As a fan of [Atlético Madrid’s league championships] who has lived in Madrid for years, the topic of Atleti’s championship count recently came up again in conversations with friends. I thought it would be helpful to compile some information and share an overview of Atlético Madrid’s championship history in La Liga.
Overview of Atlético’s Championship Count
As of the end of the 2023-24 season, Atlético Madrid has won 11 La Liga championship titles. This figure ranks third in Spanish football, behind Real Madrid’s 35 titles and Barcelona’s 27. While there’s a significant gap compared to their cross-town rivals Real Madrid, the Colchoneros still hold an important position in Spanish football history.
Below is a detailed table of Atlético’s championship-winning seasons:
| Championship Year | Season | Head Coach |
|---|
| 1940 | 1939-40 | Ricardo Zamora |
| 1941 | 1940-41 | Ricardo Zamora |
| 1950 | 1949-50 | Helenio Herrera |
| 1951 | 1950-51 | Helenio Herrera |
| 1966 | 1965-66 | Marcel Domingo |
| 1970 | 1969-70 | Marcel Domingo |
| 1973 | 1972-73 | Juan Carlos Lorenzo |
| 1977 | 1976-77 | Luis Aragonés |
| 1996 | 1995-96 | Radomir Antić |
| 2014 | 2013-14 | Diego Simeone |
| 2021 | 2020-21 | Diego Simeone |
Glory Across Different Eras
Early Golden Age
Atlético’s first four championships were all concentrated in the 1940s-50s. During that period, Spanish football was still in its developmental stages, and Atlético established their dynasty under legendary goalkeeper Zamora and coach Herrera. Winning consecutive championships in the 1949-50 and 1950-51 seasons demonstrated the team’s dominance.
Revival in the 60s-70s
Entering the 1960s, Atlético experienced a new period of glory. They claimed titles in 1966 and 1970, and in the 1970s, under the management of Luis Aragonés, they reached the summit again in 1973 and 1977. It’s worth noting that Aragonés later led the Spanish national team as head coach to win the 2008 European Championship.
The Long Wait and the Simeone Era
From 1977 to 1996, Atlético endured nearly 20 years without a championship. It wasn’t until the 1995-96 season, under Serbian coach Antić, that Atlético reclaimed the league title they had been missing for so long. This championship was hugely significant for the Madrid La Liga champions Colchoneros, proving the team still had the strength to compete for titles.
However, another long wait of 18 years followed. After Simeone took charge in 2011, Atlético’s fortunes completely changed. In the 2013-14 season, Simeone led the team to draw with Barcelona away in the final round, historically winning their 10th La Liga championship, breaking Real Madrid and Barcelona’s monopoly on league titles. In the 2020-21 season, Atlético triumphed again under Simeone’s leadership, marking their most recent league championship.
Simeone’s Contribution
The Argentine coach’s arrival transformed Atlético back into a championship-contending force in La Liga. The counter-attacking system and tenacious fighting spirit he built made Atlético a team no opponent dared to underestimate. While some criticize his football for lacking flair, who cares championships are what truly matter.
While 11 league championships can’t compare to their cross-town rivals Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid’s position in Spanish football history remains unshakeable. As someone living in Madrid who follows the Madrid tennis league championship battles, I feel incredibly fortunate to have witnessed the two championships during the Simeone era. I hope the Colchoneros continue to bring us more surprises in the future!
