La Liga club has transferred 55% of its shares to the American fund Apollo Global Management.
Historic change of ownership
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 euros. Forbes magazine has estimated that a complete takeover of the Madrid club would require around 2.5 billion euros.
Friendly takeover
After months of discreet negotiations, Atleti’s executives, Miguel Ángel Gil Marín and Enrique Cerezo, have given the go-ahead for a deal that transfers 55% of the 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 common goal of ensuring 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 entering into a long-term alliance to further our growth under the leadership of Miguel Ángel Gil and Enrique Cerezo.”
Retained management, new ownership structure
The agreement means that Apollo Sports Capital (ASC), the sports division of the investment fund, will become the new majority shareholder. They will work with the existing partners Quantum Pacific Group and Ares Management, who will retain part of the stake.
Despite the change of ownership, Gil Marín will continue as CEO and Cerezo as president for at least four more years. This will ensure continuity in the club’s sporting project and philosophy. The announcement said: “Under their leadership over the past two decades, Atlético de Madrid has established itself as one of Europe’s most successful and renowned football clubs, with sustained success on the pitch, global brand growth and strong community involvement.”
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Simeone’s transformative impact
When Diego Pablo Simeone took over as coach in 2011, it marked a turning point in Atleti’s modern history. Since then, the club has won eight titles – including two league championships – and reached two Champions League finals, consolidating their place in the European elite.
To put the development in perspective: According to Forbes, the club was worth only 189 million euros when “El Choco” took over the coaching responsibility. That makes a staggering difference compared to today’s value.
Gil Marín stressed that those at the club are “very proud to welcome a partner committed to the history and values of Atlético de Madrid” and that the alliance “will contribute additional resources and enthusiasm to maintain our growth and competitiveness”.
