In a landmark deal for European football, Spanish LaLiga giants Atletico Madrid have been valued at a staggering £2.2 billion following a major acquisition by US investment firm Apollo Global Management.
A New Era for Los Colchoneros
The transaction, confirmed on Monday 10 November 2025, sees Apollo purchase a significant majority stake in the club, understood to be approximately 70 per cent. Despite this substantial change in ownership, the existing leadership team, including chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin and president Enrique Cerezo, will remain in their posts.
This acquisition marks the latest aggressive push by private equity into the heart of European football. Minority shares will be retained by Gil, Cerezo, the international investment group Quantum Pacific Group—founded by Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer—and investment manager Ares Management.
Strategic Vision and Fan Commitment
Robert Givone, a representative for Apollo, hailed Atletico Madrid as "one of Europe’s great sporting institutions". He emphasised the firm's commitment to honouring the club's spirit and traditions while leveraging its expertise to add value.
"We are excited to back the team and honour its spirit and traditions, and to add value in areas where we excel, such as growth of the training complex and enhancing the fan experience," Givone stated. "Supporting the ambitious plans for the sports city can create significant value for both the Club and the local economy."
Echoing this sentiment, CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin commented, "Apollo is a great ally that respects the history, traditions, and identity of Atletico and its fans. While the investment brings additional resources and enthusiasm to help maintain our growth and competitiveness."
The Broader Context of Private Equity in Football
This deal is part of a wider trend of private equity firms deepening their involvement in sport. In September, it was reported that New York-based Apollo was planning to launch a £3.75 billion investment vehicle focused solely on the sports industry.
The firm's previous forays into football include an £80 million loan to Premier League side Nottingham Forest and a £40 million loan to football agent Kia Joorabchian’s Sports Invest Holdings.
Spanish football is no stranger to private equity investment. In 2021, CVC Capital Partners signed a monumental deal worth over $2 billion with LaLiga, securing a less-than-10 per cent stake in the league's broadcasting and sponsorship operations for the next 50 years.
Atletico Madrid itself is a modern sporting powerhouse, boasting the impressive Metropolitano Stadium, which is currently sponsored by new airline Riyadh Air.
