Atletico Madrid Set for American Takeover as Apollo Sports Capital Takes the Helm

Atletico Madrid announced on Monday that it will come under American ownership early next year, with Apollo Sports Capital, an asset management company, becoming the Spanish club's majority shareholder. No financial details were disclosed. Chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil and president Enrique Cerezo will stay in their positions to ensure "continuity of vision and leadership," the two parties said in a joint statement. The deal is seen as a significant development in the world of European soccer, with Gil's position at Atletico elevating its influence in the sport. As a member of the executive committees at both the influential European Football Clubs group and UEFA, Gil's leadership will continue to shape the club's direction. The statement also emphasized that the deal for Atletico "is not part of a multi-club control ownership strategy," suggesting that the club will maintain its independence. Atletico Madrid has a rich history in Spanish soccer, with a dedicated fan base and a reputation for producing talented players. The club has won numerous domestic and international titles, including 11 La Liga championships and 10 Copa del Rey trophies. In recent years, Atletico has established itself as a major force in European soccer, competing with top clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid. Gil's leadership has been instrumental in Atletico's success, and his continued involvement is seen as a positive development for the club. "We are excited to partner with Apollo Sports Capital and look forward to continuing to build on our success," Gil said in a statement. "Our goal remains the same: to compete at the highest level and bring success to our fans." The deal with Apollo Sports Capital marks a significant shift in the ownership structure of Atletico Madrid, but it is unlikely to have an immediate impact on the club's on-field performance. Atletico is currently competing in the Champions League, where they have a strong chance of advancing to the knockout stage. The club's players, including star midfielder Marcos Llorente, will continue to focus on their upcoming matches, with the ownership change taking place in the background. The deal is expected to be finalized early next year, with Apollo Sports Capital taking control of the club. In the meantime, Atletico will continue to operate as usual, with Gil and Cerezo leading the charge. As the club looks to the future, fans will be watching closely to see how the ownership change affects the team's performance on the pitch.