Atletico Madrid logo meaning: Uncovering the evolution of the red and white shield

Founded in 1903, Atletico Madrid is one of the three most successful teams in Spain, although its achievements are not as extensive as Real Madrid or Barcelona. Currently led by coach Diego Simeone, the team is known for its disciplined and highly competitive playing style. This article from Goaloomobi.com explains Atletico Madrid logo's meaning.

Atletico Madrid logo's meaning

The Atletico Madrid logo features a combination of a bear and a strawberry tree (El Oso y el Madroño). This core symbol, located in the upper left corner of the crest, is taken directly from the official emblem of the city of Madrid. The bear represents strength and the historical connection between the city and nature, while the strawberry tree symbolizes the natural resources and land of Madrid.

Surrounding this image are seven white stars on a blue background. These stars represent the Ursa Major constellation, which is traditionally associated with Madrid. They also symbolize the provinces surrounding the Spanish capital.

The lower part of the logo displays vertical red and white stripes, the club’s traditional colors. In its early years, the club chose red-and-white striped fabric because it was affordable and widely available, often used for upholstery. Over time, these colors became a defining feature of the club’s identity. The overall crest is shaped like a shield, symbolizing strength, honor, and the fighting spirit of the team.

The history of the logo’s creation and development

1. The early period (1903 - 1911)

When founded in 1903, the club was called Athletic Club Sucursal de Madrid. As a branch formed by Basque students in Madrid, it adopted both the logo and blue-and-white colors of Athletic Bilbao. The logo at that time was a circular design with intertwined letters "A" and "C," surrounded by a football.

2. The early years of the red-and-white colors (1911 - 1917)

In 1911, the club switched to red-and-white stripes, creating the need for a unique identity. By 1917, the first version resembling the modern crest was introduced. This marked a clear step toward independence and a stronger connection with Madrid.

This version included key symbols of the city: the bear and the strawberry tree for local identity, the seven stars for regional representation, and the red-and-white stripes reflecting the team’s kit.

3. Special period: Atlético Aviación (1939 - 1946)

After the Spanish Civil War, the club merged with the Air Force team Aviación Nacional. The crest was modified to include wings on both sides and a crown on top, symbolizing military influence and power. In 1947, after separating from the Air Force, the club reverted to the name Atlético de Madrid and removed these elements, keeping the classic shield design.

4. The controversial revolution (2017 - 2024)

To mark the move from the Vicente Calderón stadium to the Wanda Metropolitano, the club introduced a new minimalist logo. The top of the shield was rounded, and the bear and tree were enlarged and repositioned. The design also removed the traditional gold border, keeping only red, white, and navy blue.

This redesign faced strong opposition from fans. The campaign #ElEscudoNoSeToca (“Don’t Touch the Crest”) spread widely among supporters. In 2023, the club held a vote, and the majority supported a return to the traditional design. As a result, in 2024, Atlético Madrid officially reinstated its classic logo.

Some interesting facts about the Atletico Madrid logo:

Although the logo features a bear (El Oso), historically the original symbol of Madrid depicted a female bear. Over time, it was often represented as a male bear for stylistic or linguistic reasons. The image of the bear standing against the strawberry tree represents harmony between nature and the city.

Another interesting detail is the consistent structure of the stripes within the crest. Traditionally, the logo includes an equal number of red and white stripes to maintain visual balance. While jersey designs have varied depending on manufacturers like Nike or Puma, the crest itself has remained stable in its proportions.

Goaloo Mobi has reviewed the meaning of the Atletico Madrid logo, along with its history and unique details. If you want to learn more about the latest football results, please visit our page.