Club Atlético de Madrid, S.A.D., often affectionately known in the Spanish-speaking world simply as Atleti, and internationally recognized as Atletico Madrid, is a distinguished Spanish professional football club rooted in the vibrant capital city of Madrid. This storied club is a perennial contender in La Liga, Spain's top professional football division, showcasing a rich history and a passionate fan base that consistently fills its home ground. The official Spanish pronunciation of the club's full name is [ˈkluβ aˈtletiko ðe maˈðɾið], directly translating to "Athletic Club of Madrid," a name that encapsulates its sporting heritage.

The team hosts its captivating home matches at the state-of-the-art Wanda Metropolitano Stadium. This impressive modern arena boasts a substantial seating capacity of 68,456 spectators, providing an electric atmosphere for every game and serving as a testament to the club's ambition and growth in contemporary football.

A Legacy of Success: Trophies and Triumphs

Atlético Madrid stands as the third most successful club in Spanish football regarding top-flight league titles, a remarkable feat in a landscape often dominated by its illustrious city rivals, Real Madrid, and Catalonia's FC Barcelona. This position solidifies their status as one of Spain's footballing giants.

Domestic Dominance

Throughout their illustrious history, Atleti has amassed an impressive collection of domestic honors:

• La Liga Titles: Eleven occasions, with perhaps the most memorable being the historic league and cup double achieved in the 1995–96 season, a cherished memory for many supporters.
• Copa del Rey: Ten times, demonstrating their prowess in Spain's premier knockout cup competition.
• Supercopa de España: Two triumphs in the annual super cup contest.
• Copa Presidente FEF: One victory in this unique historical competition.
• Copa Eva Duarte: One win, another historical domestic cup.

European and International Accolades

On the European stage, Atlético Madrid has experienced both exhilarating triumphs and agonizing near misses, cementing their reputation as a formidable continental force:

• European Cup Winners' Cup: Winners in 1962, showcasing early European success, and finishing as runners-up in 1963 and 1986.
• UEFA Champions League: The pinnacle of European club football has seen Atleti reach the final three times (1974, 2014, and 2016), only to fall short in heartbreaking fashion, often in memorable contests that underscore their fighting spirit.
• UEFA Europa League: A testament to their resilience and quality in recent times, they have lifted this prestigious trophy on three occasions (2010, 2012, and 2018).
• UEFA Super Cup: Following their Europa League successes, they also secured the UEFA Super Cup three times (2010, 2012, and 2018), affirming their status as top-tier European competitors.
• Intercontinental Cup: A significant international triumph in 1974, further cementing their global standing.

The Iconic Kit and Enduring Nicknames

The visual identity of Atlético Madrid is instantly recognizable through their classic home kit, which has proudly adorned their players since 1911. It features striking red and white vertical striped shirts, paired with blue shorts, and completed with blue and red socks. This distinctive color combination is not merely aesthetic but also deeply rooted in the club's most famous nickname.

"Los Colchoneros" (The Mattress Makers)

The most widely recognized nickname, Los Colchoneros, meaning "The Mattress Makers," stems directly from the resemblance of their red and white striped jerseys to the traditional striped ticking material used for mattresses in Spain during the early 20th century. This simple, yet enduring, association has become an integral part of the club's identity and fan culture.

"Los Indios" (The Indians)

Another prominent nickname, Los Indios, emerged in the 1970s, carrying with it a fascinating blend of theories regarding its origin:

• South American Influence: One popular theory attributes the nickname to the club's strategy of signing numerous South American players during the 1970s, a period when restrictions on foreign players were eased. These players, often described as "Indians" in a broader cultural context, contributed significantly to the team's style and success.
• Riverside Proximity: An alternative theory suggests the nickname arose because the club's former stadium, the Vicente Calderón, was situated on the bank of the Manzanares River, leading to the playful notion that they were "camped" by the river, much like certain indigenous tribes.
• Rivalry with Real Madrid: Perhaps the most evocative theory links the nickname to the intense rivalry with their city neighbors, Real Madrid. In this context, "Los Indios" were traditionally perceived as the adversaries of "Los Blancos" (The Whites), Real Madrid's well-known nickname, creating a compelling narrative of opposition that resonates deeply with the club's fervent supporters.

Royal Ties and Global Reach

Adding a touch of regal prestige, Felipe VI, the reigning King of Spain, has held the esteemed position of honorary president of Club Atlético de Madrid since 2003, highlighting the club's significant cultural and national standing.

Beyond Spain, Atlético Madrid has also extended its brand and footballing philosophy through international partnerships, demonstrating a commitment to global football development:

• Former Indian Super League Partnership: The club co-owned the Indian Super League (ISL) franchise in Kolkata, initially named Atlético de Kolkata. This venture proved highly successful, with the team winning the competition twice. However, in 2017, Atlético Madrid concluded its partnership as Sanjeev Goenka acquired its shares.
• Current Global Collaborations: Atlético Madrid maintains ongoing co-ownership stakes in other international clubs, including Liga MX club Atlético San Luis in Mexico and the Canadian Premier League side Atlético Ottawa, further expanding their presence and influence across different continents.

FAQs About Atlético Madrid

What is Atlético Madrid's full name?

The club's full official name is Club Atlético de Madrid, S.A.D., which translates to "Athletic Club of Madrid."

Where do Atlético Madrid play their home games?

They play their home matches at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, which has a capacity of 68,456 spectators.

How successful is Atlético Madrid in Spanish football?

Atlético Madrid is the third most successful club in Spanish football based on the number of league titles won, trailing only Real Madrid and Barcelona.

What major trophies has Atlético Madrid won?

Domestically, they have won La Liga eleven times, the Copa del Rey ten times, two Supercopas de España, one Copa Presidente FEF, and one Copa Eva Duarte. In Europe and internationally, they have won the European Cup Winners' Cup, three UEFA Europa League titles, three UEFA Super Cups, and the Intercontinental Cup.

Why are they called "Los Colchoneros"?

"Los Colchoneros," meaning "The Mattress Makers," is a nickname derived from their red and white striped home kit, which historically resembled the fabric used for traditional Spanish mattresses.

What does "Atleti" mean?

"Atleti" is a popular, simplified, and affectionate nickname for Club Atlético de Madrid, commonly used by fans and media, particularly in the Spanish-speaking world.

Does Atlético Madrid have any international partnerships?

Yes, they currently co-own Liga MX club Atlético San Luis in Mexico and the Canadian Premier League side Atlético Ottawa. They also previously co-owned Atlético de Kolkata in the Indian Super League.