Atletico Madrid are one of Spain's biggest clubs, yet they have continually been overshadowed by Real Madrid and Barcelona. Since the turn of the millennium, Atletico Madrid have become one of the most well-supported sports teams in Spain. Their profile around the world rose thanks to playing against Real Madrid in Champions League Final in 2013-14 and 2015-16. The club's rise in popularity has also been achieved thanks to two La Liga titles won under Diego Simeone in 2013-14 and 2020-21.
Atletico Madrid were founded in 1903 as Athletic Club de Madrid. The club were created by three Basque students residing in Madrid. The initial club were considered a youth branch of Athletic Club de Bilbao. Atletico Madrid's original shirts were inspired by Blackburn Rovers and were blue and white. In 1911, Atletico Madrid adopted shirts inspired by Southampton and began wearing red and white tops along with blue shorts.
The 1950s began well for Atletico Madrid. The club won two La Liga titles under manager Helenio Herrera. After the Argentine's departure, Atletico Madrid went from being the top side in Spain to being the league's third team behind Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Although the occasional piece of silverware came along in the 1960s and 1970s, the two decades were barren of success. Atletico Madrid are the club supported by the working class of Madrid and the club's reputation as a working-class team continues today.
Atletico Madrid's greatest successes of the modern era have come under current manager Diego Simeone. He has won two La Liga titles and reached the Champions League Final on two occasions, losing to Real Madrid both times.
Bet on Atletico Madrid
Leading sportsbooks offer betting markets on Atletico Madrid every matchday of the football season. The long football campaign provides bettors the opportunity to wager on the Spanish capital club in a variety of ways. Before they kick off each tournament, bettors can wager on Los Rojiblancos as the outright winner of the La Liga, the Champions League, or the Copa del Rey competitions.
There is the opportunity to bet on one-off matches, players, correct scores, goals, and more. Special offers on big games in the league or European cup competitions are also available with major bookies. Of course, football bettors love to wager on the Madrid Derby between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.
Bettors have the chance to select bets on Atletico Madrid in the transfer market and which player(s) will arrive at the club each transfer window. Bettors can even wager on who will be the next Atletico Madrid manager if Diego Simeone ever leaves.
Atletico Madrid Players
The top 5 Atletico Madrid players, based on their performance and contributions in the 2023-2024 season, are highlighted for their skills, roles, seasons, and impact on the team:
1. Álvaro Morata - Leading the line as the top scorer, Morata has proven himself a vital component of Atletico's attack with 14 goals in three seasons, showcasing his ability to find the back of the net consistently.
2. Antoine Griezmann - A versatile forward, Griezmann has contributed significantly with 11 goals. His experience and knack for goal-scoring have been crucial for the team.
3. Ángel Correa - With his agility and skill, Correa has added 7 goals to the tally, playing a key role in the forward line.
4. Marcos Llorente - Known for his dynamism in midfield, Llorente has contributed 6 goals, demonstrating his ability to support both the defence and the attack effectively.
5. Memphis Depay - Adding depth to Atletico's attacking options, Depay has contributed with important goals and assists, marking him as a valuable player for the squad.
These players exemplify the blend of experience, skill, and youthful energy that characterizes Atletico Madrid's squad. With contributions across the board—from defence to attack—each player has played a part in the team's successes and challenges during the season.
Atletico Madrid Honours
La Liga
Winners (11): 1939–40, 1940–41, 1949–50, 1950–51, 1965–66, 1969–70, 1972–73, 1976–77, 1995–96, 2013–14, 2020–21
Copa del Rey
Winners (10): 1959–60, 1960–61, 1964–65, 1971–72, 1975–76, 1984–85, 1990–91, 1991–92, 1995–96, 2012–13
Supercopa de Espana
Winners (2): 1985, 2014
Copa de los Campeones de Espana
Winners (1): 1940–41
Copa Presidente FEF
Winners (1): 1947
Copa Eva Duarte
Winners (1): 1951
European Cup/UEFA Champions League
Runners-up (3): 1973–74, 2013–14, 2015–16
European Cup Winners' Cup
Winners (1): 1961–62
UEFA Europa League
Winners (3): 2009–10, 2011–12, 2017–18
UEFA Super Cup
Winners (3): 2010, 2012, 2018
Intercontinental Cup
Winners (1): 1974
Atletico Madrid All-Time Top Goalscorers
Luis Aragones – 173 goals
Adrian Escudero – 169 goals
Paco Campos – 144 goals
Antoine Griezmann – 133 goals
Joaqucin Peiro – 125 goals
Atletico Madrid Legends
Atletico Madrid have had some of the world's best players wear the famous white and red shirt. Luis Aragones and Adrian Escudero were both greats from the past. In more recent years, the likes of Diego Forlan, Fernando Torres, and Sergio Aguero all played for the club before finding success elsewhere. In Forlan's case, his time at Atletico Madrid was the best of his career. World-class goalkeepers such as David De Gea and Thibaut Courtois achieved success at Atletico Madrid before they also found more success away from the capital club.
Below is a list of the best players to play for Atletico Madrid:
Luis Aragones
Adrian Escudero
Fernando Torres
Diego Godin
Joaquin Peiro
Hugo Sanchez
Jose Eulogio Garate
Carlos Aguilera
Francisco Campos Salamanca
Adelardo Rodriguez
Diego Forlan
Diego Simeone
Sergio Aguero
Kiko
Gabi
Isacio Calleja
Juanfran
Paulo Futre
Antonie Greizmann
Jan Oblak
David Villa
Diego Costa
Atletico Madrid Managers
Helenio Herrera was one of the most successful early managers for Atletico Madrid. The Argentine won two La Liga titles and the Supercopa de Espana between 1949 and 1953. Jose Villalonga led the club to their first European trophy by winning the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1960-61.
Luis Aragones was not only a great player at Atletico Madrid, but he also won trophies as a manager. He won seven trophies in four spells at the club. Atletico Madrid have not been afraid to sack managers over the years, but since appointing Diego Simeone in 2011, Los Rojiblancos stability has been achieved.
