Atl\u00e9tico Madrid 2026: The Complete Guide to Simeone's "Cholismo" Kingdom
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Club Atl\u00e9tico de Madrid, commonly known as Atl\u00e9tico Madrid or Atl\u00e9ti, is a Spanish professional football club founded on 26 April 1903, based in Madrid. It is La Liga's third most successful club with 11 La Liga titles, 3 UEFA Europa League titles, and 11 Copa del Rey titles. In 2026 the club is managed by Diego Simeone (longest-tenured coach in La Liga since 2011), plays at the 68,456-capacity Riyadh Air Metropolitano, and features a squad led by Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez. Valuation: $1.4 billion. Famous for their intensity, "Cholismo" defensive philosophy, and their heartbreaking UCL final losses to Real Madrid (2014, 2016).
Atl\u00e9tico Madrid 2026 Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Club Atl\u00e9tico de Madrid |
| Founded | 26 April 1903 |
| Nickname | Los Colchoneros (The Mattress Makers), Los Rojiblancos, Los Indios |
| Stadium | Riyadh Air Metropolitano (68,456 capacity) |
| President | Enrique Cerezo (since 2003) |
| Manager | Diego Simeone (since December 2011) |
| Captain | Koke |
| Ownership | Atl\u00e9tico Holdco (Gil Mar\u00edn 51%, Ares Management 34%) |
| Club valuation (Forbes 2026) | $1.4 billion (#3 La Liga) |
| Annual revenue | \u20ac380M (Deloitte #13 globally) |
| Wage bill 2025-26 | \u20ac280M |
| Kit manufacturer | Nike (since 2001) |
| Main sponsor | Riyadh Air (stadium naming), WhaleFin (shirt) |
| La Liga titles | 11 |
| Europa League titles | 3 (2010, 2012, 2018) |
| Copa del Rey titles | 11 |
| UCL final appearances | 3 (1974, 2014, 2016 \u2014 all losses) |
The Current Atl\u00e9tico Madrid Squad (2025-26)
Goalkeepers
- Jan Oblak (#13) \u2014 Slovenian, 33, \u20ac12M/year. Team #1 since 2014, 5\u00d7 Zamora Trophy winner (La Liga\'s best GK). One of world\u2019s top 3 goalkeepers.
- Juan Musso (#31) \u2014 Argentine, 32, backup since 2023
- Antonio Gomis \u2014 Spanish academy product, third choice
Defenders
- C\u00e9sar Azpilicueta (#14) \u2014 Spanish veteran, 36, \u20ac5M/year. Versatile experienced defender signed 2023.
- Jos\u00e9 Mar\u00eda Gim\u00e9nez (#2) \u2014 Uruguayan, 31, \u20ac9M/year. Center-back since 2013.
- Robin Le Normand (#24) \u2014 French, 29, \u20ac8M/year. Signed from Real Sociedad 2024.
- Marcos Llorente (#14) \u2014 Spanish, 31, \u20ac10M/year. Converted midfielder-to-fullback.
- Reinildo Mandava \u2014 Mozambican left-back
- Clement Lenglet \u2014 French rotation CB
Midfielders
- Koke (#6) \u2014 Spanish captain, 34, \u20ac7M/year. Academy product, 700+ Atl\u00e9tico appearances, club icon.
- Rodrigo De Paul (#5) \u2014 Argentine, 32, \u20ac7M/year. WC 2022 winner, central midfielder.
- Pablo Barrios (#18) \u2014 Spanish, 22, \u20ac4M/year. Breakthrough 2024, academy product.
- Conor Gallagher (#23) \u2014 English, 26, \u20ac8M/year. Signed from Chelsea 2024.
- Saul Niguez \u2014 Spanish veteran, rotation midfielder
Forwards
- Antoine Griezmann (#7) \u2014 French, 34, \u20ac12M/year. Club legend, 3rd all-time top scorer. Returned from Barcelona in 2022.
- Julian Alvarez (#19) \u2014 Argentine, 26, \u20ac10M/year. Signed from Man City 2024 for \u20ac75M, WC 2022 winner.
- Alexander S\u00f8rloth (#10) \u2014 Norwegian, 30, \u20ac6M/year. Signed from Villarreal 2024, top Norwegian striker.
- Giuliano Simeone (#20) \u2014 Argentine, 23, \u20ac3M/year. The coach's son, promoted 2024.
- Samuel Lino \u2014 Brazilian left-winger
Atl\u00e9tico Madrid History: 123 Years of Madrid's "Other" Club
Foundation Era (1903-39)
Atl\u00e9tico Madrid was founded on 26 April 1903 by three Basque students who moved to Madrid to study. They wanted to create a local branch of Athletic Bilbao, which is why the club took the name "Athletic Club de Madrid" initially. They played in Bilbao's red-and-white stripes which remain today. The club officially became independent from Athletic Bilbao in 1923 and changed the name to Atl\u00e9tico Madrid in 1939 after the Spanish Civil War.
Nickname origin: "Los Colchoneros" (The Mattress Makers) came from their red-and-white striped shirts resembling traditional Spanish mattress patterns of the early 20th century.
Early Glory (1940-77)
Atl\u00e9tico\'s first golden era:
- 1939: Merger with aviation academy team "Aviaci\u00f3n Nacional" during/after Civil War. Briefly known as "Atl\u00e9tico Aviaci\u00f3n".
- 1940, 1941: Back-to-back La Liga titles (as Atl\u00e9tico Aviaci\u00f3n)
- 1950, 1951, 1966, 1970, 1973, 1977: Six more La Liga titles
- 1974: First UCL final \u2014 lost to Bayern Munich after a replay (first match 1-1, replay 4-0). Atl\u00e9tico's first European heartbreak.
- 1974-75: Intercontinental Cup winners (since Bayern refused to play, Atl\u00e9tico took the spot and beat Independiente)
Jes\u00fas Gil Era (1987-2003): Chaos & Occasional Glory
Outspoken businessman Jes\u00fas Gil bought the club in 1987 and turned it into Spain's most unpredictable club. Under Gil:
- 1996: Double winner (La Liga + Copa del Rey) under Radomir Anti\u0107
- 1999-2000: Relegation to Segunda Divisi\u00f3n \u2014 rock bottom
- 2002: Back to La Liga
- 2003: Gil died, son Miguel \u00c1ngel Gil Mar\u00edn took over
Simeone Revolution (2011-present): The Modern Era
Diego Simeone was appointed on 23 December 2011 to replace Gregorio Manzano. The transformation was immediate:
- 2011-12: Europa League title (his first season, partial)
- 2012-13: Copa del Rey (defeated Real Madrid 2-1 in final at Bernab\u00e9u)
- 2013-14: LA LIGA TITLE \u2014 first since 1996, breaking Real/Barca duopoly. Lost UCL final to Real Madrid in the 93rd minute (1-1 then 4-1 ET).
- 2015-16: Second UCL final, lost to Real Madrid on penalties. Simeone famously cried on the pitch.
- 2017-18: Europa League title (3rd overall)
- 2020-21: Second La Liga title under Simeone
- 2024-25: Runners-up to Barcelona in La Liga, Supercopa winner
The UCL Final Curse
Atl\u00e9tico's 3 UCL final losses are one of football's most painful narratives:
- 1974: Lost to Bayern Munich (1-1 replay, then 0-4)
- 2014: Lost to Real Madrid (1-1 AET, then 1-4). Leading 1-0 until the 93rd minute when Ramos equalized.
- 2016: Lost to Real Madrid on penalties after 1-1. Juanfran missed the decisive penalty.
Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium
Atl\u00e9tico Madrid's home since September 2017 is the Riyadh Air Metropolitano (renamed from Wanda Metropolitano in 2024). Built on the site of the La Peineta athletics stadium:
- Capacity: 68,456 (all-seater)
- Construction cost: \u20ac310 million
- Architect: Mark Fenwick & Javier Iribarren
- Unique feature: European Stadium of the Year 2017 award, iconic white wave-form roof
- 2019 UCL Final host: Liverpool 2-0 Tottenham
- Tour cost: \u20ac22 adult / \u20ac16 child
- Match tickets: \u20ac40-800
See our full Metropolitano Stadium Guide.
Trophies & Records
Domestic Titles
- La Liga: 11 titles (1940, 1941, 1950, 1951, 1966, 1970, 1973, 1977, 1996, 2014, 2021)
- Copa del Rey: 11 titles
- Supercopa de Espa\u00f1a: 2 titles
European Titles
- UEFA Europa League: 3 titles (2010, 2012, 2018)
- UEFA Super Cup: 3 titles
- UEFA Champions League: 3 final losses (1974, 2014, 2016) \u2014 never won
- UEFA Intertoto Cup: 1 (2007)
Intercontinental Titles
- Intercontinental Cup: 1 (1974)
- FIFA Club World Cup: Never reached final
Key Rivalries
El Derbi Madrile\u00f1o (vs Real Madrid)
The Madrid Derby is one of Europe's most intense city rivalries. While Real Madrid dominates the all-time record (~120 wins to Atl\u00e9tico's ~60 across 240+ meetings), the modern era under Simeone has been more balanced. Atl\u00e9tico have beaten Real Madrid in 2 UCL finals' path matches (though lost both finals) and won major Copa del Rey/Supercopa matches.
Southern Madrid (vs Real Madrid & Rayo Vallecano)
Atl\u00e9tico historically represents Madrid's working-class southern neighborhoods (where the old Vicente Calder\u00f3n stadium was located), contrasting with Real Madrid's traditional association with the city's wealthier Chamart\u00edn/north. The Metropolitano move in 2017 to the city's northeast industrial area has shifted but not erased this identity.
Cholismo: The Simeone Philosophy
"Cholismo" refers to the playing philosophy developed by Diego Simeone. Core tenets:
- Partido a partido ("Match by match") \u2014 Simeone's famous mantra, refusing to look ahead
- Compact defensive block \u2014 usually 5-3-2 or 4-4-2, 8+ players behind the ball
- Pressing triggers \u2014 selective pressing rather than full-pitch
- Physical intensity \u2014 every duel, every tackle matters
- Set-piece efficiency \u2014 Atl\u00e9tico consistently top La Liga in set-piece goals
- Counter-attacking \u2014 using Griezmann, Alvarez, S\u00f8rloth pace against defensive overextension
- Fan connection \u2014 Simeone famously salutes the fans pre-match, demands vocal support
Financial Snapshot
| Metric | 2025-26 |
|---|---|
| Forbes valuation | $1.4B (#3 La Liga) |
| Annual revenue | \u20ac380M (Deloitte #13) |
| Wage bill | \u20ac280M |
| Commercial revenue | \u20ac150M |
| Matchday revenue | \u20ac70M |
| Broadcasting revenue | \u20ac160M |
| Nike kit deal | \u20ac35M per year |
| Riyadh Air naming rights | \u20ac42M per year |
| Social media followers | 45M+ across platforms |
How to Watch Atl\u00e9tico Madrid in 2026
- USA: ESPN+
- UK: Premier Sports
- Canada: TSN + Fubo Sports
- Germany: DAZN
- France: beIN Sports
- Spain: Movistar+ La Liga
- MENA: beIN Sports MENA
- India: Disney+ Hotstar
- Argentina: DirecTV Go (big market due to Griezmann, De Paul, Alvarez, Giuliano Simeone \u2014 four+ Argentines)
For full country-by-country info see our complete La Liga streaming hub.
Related Content on classementlaliga.com
- Metropolitano Stadium Guide
- Diego Simeone Profile
- Real Madrid Complete Guide \u2014 Madrid Derby rivals
- FC Barcelona Complete Guide
- La Liga Club Valuations 2026
- La Liga All-Time Records
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Atlético Madrid?
Atlético Madrid is owned by Atlético Holdco, a group controlled by Spanish businessman Miguel Ángel Gil Marín (CEO, owns 51%) and US investment firm Ares Management (34%) through a 2021 minority stake acquisition, with the remaining 15% held by minor shareholders. Unlike Real Madrid, Barcelona, or Athletic Bilbao, Atlético is NOT member-owned. The Gil Marín family has controlled the club since 1987 when Jesús Gil bought majority shares, and passed control to his son Miguel Ángel in 2003.
How many La Liga titles does Atlético Madrid have?
Atlético Madrid has won 11 La Liga titles: 1940, 1941, 1950, 1951, 1966, 1970, 1973, 1977, 1996, 2014, and 2021. They are the third-most successful La Liga club behind Real Madrid (36) and Barcelona (27). They have also won 3 UEFA Europa League titles (2010, 2012, 2018), 3 UEFA Super Cups, 11 Copa del Rey titles, and 2 Intercontinental Cups. They are famously known as the club that has reached 3 Champions League finals (2014, 2016, never 2024) but lost all three, all to Real Madrid.
Who is Diego Simeone and why has he been at Atlético so long?
Diego Simeone is Atlético Madrid's head coach since December 2011, making him La Liga's longest-tenured manager at any single club. He is also La Liga's highest-paid coach at approximately €25 million per year. Under Simeone, Atlético won La Liga 2013-14 and 2020-21, Europa Leagues 2012 and 2018, Copa del Rey 2013, and reached UCL finals 2014 and 2016. His "Cholismo" tactical philosophy (5-3-2 defensive block + counter-attacks) has defined the club for 14+ years. His contract runs through June 2027.
What is Atlético Madrid's current starting XI?
Atlético Madrid's typical 2025-26 starting XI under Simeone (5-3-2 or 4-4-2): Oblak (GK); Llorente, Giménez, Le Normand, Azpilicueta (defense); De Paul, Barrios, Koke (midfield); Griezmann, Julian Alvarez (attack). Key squad members: Giuliano Simeone (the coach's son), Samuel Lino (left wing), Rodrigo Riquelme, Clement Lenglet (CB rotation), Conor Gallagher (English midfielder signed 2024).
How much is Atlético Madrid worth?
Atlético Madrid is valued at approximately $1.4 billion by Forbes in 2026, making them the 3rd most valuable La Liga club after Real Madrid ($6.7B) and Barcelona ($5.5B). Despite being a major trophy winner under Simeone, Atlético's revenue (€380M annual) is significantly lower than the top two due to smaller commercial reach, smaller stadium capacity (68,456 at Metropolitano vs Real Madrid's 85,000), and less valuable TV deal share. They are the 13th highest-revenue club globally (Deloitte Money League 2025).
Where does Atlético Madrid play?
Atlético Madrid plays at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano (formerly Estadio Wanda Metropolitano, renamed in 2024), with a capacity of 68,456. It opened in September 2017 on the site of the former La Peineta athletics stadium. Before the Metropolitano, the club played at the historic Vicente Calderón Stadium on the banks of the Manzanares River (1966-2017). The Metropolitano hosted the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final (Liverpool 2-0 Tottenham). See our <Link href="/en/metropolitano-stadium-guide">Metropolitano Stadium Guide</Link>.
What is the "Cholismo" tactical philosophy?
Cholismo is the tactical philosophy of Diego Simeone (nicknamed "Cholo"). Its four pillars: (1) compact 5-3-2 or 4-4-2 defensive block with 8+ players behind the ball, (2) aggressive pressing only in specific zones (not full-pitch pressing like Klopp/Flick), (3) fast direct counter-attacks using wing pace, and (4) physical intensity and emotional commitment ("partido a partido" — match by match mentality). Cholismo is often criticized as "anti-football" by purists but has produced 2 La Liga titles and 2 UCL finals with consistently lower-wage squads. See our full <Link href="/en/diego-simeone-profile">Simeone profile</Link>.
How can I watch Atlético Madrid play in La Liga from my country?
Atlético Madrid matches air globally: ESPN+ in the USA, DAZN in Canada and Germany, Premier Sports in the UK, beIN Sports in France/MENA/Turkey, Disney+ Hotstar in India. For country-by-country info see our <Link href="/en/how-to-watch-la-liga">complete La Liga streaming hub</Link>.