Atlético Madrid has confirmed that the American investment company Apollo Sports Capital will acquire a majority stake in the club. The transaction, expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026, will bring a change in ownership structure and open a new chapter in the history of the Madrid team.
Current CEO Miguel Ángel Gil and president Enrique Cerezo will retain minority shares and remain in the club’s management to ensure a smooth transition between the current and new ownership. Gil welcomed the arrival of a new partner who respects Atlético’s tradition and identity while providing the financial strength needed for further growth.
According to the Spanish daily Expansión, Apollo will acquire 55 percent of the club’s shares, giving it a controlling stake. Gil’s share will decrease to 10 percent and Cerezo will hold three percent. Quantum Pacific will retain a quarter of the shares and Ares Management will keep five percent. The remainder will belong to smaller shareholders.
The entry of Apollo is expected to bring a significant financial boost that will strengthen Atlético’s sporting and economic ambitions. The new capital should support the development of the Ciudad del Deporte project, scheduled to open in 2027, and help reinforce the squad with the goal of achieving a historic triumph in the Champions League.
The club’s management emphasizes that key figures such as coach Diego Simeone and forward Julián Álvarez remain integral to future plans. Apollo has stated that it does not intend to sell its stars but rather aims to build a team capable of competing for the top positions in Europe.
After nearly forty years under the Gil family’s control, Atlético is entering a new era that seeks to combine tradition with a modern investment approach and strengthen its position among Europe’s elite clubs.
