Atletico Madrid is set to transition to American ownership. Apollo Sports Capital, an asset management firm, will become the primary shareholder of the Spanish club early next year.
The announcement was
made on Monday (November 10), though financial specifics were not shared. The club's chief executive, Miguel Ángel Gil, and president, Enrique Cerezo, will maintain their roles to ensure consistent leadership.
Investment Strategy and Club Vision
The collaboration between Atletico and Apollo Sports Capital aims to strengthen the club's position among football's elite. Both parties stated that the investment is not part of a multi-club control strategy. Instead, it focuses on long-term success for fans worldwide. Apollo Sports Capital plans to invest further in Atletico's teams and infrastructure projects like Ciudad del Deporte.
Gil's role at Atletico has significantly increased its influence in soccer. He is part of the executive committees of both the European Football Clubs group and UEFA. This involvement underscores the club's strategic importance in European football circles.
Historical Achievements and Future Plans
Atletico Madrid, under Diego Simeone since 2011, currently ranks fourth in La Liga. The team has won the Spanish championship 11 times, with the latest victory in 2021. They reached the Champions League finals in 2014 and 2016 but lost to Real Madrid on both occasions.
Apollo Sports Capital has previously invested in tennis tournaments like the Madrid Open and Miami Open. The company intends to inject additional capital into Atletico's long-term plans, enhancing financial strength and sporting competitiveness.
Leadership Continuity and Community Impact
The joint statement from Atletico and Apollo highlighted their commitment to reinforcing the club's financial stability and community impact. "As long-term investors, ASC and existing shareholders will partner with Atletico de Madrid's management," they said, aiming to boost both financial strength and community engagement.
Rob Givone from ASC described Atletico as "one of Europe's great sporting institutions. " Founded in 1903, the club has seen various investors over time. Notably, Chinese conglomerate Wanda previously held a stake before selling it to Idan Ofer's Quantum Pacific Group.
The upcoming changes mark a significant shift for Atletico Madrid as it embraces new ownership while maintaining its historical legacy and future ambitions. The focus remains on achieving sustained success for millions of fans globally.
With inputs from PTI
