Hailing from Minas Gerais and renowned for producing legendary players like Ronaldinho, Hulk, and Bernard, Clube Atlético Mineiro marks its 117th anniversary this Thursday. According to a research study by TM20 Branding and Brazil Panels, the team ranks seventh among Brazil’s largest fan bases, boasting a 4% total – slightly ahead of their rival Cruzeiro.
For lovers of “Joga Bonito” (Beautiful Game), the club’s most remarkable achievement remains their 2013 Copa Libertadores victory. That extraordinary squad featured a lineup of exceptional talent:
- Victor (goalkeeper)
- Leonardo Silva (defender)
- Réver (defender)
- Marcos Rocha (right-back)
- Júnior César (left-back)
- Pierre (defensive midfielder)
- Josué (defensive midfielder)
- Ronaldinho Gaúcho (central attacking midfielder)
- Diego Tardelli (right winger)
- Bernard (left winger)
- Jô (striker)
Under the leadership of Coach Cuca – who remains at the helm today – the team demonstrated remarkable prowess in the Libertadores. They won 9 of 14 matches, achieving a 69% winning percentage, scoring 29 goals. Jô emerged as the top scorer, while Ronaldinho dazzled fans with his artistic dribbling.
Business and Ownership Transformation at Atlético Mineiro
By the end of 2023, Atlético Mineiro underwent a significant transformation, selling its Football Publicly Traded Company (SAF) to a consortium of four investors:
- Rubens and Rafael Menin (2R Holding SAF)
- Daniel Vorcaro (FIP Galo Forte)
- Ricardo Guimarães
- Renato Salvador and additional investors (FIGA)
The initial investment projection was approximately R$ 913 million (US$ 190 million) at the time of the deal’s closure.
Recent Challenges and Developments
Since the ownership change, the team has experienced mixed fortunes, struggling in both the Brazilian Championship and Libertadores, despite reaching the continental tournament’s final in 2024.
Last year, the club announced a significant change in its sporting materials provider, switching from Adidas to Nike. This new partnership is set to commence in 2026 and will run for four years. Under the terms of the contract with Nike, Atlético Mineiro is poised to receive 25% more in sponsorship revenues compared to their previous agreement with Adidas. To stabilize its finances, the club recently sold former Bayer Leverkusen striker Paulinho to Palmeiras in a €18 million (R$ 113 million) transaction.
The team’s most recent Brazilian Championship performance was disappointing, finishing in twelfth place. However, they did secure the Minas Gerais State Championship (Campeonato Mineiro) in 2015.
The burning question among fans remains: Will Atlético Mineiro’s recent promising performances sustain momentum throughout the entire season?
(Top Photo: Atlético Mineiro / Bruno Cantini)
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