Atlético Madrid: the jerseys of the Colchoneros

From the Athletic Club de Madrid to the Colchoneros

The club was born on 26 April 1903 under the name of Athletic Club de Madrid, founded by Basque students living in the capital as a branch of Athletic Bilbao, from which it became independent in 1907. The red and white colours, worn since 1911, earned it its nickname: after the civil war, Spanish mattresses were commonly covered with red and white striped fabric, hence the Colchoneros, the mattress makers. Over the century, the club has built a solid record, notably with the league and Copa del Rey double in 1996, followed by two titles of champion of Spain in 2014 and 2021.

Other Liga clubs to discover

To explore the rest of the Spanish league, the Real Madrid page brings together the kits of the local rival in the Madrid derby, the Barcelona FC page features the blaugrana shirts of the Catalan club, and the Valencia page displays those of the Mestalla club. All Spanish clubs are gathered on the Liga page.

Home, away, third: the current Atlético kits

The home jersey of Atlético stays true to the club's identity since 1911: red and white vertical stripes, paired with blue shorts. The away and third kits change colour and pattern every year: Nike, which has outfitted the Colchoneros since 2001, gets creative with unexpected shades. Each kit is available in two versions: the supporter version, cut straight for the stands and everyday wear, and the authentic version, identical to the players', which is more fitted, lighter, and has heat-sealed logos. For winter evenings, the club beanie completes the stand outfit.

Retro Copa Football jerseys of Atlético

The retro jerseys from Copa Football trace several eras of the club. The one from 1939-1940 celebrates the first title of champion of Spain, won on 28 April 1940 by Athletic-Aviación, name born from the merger with the air force team, thanks to a 2-0 victory against Valencia. The 1970-1971 model recalls the generation that would go on to win the Intercontinental Cup in 1974. The kits from 1985-1986, including a third retro from 1986, bring back memories of the year Atlético contested the Cup Winners' Cup final in Lyon. Each model replicates the collar and colours of its time.

Key moments for an Atlético jersey

The Colchoneros kits are closely watched from Black Friday in the club promotions, then during the holiday season, when a retro Atlético jersey makes a great collector's gift. The winter sales coincide with the return phase of the Liga, before the French Days of spring. The summer sales and the return to training, finally, present an opportunity to browse the Clearance section for pieces from past seasons.

Children's sizes, baby jerseys, and tracksuits for the Colchoneros

Young Colchoneros are not forgotten: the home, away, and third jerseys come in children's sizes, featuring the same design, badge, and sponsors as the players' kits. From birth, the My First baby jersey from Copa Football transmits the rojiblanco passion in an easy-to-wear style. In terms of training gear, the Prematch jersey worn during warm-ups, the tracksuit jacket inspired by the 1969-1970 season, and matching tracksuit pants make up a complete outfit, suitable for training or wear in the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

What major European titles has Atlético won?

The club has won the Europa League in 2010, 2012, and 2018, the Cup Winners' Cup in 1962, and the Intercontinental Cup in 1974. It has also reached several finals of the Champions League and European Cup.

How to choose the size of a retro Colchoneros jersey?

A retro-inspired jersey does not have the fit of current technical jerseys. Compare your chest measurement to the size guide, and if you're between two sizes, choose the larger one for a relaxed fit.

Why are Atlético players also called Indios?

Indios is another nickname for the club. Its origin is less clear than that of Colchoneros, but it is most often linked to the South American players who arrived in Madrid in the seventies.

Which stadium does the Atlético Madrid play in?

The club has been playing at the Metropolitano, in the east of Madrid, since 2017. It previously spent half a century at the Vicente Calderón, by the Manzanares, which opened in 1966.

How to wash a red and white jersey without it bleeding?

Wash it inside out, at 30 degrees, with similar colours to prevent the red from staining the white. Let it air dry and avoid the tumble dryer, which can wear out the collar and badges.