Atlético Madrid Colors, Facts and History

Atlético Madrid history

Founded as a Madrid branch of Bilbao's Athletic Club, it started life on 26 April 1903 under the name Athletic Club Sucursal de Madrid. A 1939 merger with Club Aviación Nacional followed, and the name became Atlético de Madrid in 1946. The traditional kit is red and white vertical stripes with blue shorts, and supporters go by nicknames such as colchoneros, meaning mattress makers, and rojiblancos.

Atlético have 11 La Liga titles, one of them part of a league and cup double in 1996, plus 10 Copa del Rey trophies and two Supercopas de España. European success includes the Cup Winners' Cup in 1962, plus 2010, 2012 and 2018, when the club won both the Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup. The club also won the 1974 Intercontinental Cup. King Felipe VI has been honorary president since 2003, when he was still Prince Felipe.

Did you know?

• Fans often call the club Atleti for short.
• The club's full Spanish name translates to Athletic Club of Madrid.
• Atlético became a sociedad anónima deportiva, a sports corporation, after 1987.