Atlético Madrid have announced the sale of their shares to Apollo Sports Capital, which will become the club’s largest shareholder.
This is a very important move as the four main shareholders will reduce their holdings to allow the entry of a new investor who has become the Metropolitano Club’s largest shareholder. One of the most important points is the continuity of Gilles Marin as the club’s manager. The CEO will continue to play an important role within the club.
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club statement
The club itself announced the sale in a statement on its website, saying: “Our club and a global sports investor have entered into a long-term partnership to drive our growth under the leadership of Miguel Ángel Gil and Enrique Cerezo.”
“Atlético Madrid and its principal shareholders Miguel Ángel Gil, Enrique Cerezo, Quantum Pacific Group and funds managed by Ares Management have reached an agreement under which Apollo Sports Capital (“ASC”), the global sports investment company of Apollo (NYSE: APO), will become the club’s largest shareholder. ”
The statement continued: “As part of the agreement, Miguel Ángel Gil and Enrique Cerezo will continue to lead Atlético Madrid as CEO and President, respectively, and will remain shareholders, ensuring the continuity and vision of the project and its leadership over the past 20 years. “Under their leadership, Atlético Madrid has established itself as one of Europe’s most successful and recognized football clubs, achieved continued sporting success, expanded its brand around the world and strengthened its commitment to its communities.”
“ASC’s investment will strengthen our club’s position among football’s elite and support our ambitions to deliver long-term success for our millions of fans around the world. As long-term investors, ASC and our current shareholders will work with Atlético Madrid’s management team to strengthen the club’s financial strength, sporting competitiveness and community contribution.”
“Shareholders will inject fresh capital to support the club’s long-term plans, including further investment in Atlético Madrid’s team and major infrastructure projects. This includes the development of Sports City, a new sports and entertainment center adjacent to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium. The project’s aim is to become a world-class destination for sports, leisure, culture and community activities. Thanks to Apollo’s extensive experience in the sports, media and entertainment sector, ASC aims to create a dynamic, transformative and innovative project ‘a multidisciplinary urban center serving the people of Madrid. ”
Miguel Ángel Gil, CEO of the company, said: “We are very proud to welcome a new partner who is committed to our club. Apollo Sports Capital is a great ally who respects the history, tradition and identity of Atlético Madrid and its fans, and who brings additional resources and enthusiasm to keep our company growing and competitive.”
Miguel Ángel Gil added: “This exciting next step builds on the model that has driven our progress in recent years and, without the support of Wanda Group, Quantum Pacific and Ares, Atlético We would not have been in the position we are in today. Their support has strengthened us at critical moments. Our achievements also reflect the dedication of our people, the commitment of our players and coaches, and above all the unwavering passion of our fans, who are the true heart and soul of our club.”
“Looking to the future, we believe that together we have a great opportunity to drive the strong and sustainable growth of Atlético Madrid and build on our past traditions. It was important for me to have a long-term investment partner who believes in our strategy and who will strengthen our off-field activities as we develop Sports City,” concluded our CEO.
Robert Givone, partner at Apollo and co-manager of ASC, said: “Atlético Madrid is one of Europe’s great sporting institutions and Apollo Sports Capital is proud to invest in this historic club and its over 120-year legacy. Miguel Ángel has done an extraordinary job transforming Atlético, and it was important for us to invest not only in the team and the community, but also to support his continued leadership.
Givone continued: “We are excited to support the team, respect its spirit and tradition, and add value in areas where we excel, such as growing Sports City and improving the fan experience. By supporting Sports City’s ambitious plans, we can create significant value for both the club and the local economy.”
Apollo Sports Capital’s investment is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026. Once the deal is completed, Atlético Madrid, including Atlético San Luis and Atlético Ottawa, will be majority-owned by Apollo Sports Capital. Funds managed by Miguel Ángel Gil, Enrique Cerezo, Quantum Pacific Group and Ares Management will remain minority shareholders. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Apollo Sports Capital (ASC) is a global sports investment firm and a subsidiary of Apollo. ASC invests across the sports and live events space primarily through credit and hybrid investment opportunities. Atlético Madrid will be the main investor with ASC holding a majority stake and will not be part of a multi-club ownership strategy. Other recent investments by Apollo Sports Capital include the Mutua Madrid Open and Miami Open tennis tournaments in partnership with MARI, and a new company by Ari Emanuel and Mark Shapiro. ASC is led by CEO Al Tylis. co-managers Rob Gibborn and Lee Solomon; A&O Sherman served as legal advisor to Apollo Sports Capital. ECIJA served as legal advisor to Miguel Ángel Gil and Enrique Cerezo.
