• The club is expected to soon announce detailed timelines to finalize the deal and launch an updated investment plan

Atlético Madrid announced major ownership changes after reaching an agreement with Apollo, which has become the club’s largest shareholder.

The statement said former stakeholders Miguel Ángel Gil, Enrique Cerezo, the Quantum Pacific group, and Ares Management funds reached an agreement with the new investor to ensure the stability of the sporting project.

The club confirmed that Gil will continue as CEO, while Cerezo remains club president to preserve vision and continuity. The announcement follows Atlético’s 3–1 win over Levante, which brought them to 25 points in fourth place in La Liga.

Details of the deal

According to Reuters, Apollo will acquire approximately a 55% stake in the club, in a deal valuing Atlético Madrid at around €2.5 billion.

Current leadership will remain in place, with Miguel Ángel Gil Marin continuing as CEO and Enrique Cerezo as club president. The deal is still subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026.

Atlético Madrid ownership background

Atlético Madrid is currently managed through Atlético HoldCo, which owns roughly 70% of the club’s shares and is controlled by key stakeholders including Gil Marin, Cerezo, and Ares Management. In recent years, the club has sought external investment to fund the large “Ciudad del Deporte” project adjacent to the Metropolitano stadium, with talks with Apollo linked to this initiative.

Implications for the club

Apollo entering as a major shareholder provides a significant financial injection that could help the club compete more effectively in the transfer market and infrastructure development. Maintaining current leadership signals a desire for institutional continuity without immediate radical changes, while preserving the club’s identity and local community ties. At the same time, such a large investment raises expectations for raising ambitions and potentially restructuring sports and management strategies in the medium term.

Media reaction

Spanish media described the move as the end of the Gil family’s era as the largest single shareholder, although the two main figures will continue to manage the club. Investors and financial markets see the deal as reflecting the growing importance of European football as an asset worthy of substantial investment.

What’s next for fans?

The club is expected to soon announce precise timelines to complete the deal, launch an updated investment plan, and possibly make changes to the “sports city” infrastructure project. Questions remain about how this investment will impact the football team, including transfer policies and performance quality in the coming years.