Atlético Mineiro

Atlético Mineiro, founded in 1908 in Belo Horizonte, is one of the biggest clubs in Brazilian football and the most traditional in Minas Gerais. Recognized by its passionate fan base, the club is nationally known by the nickname 'Galo' (Rooster).

History

Founded on March 25, 1908 by a group of young students from Belo Horizonte, Atlético Mineiro quickly established itself as one of the forces in Minas Gerais football, competing in the Minas Gerais Championship since its early editions and accumulating dozens of state titles throughout the twentieth century. Despite its centennial tradition, the club lived for decades with the so-called 'drought' of national titles, having impressive achievements in Copa do Brasil (1978 amicably contested, 2014 and 2021 recognized by CBF) but without the officially recognized Brazilian League Championship until 2021. In 2013, under the command of Ronaldinho Gaúcho and with Jô as the leading scorer, Atlético uniquely conquered the Copa Libertadores, deciding the title on penalties against Olimpia from Paraguay at Independência. The year 2021 marked the consecration of the club's recent history: with Hulk as the top scorer and Cuca in technical command, Galo won the Brazilian Championship and Copa do Brasil in the same year, forming the first 'treble' in Minas Gerais professional football along with the state title. In 2023, the club inaugurated Arena MRV, the first large private stadium built by a Brazilian club outside the World Cup model, consolidating a new cycle of institutional investments.