A Journey Back in Time: Retro Atlético Madrid Jerseys For many football enthusiasts, the shirts donned by their favourite teams hold a special significance, and for the Atlético Madrid faithful, retro jerseys represent a nostalgic celebration of the club’s storied history. Over the years, Los Rojiblancos have boasted some iconic kits that have played a […]
For many football enthusiasts, the shirts donned by their favourite teams hold a special significance, and for the Atlético Madrid faithful, retro jerseys represent a nostalgic celebration of the club’s storied history. Over the years, Los Rojiblancos have boasted some iconic kits that have played a key role in cementing their place in the annals of football history. This piece will delve deep into Atlético Madrid’s past, exploring the club’s roots, kit colours, stadium, and legendary players who have donned the famous red and white stripes.
Founded in 1903, Atlético Madrid, also affectionately known as Atleti, have their origin in Athletic Club de Madrid, an offshoot from the Basque club Athletic Bilbao. Initially, the Madrid-based members of Athletic Bilbao formed a new club to maintain their connection to the Basque team while residing in the Spanish capital. However, by 1921, Athletic Club de Madrid and Bilbao had severed ties and undergone a merger with Aviación Nacional in 1939 to become Club Atlético de Aviación, taking on their present-day moniker of Club Atlético de Madrid in 1947.
Throughout their illustrious history, Atleti have evolved from a small neighbourhood club to a global football powerhouse, amassing an impressive trophy cabinet that boasts 11 La Liga titles, 10 Copa del Rey titles, and multiple European trophies including three UEFA Europa Leagues and three UEFA Super Cups.
The colours of Atlético Madrid are as integral to their identity as their victories on the pitch. The now-iconic red and white striped shirts have become synonymous with the club, but it took a few iterations before this timeless design took its place as their hallmark.
In the early years, Atleti sported a blue and white kit, inspired by their mother club Athletic Bilbao. It wasn’t until 1911 that the red and white stripes first graced their jerseys. Legend has it that the club’s president, Ricardo de Gortázar, couldn’t find a shipment of blue and white shirts and instead stumbled upon a shipment of red and white shirts from Southampton FC. The result: a serendipitous twist of fate that led players to adopt the now-iconic red and white stripes, affectionately known as colchoneros (mattress-makers) due to their resemblance to old mattress patterns.
While the red and white stripes on the Atleti jersey seem like an eternal fixture, several changes have taken place over the years concerning other aspects of the kit. For instance, the shorts have alternated between blue and black, and the badge underwent multiple visual updates before arriving at the current crest.
Retro fans will fondly remember the 90s, when Los Rojiblancos donned the iconic Puma-sponsored kits, featuring the unforgettable maroon stripes that led them to a La Liga and Copa del Rey double during the 1995-96 season. That classic jersey is now regarded as an emblem of a bygone era, treasured by both fans and collectors alike.
The stadiums that have hosted Atlético Madrid over the years are iconic locations in the club’s history. The first “proper” stadium to host the team was the Estadio Metropolitano de Madrid, their home between 1923 and 1966. However, the winds of change would lead them to the construction of a new abode: the Estadio Vicente Calderón.
Named in honour of the club’s long-serving president, Vicente Calderón, the stadium would serve as Atleti’s fortress from 1966 to 2017. Initially facing numerous financial struggles, the Vicente Calderón witnessed many of Atleti’s most celebrated moments in the following decades, including unforgettable victories and heart-shattering defeats.
In 2017, as time caught up with the old coliseum by the Manzanares, the club moved to a state-of-the-art venue, the Wanda Metropolitano. Atlético Madrid have already built an illustrious legacy at their new home, winning the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup during their first season there.
Throughout the years, numerous footballers have left an indelible mark on Atleti history while proudly wearing the red and white stripes. Figures like Luis Aragonés, regarded by many as the embodiment of the club’s philosophy; Fernando Torres, Ángel Correa, Kiko Narváez, and Diego Simeone, the man who has guided Los Rojiblancos to prominence in recent times.
The retro Atlético Madrid jersey invokes not only nostalgia among fans but represents a time when players competed with passion and pride on football’s biggest stage. It serves as a symbol of the club’s rich history and unforgettable moments that will live on in the hearts of supporters for generations to come.
