forbes magazine has estimated that a complete takeover of the Madrid club would have required approximately €2.5 billion.
Amicable Takeover
After months of discreet negotiations, Atlético’s leaders, Miguel Ángel Gil Marín and Enrique Cerezo, have given the green light for a deal that transfers 55% of the club’s share capital to the North American investor. According to sources close to the negotiations, the process took place in a “friendly” and “constructive” atmosphere, with the shared goal of guaranteeing the club’s stability and growth in the medium and long term.
In an official statement, the club confirmed: “Our club and a leading global sports investor are forming a long-term alliance to promote our growth under the leadership of Miguel Ángel Gil and Enrique Cerezo.”
Retained Leadership, New Ownership Structure
The agreement means that Apollo Sports Capital (ASC), the investment fund’s sports division, will become the new majority shareholder. They will collaborate with the existing partners, Quantum Pacific Group and Ares Management, who will retain a portion of the ownership stake.
Despite the change in ownership, Gil Marín will continue as CEO and Cerezo as president for at least four more years. This is intended to ensure continuity in the club’s sporting project and philosophy. The announcement stated: “Under their leadership over the past two decades, Atlético de Madrid has established itself as one of Europe’s most successful and recognized football clubs, achieving sustained success on the pitch, global brand growth, and a strong commitment to the community.”
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Simeone’s Transformative Impact
When Diego Pablo Simeone took over as coach in 2011, it marked a turning point in Atlético’s modern history. Since then, the club has won eight titles – including two league championships – and reached two Champions League finals, consolidating its place among the European elite.
To put the development into perspective: According to Forbes, the club was worth just €189 million when “El Cholo” took over the coaching duties. This represents a staggering difference compared to today’s valuation.
Gil Marín emphasized that those at the club are “very proud to welcome a partner committed to Atlético de Madrid’s history and values,” and that the alliance “will contribute additional resources and enthusiasm to maintain our growth and competitiveness.”
