Atletico Madrid Set to Change Hands as Apollo Sports Capital Takes the Helm

Atletico Madrid announced on Monday that Apollo Sports Capital, an asset management company, will become the Spanish club's majority shareholder early next year. The deal, which does not involve a change in management, will see chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil and president Enrique Cerezo remaining in their positions to ensure "continuity of vision and leadership," according to a joint statement from the two parties. No financial details were disclosed. Gil's position at Atletico has elevated its influence in soccer, as he is a member of the executive committees at both the influential European Football Clubs group and UEFA. The statement also said the deal for Atletico "is not part of a multi-club control ownership strategy," suggesting that this is a standalone investment. Atletico Madrid has experienced a resurgence in recent years, with the team finishing third in La Liga last season and reaching the Champions League semifinals. The team's recent performance has been marked by strong showings from players such as Marcos Llorente, who celebrated scoring his side's third goal during a Champions League opening phase match against Union Saint-Gilloise in Madrid, Spain, on November 4, 2025. The deal with Apollo Sports Capital marks a significant shift in the ownership structure of Atletico Madrid, but it is unclear what impact this will have on the team's on-field performance. When asked about the deal, Gil stated, "We are excited to partner with Apollo Sports Capital and look forward to continuing to build on the success we have achieved in recent years." The investment by Apollo Sports Capital is part of a larger trend of American investors taking an interest in European soccer clubs. In recent years, several high-profile clubs have been acquired by American investors, including Liverpool and Manchester United. This investment is seen as a vote of confidence in the future of European soccer and a recognition of the growing popularity of the sport in the United States. The deal is expected to be finalized early next year, with Gil and Cerezo remaining at the helm of the club. As the team looks to the future, fans will be eager to see how this new ownership structure will impact the team's performance on the pitch.