Atletico Madrid is set to follow in the footsteps of fellow LALIGA clubs CD Leganes and RDC Mallorca, with a majority stake in the club being acquired by US investors. By the first quarter of 2026, American investment firm Apollo Sports Capital will officially become the majority shareholder of the renowned Madrid-based football club.
As reported by Marca yesterday (11/11), Apollo is acquiring a 55 percent stake in the club, affectionately known as Los Colchoneros. This significant investment will see Apollo injecting up to USD 5 billion (approximately IDR 83.4 trillion) into the club, aimed at bolstering the strength of Real Madrid’s fierce rival in El Derbi Madrileno.
Commenting on the landmark deal, Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil expressed his enthusiasm on the club’s official website, stating, “We are incredibly proud to welcome a new partner committed to this club. Apollo is an excellent partner that respects the history, traditions, and identity of this team.”
Leadership Continuity Assured
Despite the change in ownership, the leadership structure at Atletico Madrid will remain stable. Miguel Angel Gil is confirmed to continue in his role as CEO, while President Enrique Cerezo will also retain his position. Their combined experience of leading Atletico for two decades was a key factor in ensuring their continuity, providing invaluable stability during this transition.
Ambition for European Dominance
Apollo Sports Capital views significant potential for Koke and the squad to evolve into a major European powerhouse, transcending their impressive LALIGA achievements. While Atletico Madrid boasts 11 LALIGA titles, a Champions League trophy has remained elusive. “We are very enthusiastic about supporting the team, respecting its spirit and traditions, while simultaneously adding value in areas where we excel,” stated Robert Givone, Partner and co-Portfolio Manager at Apollo Sports Capital.
A central focus of Apollo’s squad development strategy will reportedly be forward Julian Alvarez. This implies that Apollo plans to build the team by strengthening positions around “La Arana,” Alvarez’s nickname. Spanish football analyst Jorge Lopez Marco Tote further emphasized this point on the program El Corrillo, claiming, “Retaining Julian Alvarez in the summer of 2026 is Apollo’s first mission.”
Support for “Ciudad del Deporte” Project
Beyond investing in the squad under coach Diego Simeone, Apollo is also throwing its full weight behind Atletico’s ambitious “Ciudad del Deporte” (City of Sport) project. This expansive initiative aims to develop a new urban area spanning over 1 million square meters around their home ground, the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium. The project is designed to feature state-of-the-art facilities for both the club and the residents of Madrid, including an athletics stadium, multi-sport fields, a high-performance center, and various recreational areas, all conceived with a strong emphasis on sustainability.
ATLETICO OWNERS AND THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS
2025
Apollo Sports Capital
Best achievement: ?
2021
Ares Management
Best achievement: Third place in LALIGA 2022–2023 and 2024–2025
2017
Quantum Pacific Group
Best achievement: LALIGA Champion 2020–2021 and Europa League 2017–2018
2015
Wanda Group
Best achievement: Champions League Finalist 2015–2016
Summary
Apollo Sports Capital is set to acquire a 55 percent stake in Atletico Madrid by the first quarter of 2026, investing up to USD 5 billion into the club. This investment aims to strengthen the team and support the “Ciudad del Deporte” project, which will develop a new urban area around the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium with various sports facilities.
Despite the change in ownership, Miguel Angel Gil will continue as CEO, and Enrique Cerezo will remain President, ensuring leadership continuity. Apollo’s strategy includes developing the squad, potentially focusing on forward Julian Alvarez, and aiming for European dominance, particularly the elusive Champions League trophy.