History of Atletico Madrid: A Journey of Triumph, Passion and Football

At the time of its founding, football in Spain was still a developing sport, overshadowed by other traditional sports like bullfighting and pelota. The country didn’t have a structured football league, and most clubs were still in their “childhood.” For Atletico de Madrid, the early years were difficult, with limited resources and basic facilities. 

Matches were played on improvised pitches, with no more than the minimum of equipment, and the club’s players were amateurs with day jobs outside of football. However, despite these beginnings, the club’s founders were determined to make their mark. 

Initially, Athletic Madrid adopted the blue and white stripes of its parent club, mirroring Athletic Bilbao in style and identity. The early team was composed mainly of Basque players, who were essential to the club’s early success, bringing their skill and football knowledge to the capital. 

These players quickly established the club as a competitive team, even though the resources available to them were limited compared to larger teams. Their ambition was evident, and that made it clear that the club wouldn’t settle for little. 

Red and White Stripes

Atlético Aviación via Vavel 

In 1911, a significant change occurred that would shape the identity of Athletic Madrid forever. The club switched to red and white stripes, a decision born out of practicality rather than design. The club fought to find a suitable uniform, but the availability of red and white fabric – used for making bed mattresses – led to this change. 

This alteration set the club apart from its Basque roots and marked the beginning of its new identity. The red and white shirts became a symbol of the club and desire to overcome challenges, and they became a recognizable part of the Atlético Madrid identity. 

This change marked the start of a new era for the club. The adoption of the red and white stripes earned the team the nickname “Los Colchoneros”, a term that would later be embraced by fans as a representation of the club’s working-class roots and enduring spirit. 

The red and white colors became synonymous with Atlético’s passionate fanbase, who saw the club as a football team and a symbol of their own aspirations. 

Independence and Growth 

1921 Atlético Madrid squad via Wikipedia 

By 1921, Athletic Club de Madrid took steps towards independence, cutting ties with Athletic Bilbao to become an independent team. This decision was driven by a desire to establish a unique identity that could represent Madrid’s culture and people, differentiating itself from its Basque part. 

The name was officially changed to Atlético de Madrid, showing the beginning of a new chapter in the club’s history. 

This change allowed the club to guide its own course in Spanish football. In the following years, Atlético Madrid began to grow, attracting new players and fans, and developing a reputation as a hardworking team. The decision to break away from Athletic Bilbao marked the beginning of a new era, with Atlético focused on developing its own traditions and legacy in Madrid.

This transition was key to the club’s success, as it allowed the team to build its own identity separate from its parent club, with an emphasis on local pride and dedication to the sport. 

Surviving the Spanish Civil War

1930s red and white squad via Vavel 

The Spanish Civil War in the late 1930s brought significant challenges for clubs across Spain, and Atlético Madrid was no exception. The war left the country in ruins, and football, like many other aspects of life, was severely disrupted. 

Atlético, which had been a growing force in Spanish football, found itself having problems with financial instability, lack of players, and a lack of its own infrastructure. The club’s survival was far from guaranteed. 

In a crucial move, Athletic Madrid merged with Aviación Nacional (the football team of Spain’s Air Force) in 1939, after the end of the war. This merger created Athletic Aviación de Madrid, helping to stabilize the club and providing it with needed resources. 

This new partnership allowed the club to continue competing in Spanish football and ensured its survival through the post-war period. The inclusion of aviation in the club’s ranks also gave the team a new identity and helped it build connections with the powerful military in Spain.