Atletico Madrid players celebrate a goal in UEFA Champions League encounter. Image credit: Goal.
(The Post News)- In a seismic shift for Spanish football, Atletico Madrid has been sold to Apollo Sports Capital (ASC). This move marking the end of 38 years of control by the Gil family.
The US-based investment firm, part of Apollo Global Management. They have acquired a majority stake of roughly 51 to 55 percent in the club, valuing Atletico at around €2.5 billion. The announced change on Monday brings an end to one of the longest-running family ownership in European football history. This initiative ushers in a new era of American investment in La Liga.
The Gil family’s involvement with Atletico Madrid dates back to 1987. The late Jesus Gil y Gil took over as club president. This happened in the mist of financial turmoil and political controversy. Under his stewardship and Miguel Angel Gil Marin, who assumed control after his father’s death in 2004. Atletico underwent a dramatic transformation.
The club recovered from relegation in the late 1990s to become one of Europe’s elite sides. They won two La Liga titles, two Europa Leagues, and reaching two Champions League finals under coach Diego Simeone. For nearly four decades, the Gils oversaw Atletico’s rise from instability to global prominence. They also maintained tight, often controversial control over the club’s finances and governance. Miguel Angel Gil Marin will endure as CEO and preserve a minority shareholding, ensuring a degree of continuity in leadership.
Enrique Cerezo, Atlético’s long-serving president, will also stay on in his role with a smaller stake. Apollo Sports Capital, meanwhile, will assume majority control and take an active role in the club’s financial and strategic direction. The deal also reshapes the club’s broader ownership structure, with Quantum Pacific Group. This group is led by Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer, and Ares Management both seeing their holdings reduced.
Apollo’s investment constitute one of the largest takeovers in European football. While underscoring a growing trend of US private equity firms entering the sport.
According to report from Recruiters, Apollo intends to inject new capital into Atletico, for sporting purposes and for off-pitch development. This including the ambitious “Ciudad del Deporte” complex near the club’s Cívitas Metropolitan Stadium. The firm has also emphasized that Atletico will endure a standalone club, not part of a multi-club ownership model.
In a statement, Gil Marín called the sale “a natural evolution” for the club, saying that “finding a partner who believes in our vision and values was crucial. “Apollo partner Robert Givone described Atletico as “one of Europe’s great sporting institutions,”. Adding, he said that maintaining the club’s identity and leadership was essential to us.
The changeover is still theme to regulatory approval but is expected to close by early 2026. For Atletico’s passionate fan base, the sale provokes a mixture of nostalgia and anticipation. The Gil family’s era brought both controversy and success. Also endure a uniquely turbulent blend of political showmanship, financial resilience, and sporting glory.
As the club now moves under foreign majority ownership for the first time in its 122 year history. Supporters will hope Apollo’s can fuel a new chapter of growth without sacrificing the identity of the team for generations.
What is Apollo Sport Capital?
Apollo Sports Capital (ASC) is a new investment business launched by Apollo Global Management. It provides capital solutions across the global sports and live events ecosystem. Led by CEO Al Tylis, ASC aims to create durable, long-term value for investors, fans, teams, and communities.
The platform will primarily target credit and hybrid investment opportunities in sports, including franchises, leagues, venues, media, and events. ASC’s leadership team includes experienced professionals like Rob Givone and Lee Solomon as Co-Portfolio Managers. Sam Porter joins as Chief Strategy Officer.
ASC’s investment strategy focuses on providing patient capital and strategic support to stakeholders in the sports sector. They are building on Apollo’s established presence in sports with $17 billion deployed in the broader space. The company’s goals include creating long-term value for investors and stakeholders. Supporting growth and development in the sports industry and providing innovative capital solutions form the team’s primary objectives.
ASC plans to make a significant impact in the sports investment landscape. They are starting with its recent acquisition of a majority stake in Atletico Madrid.
About the Author
Discover more from The Post News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
