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Atletico Madrid, one of Spain’s most iconic football clubs, boasts a rich history that
has captivated fans around the world. Founded in 1903, the club has grown from
humble beginnings into a global sporting powerhouse. But how did it all begin?
Here are ten captivating facts about the origins of Atletico Madrid that every
football enthusiast should know.
1. The Athletic Connection: Atletico's Bilbao Roots
Atletico Madrid was founded on April 26, 1903, as a branch of Athletic Club Bilbao,
another legendary Spanish football team. A group of Basque students studying in
Madrid decided to create a local counterpart to their beloved Bilbao club, forming
what they initially called Athletic Club de Madrid. This connection to Bilbao
remained strong for years, influencing Atletico’s early identity and culture.
Key Takeaway: Atletico Madrid’s founders envisioned the team as an extension of
their roots, laying the groundwork for one of the fiercest rivalries in Spanish
football.
2. Atletico Was Born as a Refuge
In its early days, Atletico Madrid was intended to be a refuge for Bilbao fans in
Madrid. The founders sought to create a space where they could support football
and celebrate Basque culture while away from home. This sense of belonging
played a crucial role in uniting fans and players alike in the club’s formative years.
Key Takeaway: Atletico began not just as a football team but as a cultural
community for Basque exiles in the Spanish capital.
3. The English Influence
Like many early football clubs in Spain, Atletico Madrid was heavily influenced by
English football. The founders adopted their red and white striped jerseys in 1911,
inspired by English teams like Southampton FC. Before this, the team wore blue
and white stripes, similar to Blackburn Rovers.
Fun Fact: The switch to red and white was partly practical—red and white fabric was
cheaper and more readily available, making it a cost-effective choice for the
team’s uniforms.
4. Atletico's First Stadium: Ronda de Vallecas
In 1913, Atletico Madrid moved to their first dedicated home ground, the Ronda de
Vallecas. It was a modest facility compared to today’s stadiums, but it was a
significant step in the club’s growth. The field symbolized the team's emergence as
a serious competitor in Spanish football.
Key Takeaway: Every football giant starts small—Ronda de Vallecas was Atletico's
humble beginning.
5. The Breakaway From Athletic Bilbao
Initially, Atletico Madrid operated as a branch of Athletic Club Bilbao. However, in
1921, the Madrid team declared its independence and officially became Club
Atlético de Madrid. This split was motivated by a desire to establish its unique
identity and direction as a football club.
Key Takeaway: This pivotal moment marked Atletico Madrid's transition from a
satellite club to an independent force in Spanish football.
6. Atletico’s Colors Represent Perseverance
The iconic red and white stripes of Atletico Madrid have become synonymous with
the club’s indomitable spirit. The colors were initially a practical choice, but over
time, they have come to symbolize the team’s grit and resilience—qualities that
Atletico fans proudly celebrate.
Fun Fact: Red and white have become a badge of honor for Atletico supporters,
representing their unwavering loyalty and the team's fighting spirit.
7. Early Rivalries Shaped Atletico's Identity
From its inception, Atletico Madrid had to carve out its place in the shadow of
other football powerhouses, most notably Real Madrid. The rivalry between
Atletico and Real Madrid, known as El Derbi Madrileño, began in the club's early
days and has since evolved into one of the most intense in world football.
Key Takeaway: Rivalries like these helped Atletico define its competitive edge and
build its reputation as a team that fights against the odds.
8. A Wartime Merger
During the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939), Atletico Madrid faced financial struggles
and was on the verge of collapse. In 1939, the club merged with Aviación Nacional,
a military team, forming Atlético Aviación. This partnership saved the club from
dissolution and ensured its survival during one of Spain’s darkest periods.
Fun Fact: Atletico’s aviation-inspired crest during this time paid homage to their
unlikely saviors.
9. Rising From the Ashes: The Post-War Rebirth
After the wartime merger, Atletico Madrid reestablished itself as a formidable force
in Spanish football. By the 1940s, the club dropped "Aviación" from its name and
returned to being Club Atlético de Madrid, reclaiming its pre-war identity while
embracing a renewed sense of ambition.
Key Takeaway: Atletico Madrid's resilience during challenging times has been a
hallmark of its history, contributing to its enduring appeal.
10. The Founders' Legacy Lives On
The Basque students who founded Atletico Madrid may not have envisioned the
global powerhouse it would become, but their legacy endures in every match
played by the club. Their passion for football and community laid the foundation
for a team that has won La Liga titles, European trophies, and the hearts of
millions worldwide.
Fun Fact: Atletico's fan base, known as the “Colchoneros,” continues to honor the
founders’ spirit with unwavering loyalty and devotion.
A Legacy of Passion and Perseverance
The foundation of Atletico Madrid is a story of resilience, community, and
ambition. From its roots as a refuge for Basque students to its emergence as a
footballing titan, the club has always embodied the fighting spirit of its founders.
These ten facts only scratch the surface of Atletico's rich history, but they remind
us of the passion and perseverance that have driven the club’s incredible journey.
Today, Atletico Madrid is more than just a football team—it’s a symbol of
determination, a source of pride for its fans, and a testament to the enduring
power of sports to unite people across generations.
