Miguel Ángel Gil: "We are building a squad to dream big"
The Atlético de Madrid CEO reflects on the past season and shares his thoughts on the upcoming campaign.
With the new season just two weeks away, now is the perfect time to reflect with Miguel Ángel Gil on the current state of affairs at Atlético de Madrid. The club’s CEO is already fully focused on the upcoming campaign, but also takes time to assess the previous season.
The Atlético chief speaks very positively about the progress made last season across all areas of the club—a continuation of a path the club has followed for years:
“Socially, the club once again broke historic records for season ticket holders, members, social media followers and matchday attendance. And in terms of assets, the club strengthened agreements linked to the financing, construction and operations of the sports and entertainment city we’re developing around the stadium.”
The match against Madrid, marked by a clear refereeing error, affected the mood of the players, staff and fans for the rest of the season
On the sporting side, Miguel Ángel Gil identifies a turning point in the team’s season:
“The team competed really well up until the Champions League week when we faced Real Madrid. The match against Getafe just before that already showed signs of how much that Madrid game meant to the dressing room. The match ended badly because from the second half onwards, everyone already had their minds on the next one,” he explains. He is in no doubt that “the match against Madrid, with a clear refereeing error, affected the mood of the players, staff and fans for the rest of the season.”
From the day of the penalty incident, my obsession was lifting the spirits of the players, the coach, staff, the president and myself, to avoid further damage
Some have questioned the club’s handling of the situation, but Miguel Ángel Gil wants to make the club’s actions and intentions clear:
“From that day, my obsession was to lift the spirits of the players, the coach, staff, the president and myself, to avoid even greater damage that could have affected the competitions we were still involved in. I completely understand the disappointment and frustration felt by all Atlético fans—I felt exactly the same. I struggled to sleep because of the anger I felt, but my role at the club meant I had to weigh up every decision. The match was never going to be replayed, and the result was never going to change. Football is a game of successes and mistakes. Only those who make decisions—players, coaches, referees and directors—get things right or wrong.”
The club contacted UEFA immediately, demanding an explanation for what had happened, which led to UEFA asking IFAB for clarification on the play in question:
“I’m aware that requesting clarification of the rule’s interpretation, as IFAB did at UEFA’s behest, doesn’t undo the damage caused, but I’m not in favour of taking legal action over human errors. I believe more in working from within to improve our industry. We just saw a penalty retaken in the Women’s EUROs—does it make Atlético fans feel any better? Of course not. But that’s how we build a better game.”
I’m aware that requesting clarification of the rule’s interpretation doesn’t undo the damage caused, but I’m not in favour of taking legal action over errors
Reflecting on last season, Miguel Ángel Gil highlights the significance of our participation in the Club World Cup:
“It was a source of pride to see Atleti representing Spanish football as one of only two Spanish clubs in the tournament. We knew qualification meant outperforming Barcelona over four years in European competitions, which was extremely difficult.”
However, the outcome of the tournament for the first team was disappointing, as the CEO admits:
“After winning two of the three group stage matches, we were left frustrated. We had expected those points to be enough to reach the knockout stage, but goal difference against PSG really hurt us. In any case, it was a great experience that helped raise Atleti’s profile globally and strengthened our bond with many American fans.”
Over the past few weeks, the offices at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano have been a hive of activity. The transfer market has dominated the agenda for the club’s leadership, continuing a process started last season:
“A year ago, we decided to renew and rejuvenate the first team. We’d had a strong squad for several years, but it was time to make changes. Many players have left the club over the last two seasons, and I want to sincerely thank all of them for their effort and commitment.”
While the squad overhaul has taken place over the last two seasons, for the past eight seasons the club has also been making major investments in both players and infrastructure—first with the stadium, and now with the City of Sport—which has required significant effort to maintain competitiveness:
“Investing in players while also building the new stadium was no easy feat. Financing a stadium doesn’t get paid off in a year—it takes several. In 2021, we increased capital by more than €120 million. To keep competing and continue paying off the stadium, we carried out another €70 million capital increase last summer, which made signings like Julián Álvarez, Sørloth, Le Normand and Gallagher possible. And to continue developing the City of Sport and finance this summer’s transfers, we’ll need another capital increase of at least €60 million.”
To continue the City of Sport project and fund this summer’s transfers, we’ll need another capital increase of at least €60 million
The Atlético CEO is enthusiastic about the sporting project taking shape and acknowledges the risks involved:
“We firmly believe we’re building a squad to dream big. We’re ambitious and willing to take risks. We’ve brought in, and will continue to bring in, new partners willing to invest capital, which is vital for growth in sport, infrastructure and our community.”
These investments aren’t limited to the last two seasons, as Miguel Ángel Gil explains:
“Over the past eight seasons, we’ve made a net investment of €890 million across players, infrastructure and international franchises. This figure reflects the difference between revenues from player sales and the sale of the Vicente Calderón site, and investments in players and facilities—including our headquarters in Alcalá de Henares. Our franchise in Mexico has cost just over €50 million to date, with 90% owned by Atlético de Madrid. Its current valuation is around €150 million. Mexico is a vast country with huge social potential. Football there is clearly on the rise—and so is the value of a club that belongs to Atlético.”
Over the past 8 seasons we’ve made a net investment of €890 million in players, facilities and international franchises
The upcoming season will also be crucial for the club’s flagship project: the City of Sport. Miguel Ángel Gil leads this ambitious plan that will transform many aspects of the club, the local area and the city:
“When we signed the agreement to develop the City of Sport, we took on several commitments: with the City Council and the Community of Madrid, with our neighbours, with Atlético fans—and most importantly, with the club and its future. This project will transform the club’s image and scale, boost revenues, and enhance services for Atleti supporters and everyone wanting to enjoy the leisure and sports offering we’ll launch from next season.”
Miguel Ángel Gil believes the City of Sport will redefine how football clubs are perceived:
“It’s the most ambitious project ever created by a football club around its stadium. It will set a benchmark for others and show the world that modern football, already a true sports industry, can evolve into an entertainment, content and community-based industry—without losing sight of the passion for a badge, colours, and every result.”
The City of Sport is the most ambitious project ever created by a football club around its stadium
Despite all this change, the fans remain the essence—the engine that drives the club:
“I always say, a club is defined by its community. The heart of the club is its fans—our very reason for existing is to work for them. Many of us dedicate a huge part of our lives to this cause. And our fans value this, as shown by the continued growth of the Atleti family.”
I always say, a club is defined by its community. The heart of the club is its fans
Alongside the fan-focused work comes the responsibility of running an increasingly large organisation:
“I also have a duty to the shareholders of the company that manages the club. For me, as both an Atleti supporter and a shareholder, it’s about striking a difficult balance—making sure the fans are proud of the club and how we run it, and ensuring shareholders understand why we take risks when preparing our budgets. That’s how we continue to grow, stay competitive and make fans feel proud of their club. At the same time, it’s the formula for increasing the value of our shareholders' shares.
Atlético de Madrid is made up of many people, and I want to thank all of them for their loyalty and commitment to the club
Miguel Ángel Gil ends his overview of the club with a heartfelt message of thanks to all those who are part of the Atlético community:
“Members, season ticket holders, sponsors, legends, senators, supporters’ clubs, volunteers, players, coaches, staff, fans… We are many, and I want to thank all of them for their loyalty and commitment to Atlético de Madrid. Our passion and our unique way of seeing life are treasures we must all protect. It’s what allows us to continue doing things our way, with our values, and to compete with those who are stronger than us.”
