Atlético de Madrid acquires 50% stake in Ecuadorian club Atlético FC de Guayaquil

Atlético de Madrid officially announced on November 13, 2026, that it has acquired a 50% stake in the Ecuadorian club Atlético FC de Guayaquil. Through this acquisition, the Spanish club becomes a shareholder in the Ecuadorian entity. According to an official statement from Atlético de Madrid, the club is joining the rojiblanco family. This strategic move follows a period of significant growth for the Ecuadorian side, which recently secured a spot in the top flight of Ecuadorian football.

Club growth and recent achievements

The acquisition comes at a time of significant success for Atlético FC de Guayaquil. The club earned promotion to Serie A of LigaPro in October 2026. According to reports, Atlético FC de Guayaquil won the Serie B championship in its first season in that category. This achievement ensures that the club will compete in the Ecuadorian Serie A during the 2027 season.

The team's recent success was supported by the leadership of Carlos Santamarina, a coach from the Atlético de Madrid academy, who managed the team during their promotion campaign. The integration of coaching expertise from the Spanish club highlights the collaborative nature of this new era for the Guayaquil-based team.

Management and community development

The partnership between Atlético de Madrid and the Junta de Beneficencia de Guayaquil began in July 2023. This long-term collaboration aims to combine sports, education, and training for youth. The joint project has already established 30 locations across 10 Ecuadorian cities. Currently, more than 15,000 youths participate in the development program across several regions, including Guayaquil, Cuenca, Manta, Machala, Buena Fe, Milagro, Montecristi, Salinas, Ambato, and Quinindé.

The governance of the club will be shared between the two organizations. The new management board will consist of six members: three from the Junta de Beneficencia and three from Atlético de Madrid. This board is scheduled to meet for the first time next week to elect a president and a general director to lead the club's operations.

Future outlook

With the new management structure and the upcoming 2027 Serie A season, Atlético FC de Guayaquil is positioned for a significant transition. The combined resources of the Spanish and local entities are expected to bolster the development programs that already serve thousands of young people across the country. The focus remains on maintaining the momentum gained during the Serie B championship win while expanding the reach of the sports and educational initiatives throughout Ecuador.

Glossary

• Serie A — Serie A is Ecuador's top tier football league. It is managed by the Liga Profesional de Fútbol del Ecuador (or LigaPro).
• LigaPro — LigaPro is the management organization for the Serie A, Ecuador's top tier football league.
• Serie B — Serie B is a professional Ecuadorian football tournament. It is organized by the Liga Profesional de Fútbol del Ecuador and features teams competing for promotion or relegation.
• Cuenca — Cuenca is a city that was founded on April 12, 1557. It is a significant settlement in Ecuador whose economic development is based on industry and agricultural development.
• Manta — Manta is a city in Ecuador with an economy driven primarily by fishing and tuna canning and processing. It is a location where various sporting events take place.