Atlas F.C., officially known as Club Atlas, is a professional association football club based in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, that competes in Liga MX, the top division of Mexican football.[1][2]Founded on August 15, 1916, by a group of students inspired by English college football traditions, the club takes its name from the Greek mythological titan Atlas, symbolizing strength and endurance, and was the first Guadalajara-based team to adopt professional uniforms.[1][3]The Rojinegros, as they are nicknamed for their distinctive red and black kits, play their home matches at Estadio Jalisco, a historic venue opened in 1960 with a capacity of 55,020 spectators that has hosted matches during the 1970 and 1986 FIFA World Cups.[4][5][6]Atlas maintains an intense rivalry with crosstown club C.D. Guadalajara in the Clásico Tapatío, one of Mexico's most passionate derbies, and has produced notable players including Rafael Márquez and Javier Hernández.[3][7]Over its more than century-long history, the club has achieved three Liga MX championships—in the 1950–51 season, the 2021 Apertura, and the 2022 Clausura—breaking a 70-year title drought with back-to-back triumphs that marked a resurgence under coach Diego Cocca.[2][8][9]Additional honors include four Copa MX titles (1945–46, 1949–50, 1961–62, 1967–68) and five Campeón de Campeones supercup victories (1945–46, 1949–50, 1950–51, 1961–62, 2021–22), underscoring its legacy as a foundational force in Mexican football despite periods of competitive challenges.[10][1][11]In recent years, Atlas has also invested in youth development and infrastructure, including the 2024 opening of the Academia Atlas training complex designed with sustainable, locally sourced materials to foster future talent.[12][13]
Club profile
Overview
Atlas Fútbol Club, commonly known as Atlas F.C., was founded on August 15, 1916, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, by a group of young football enthusiasts, with the original name Club Atlas derived from the Greek mythological titan.[1] The club competes in Liga MX, Mexico's top professional football division, and is recognized for its home colors of red and black vertical stripes, earning the nickname "Los Rojinegros" (The Red-and-Blacks), along with "La Furia Roja" (The Red Fury) and "Los Zorros" (The Foxes), the latter reflecting its fox mascot.[2][3]Since 2019, Atlas has been owned by Grupo Orlegi, a Mexican investment firm that also controls Santos Laguna, though the club was placed up for sale in July 2025 to comply with emerging Liga MX regulations on multi-club ownership.[14] As of November 2025, Atlas occupies a mid-table position in the Apertura 2025 standings, with 17 points from 16 matches, following a goalless draw against Toluca on November 2.[15] The club benefited from the suspension of relegation starting in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which allowed it to stabilize after years of struggles near the bottom of the table, culminating in back-to-back league titles in the 2021 Apertura and 2022 Clausura that ended a 70-year championship drought.[9]Atlas has secured four Liga MX titles overall (1945–46, 1950–51, 2021 Apertura, and 2022 Clausura), establishing its historical significance despite inconsistent recent form.[16] The club plays its home matches at Estadio Jalisco and maintains a fierce rivalry in the Clásico Tapatío against local counterpart Guadalajara.[10] In Liga MX competition since 1943, Atlas has played over 2,000 league matches with an all-time win percentage of approximately 35%, reflecting a legacy of resilience in Mexican football.[17]
Identity and symbols
The club's crest originated in 1916, shortly after Atlas F.C.'s founding, when founder Juan José Cortina commissioned artist Carlos Stahl to design it in under 20 minutes; the result was a simple yet iconic emblem featuring a bold white "A" centered on a black and red background, representing the team's name derived from the GreekTitan Atlas and its foundational colors.[18] This initial design emphasized elegance and brevity, becoming one of the most recognizable in Mexican football history. Over time, the crest evolved to reflect changing aesthetics while maintaining its core identity: a refinement occurred in the early 1950s to sharpen the lines and proportions for better visibility on kits and banners, followed by a major update in 2022 for a more modern, streamlined look without altering the classic "A."[19]Atlas F.C.'s official colors are red and black, selected by founding members Ernesto, Tomás, and Rafael Orendain to honor San Lorenzo, the patron saint of their alma mater, the British-origin Colegio Ampleforth in Guadalajara; black symbolizes the martyr's robes, while red represents the blood he shed, infusing the club's identity with themes of sacrifice and resilience that resonate deeply with fans.[18][20] These colors appear prominently in the crest, kits, and stadium displays, underscoring the team's unyielding spirit.The mascot, a fox named Lico, was officially introduced in the early 2000s to personify the team's longstanding nickname "Zorros," coined in the 1960s for their clever, agile playing style reminiscent of the animal's cunning; Lico honors José "Lico" Cortina, a key founder and visionary behind the club's early success, and has become a beloved symbol of strategy and quick-wittedness at Estadio Jalisco.[21][22] Fans enhance this identity through unique chants led by Barra 51, such as "Descontrolado," which pulses with raw energy—"Descontrolado, soy descontrolado, por ti soy descontrolado"—celebrating the unrestrained passion that defines Rojinegro support, often echoing through the stands to ignite the team's fervor.[23]
History
Founding and amateur era
Atlas F.C. was founded on August 15, 1916, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, by a group of young students from the city's elite families who had developed a passion for football while studying in England. The founding meeting occurred at Café Rimans, where key figures including Juan José "Lico" Cortina, Alfonso Cortina, Pedro and Carlos Fernández del Valle, the three Orendain brothers, and Federico Collignon formalized the club's creation. Cortina proposed the name "Atlas," inspired by the Greek mythological titan who carried the world on his shoulders, symbolizing the club's ambition to bear the weight of regional football excellence.[24][1]In its early years, Atlas began competing against local amateur teams in Guadalajara, such as Colón and other community clubs, to build its reputation and foster the sport's growth in Jalisco. These initial matches were played on makeshift fields, reflecting the nascent infrastructure of Mexican football at the time, and helped establish the club as a hub for talented youth from Guadalajara's upper classes. The team's red-and-black colors were adopted, drawing inspiration from the Argentine club San Lorenzo de Almagro, which some founders admired.[3]From 1916 to 1943, Atlas participated in the Liga Amateur de Jalisco, the primary regional competition, where it quickly emerged as a dominant force despite operating without paid players or significant sponsorship. The club's first major success came in the 1917-18 season, when it captured the Jalisco state championship, defeating rivals like Colón in the final and solidifying its local identity as "La Academia" for nurturing skilled players. Subsequent titles followed in 1918-19, 1919-20, 1920-21, and 1935-36, totaling five amateur-era championships, though the team also experienced several runner-up finishes amid growing competition from clubs like Guadalajara.[25]During the 1920s and 1930s, Atlas encountered financial challenges common to amateur outfits, relying on member dues, private donations from affluent supporters, and occasional fundraising events to cover travel and equipment costs, which strained operations as the sport's demands increased. Early games were occasionally hosted at what would become the Estadio Jalisco site, highlighting the club's ties to Guadalajara's developing sports venues. Key contributors like Cortina continued to lead efforts to maintain the team's viability.[26]As football's popularity surged across Mexico in the late 1930s, with rising attendance and international influences prompting a shift toward structured competitions, Atlas pursued professionalism to secure better resources and broader opportunities. This motivation aligned with national trends, culminating in the club's entry into the inaugural Liga Mayor professional tournament in 1943 alongside other prominent amateur teams.[27]
Professional era and league integration
Atlas F.C. entered the professional era in 1943 as one of the ten founding members of the Liga Mayor, Mexico's inaugural professional football league organized by the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol Asociación. This transition from amateur competitions marked a significant step for the club, which had been established in 1916 and competed in regional tournaments prior to professionalization. The league's formation aimed to standardize and nationalize Mexican football, drawing teams from across the country including Atlas from Guadalajara.[28]In its debut professional season of 1943–44, Atlas competed in a 10-team league format with a round-robin structure, playing 18 matches. The team achieved a solid mid-table finish in fifth place, accumulating 18 points from 7 wins, 4 draws, and 7 losses, while scoring 42 goals and conceding 50. Notable results included a 3–1 victory over Asturias in their opening match on October 17, 1943, but also heavy defeats such as a 3–7 loss to Guadalajara. This season established Atlas as a competitive newcomer, though Asturias claimed the inaugural title.[29][24]The 1950s ushered in a golden period for Atlas, characterized by consistent contention for honors and tactical innovation under coaches like José Luis Pérez. The pinnacle came in the 1950–51 season, when Atlas secured its first and only league title to date in that era, finishing atop the 12-team Primera División with 30 points from 22 matches, ahead of runners-up Atlante. Key to this success was a balanced squad blending local talent and strategic signings, culminating in a championship-clinching performance at Parque Oblatos in Guadalajara on April 22, 1951. During this decade, the club added multiple Copa México triumphs, solidifying its reputation as one of Mexico's elite sides and contributing to the growth of professional football in Jalisco. The youth academy played a brief role in bolstering these early squads with homegrown players.[30][31][1]By the 1970s, Atlas experienced a marked decline amid broader league challenges and internal inconsistencies, earning the derisive nickname "Equipo del No" for frequent near-misses. The 1970–71 season exemplified this downturn, with the team managing just 5 wins, 12 draws, and 17 losses in 34 matches, leading to relegation to the Segunda División—the club's first demotion since professionalization. This period reflected struggles with squad depth and management, contrasting sharply with the 1950s success.[24]The club's integration into evolving national structures continued with key league reforms in 1970, as the Primera División expanded from 14 to 18 teams to accommodate growing participation and introduced the liguilla—a postseason playoff system involving the top eight teams to determine the champion starting in the 1970–71 season. This shift from a pure round-robin format modernized competition, emphasizing knockout intensity over regular-season dominance, and helped Atlas regain promotion quickly after relegation. Despite these adaptations, financial strains in the 1980s pushed the club toward near-bankruptcy, averted only through grassroots fundraising and local business support in Guadalajara, enabling stabilization and a return to competitive footing by decade's end.[32][33]
Modern developments and challenges
In the early 2020s, Atlas F.C. experienced a significant resurgence, culminating in their second Liga MX league title during the 2021 Apertura after a 70-year drought, achieved by defeating Club León 4–3 on penalties in the final at Estadio Jalisco.[8] This success followed the 2020 suspension of promotion and relegation in Liga MX, prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which prevented Atlas from dropping to the second division despite their poor coefficient standings at the time.[34] The suspension, initially set for five seasons, provided financial stability and allowed the club to focus on rebuilding without immediate existential threats.[35]The acquisition of Atlas by Orlegi Sports in 2019 marked a pivotal ownership change that bolstered the club's finances through strategic investments in infrastructure and personnel, enabling the 2021 and subsequent 2022 Clausura titles.[14] However, challenges persisted, including a 2023 relegation playoff scare where the team finished 17th in the Apertura standings with only 13 points from 17 matches, exposing vulnerabilities in squad depth and performance amid the ongoing suspension's financial penalty system.[36] Orlegi's management mitigated these issues by injecting capital to avoid steeper penalties and stabilize operations, though the club faced scrutiny over multi-club ownership rules leading to a potential sale in 2025.[37]In recent seasons, Atlas narrowly missed the playoffs in the 2024 Clausura, ending 14th with 17 points and a -10 goal difference, while sitting mid-table at 12th in the 2025 Apertura as of early November with 17 points from 16 matches.[38] The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted attendance, with matches played behind closed doors in 2020 leading to substantial ticket revenue losses—estimated at millions of pesos for key fixtures—and a gradual recovery hampered by fan restrictions until full capacity returned in 2022.[39] Post-2022, the club shifted strategically toward greater youth integration, leveraging its academy to promote talents like U-16 international Luis Mario Gamboa, aiming for sustainable development amid fluctuating results.[40] The return of manager Diego Cocca in August 2025 has introduced tactical familiarity from the title-winning era, fostering renewed optimism.[41]
Facilities and infrastructure
Estadio Jalisco
Estadio Jalisco, located in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, was built primarily to host matches for the 1970 FIFA World Cup and opened on January 31, 1960, following construction that began in 1952.[42] The multi-use stadium was designed to accommodate football, athletics, and other events, with an initial capacity that has since been adjusted through expansions and safety updates.[5] Owned by Clubes Unidos de Jalisco A.C., a consortium comprising Atlas F.C., Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas), Club Universidad de Guadalajara, and Club Deportivo Oro, the venue rotates presidency among its member clubs annually.[42] Its current capacity stands at approximately 55,020 spectators, making it one of Mexico's largest football stadiums.[5]The stadium underwent significant renovations in the 1980s, including an expansion in 1983 to prepare for the FIFA World Youth Championship, which increased its seating and improved facilities.[42] Further updates occurred in 1999 for general modernization, and in 2017, a major project replaced deteriorating seating to enhance safety and structural integrity.[42] These efforts have maintained the stadium's functionality as a premier venue, though it retains a classic architecture with concrete stands and a traditional layout suited for large crowds.[4]Atlas F.C. has used Estadio Jalisco as its primary home ground since the stadium's inauguration in 1960, hosting countless league matches, cup games, and celebrations there.[5] Notable attendance records include capacity crowds during key moments, such as the 2021 Liga MX title-clinching match against Club León, where over 55,000 fans filled the stands to witness the end of a 70-year championship drought.[43] The venue has also been central to the club's operations, serving as the site for training sessions, fan engagements, and high-stakes fixtures like the Clásico Tapatío derby against rivals Chivas.[44]As of 2025, Estadio Jalisco continues as Atlas F.C.'s main venue, with ongoing maintenance to ensure long-term viability amid increased usage. Chivas temporarily shared the stadium for some home matches in 2025 during initial renovations at Estadio Akron in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting its continued importance to Guadalajara's sporting landscape.[4][44]
Training facilities and youth academy
Atlas F.C.'s primary training facilities are housed in the Academia AGA, a state-of-the-art complex located in Zapopan, Jalisco, which serves as the hub for player development and daily operations. Opened in 2023 as part of a major infrastructure investment by the club and Orlegi Sports, the 8,500-square-meter facility spans seven hectares and includes six professional-grade football pitches designed for high-intensity training.[45][46] The complex also features a modern gymnasium equipped for strength and conditioning, a comprehensive medical and sports science center for injury prevention and recovery, and administrative offices to support coaching and scouting operations.[47][48]The youth academy, known as "La Academia del Fútbol Mexicano," operates within this infrastructure, emphasizing holistic player development from early ages through structured programs. It organizes teams across categories ranging from infantiles (U-8 and younger) to juveniles (up to U-20), integrating professional methodologies to foster technical, tactical, and physical skills.[18][49] The academy maintains a network of affiliated schools across Mexico, providing annual scouting and intake opportunities for over 200 young talents, with a focus on integrating them into the club's developmental pathway.[50]Since its establishment, the academy has demonstrated strong integration with the first team, contributing a significant portion of the senior roster through homegrown players, underscoring Atlas's reputation for nurturing talent. Notable graduates include several key contributors to recent Liga MX campaigns. The facility received a nomination for the World Architecture Festival in 2024, recognizing its innovative design. As of 2025, it continues to integrate homegrown talents into the first team, supporting Atlas's youth development legacy.[51][52] The facility's design prioritizes sustainability and community engagement, serving as a base camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup while supporting local youth initiatives.[53]
Supporters and rivalries
Fan culture and attendance
Atlas supporters, collectively known as La Fiel (The Faithful), exhibit a deep-rooted loyalty to the club, often enduring decades of underperformance while maintaining strong attendance and passionate displays of support.[54] This devotion is tied to the team's historical significance and playing style, fostering a sense of shared identity among fans in Guadalajara. The primary organized supporter group, La Barra 51, was founded in March 1998 to provide consistent encouragement at matches, and it remains active in coordinating fan activities.[55]In the 2025 Clausura, attendance at Atlas home games averaged 20,902 spectators per match.[56] As of November 2025 in the Apertura 2025, it stands at approximately 18,800 after 8 home games.[57] Figures peak significantly during high-stakes derbies, reflecting the intense local passion for the team. This consistent presence in the stands underscores the fans' commitment, with Estadio Jalisco often filled to capacity for key fixtures.Fan traditions include vibrant pre-match marches through Guadalajara streets, where supporters gather with banners, drums, and chants to build excitement en route to the stadium, embedding the club deeply in the city's cultural fabric.[7] Large-scale tifo displays and coordinated choreography in the stands are common during important games, symbolizing unity and pride in the rojinegro colors. Demographically, the fanbase draws predominantly from Guadalajara's local population, with a notable increase in female supporters since the early 2010s, aligning with broader growth in women's engagement in Mexican soccer.[58]
Major rivalries
Atlas F.C.'s most significant rivalry is the Clásico Tapatío, contested against crosstown opponents C.D. Guadalajara (commonly known as Chivas) since the clubs' early days in 1917. This derby, one of the oldest and most intense in Mexican football, stems from the shared history of Guadalajara's two founding professional teams and embodies local pride, with matches often drawing massive crowds and heightened emotions. The rivalry has produced 294 encounters across all competitions as of November 2025, during which Chivas holds a slight edge with 111 victories to Atlas's 95, alongside 88 draws; Atlas's win rate stands at approximately 32%.[59][60][61]Key historical moments underscore the emotional stakes of the Clásico Tapatío, including Atlas's 3–0 upset victory over Chivas in the 1948–49 Copa México quarterfinals, a result that highlighted the underdogs' potential against their more established rivals. In modern times, Atlas's aggregate 3–2 triumph over Chivas in the Clausura 2022 playoffs—secured via a 2–1 away win and a 1–1 home draw—proved pivotal, boosting team morale and contributing to Atlas's league championship that season. In the Apertura 2025 edition on October 26, Chivas secured a 4–1 victory over Atlas, highlighting ongoing competitive tension.[62] However, the rivalry has not been without controversy; fan violence has occasionally marred matches, such as in 2014 when clashes following a league game led to a one-match stadium ban for Atlas without spectators, alongside fines totaling $25,800 imposed by the league's disciplinary committee.[63]Beyond the Clásico Tapatío, Atlas has developed competitive tensions with northern clubs like Tigres UANL, dating back to intense clashes in the 1970s during the expansion of professional leagues, where regional pride fueled heated encounters. In 52 all-time meetings with Tigres, Atlas has secured 13 wins against 21 losses and 18 draws, with notable playoff battles adding to the antagonism.[64] Similarly, postseason showdowns with C.F. Monterrey, including multiple liguilla appearances, have created sporadic but fierce rivalries, as Monterrey leads head-to-head 28–12 with 15 draws across 55 games; these northern matchups often test Atlas's resilience outside Jalisco.[65]
Organization
Ownership and administration
Atlas F.C. has been owned by Orlegi Sports, a Mexican sports investment firm, since its acquisition from broadcaster TV Azteca in May 2019 for an undisclosed amount.[66] The firm, founded and led by entrepreneur Alejandro Irarragorri, manages multiple football entities including Club Santos Laguna in Liga MX and Sporting Gijón in Spain's Segunda División.[14] Under Orlegi's stewardship, the club ended a 70-year title drought by winning the Liga MX Apertura in 2021 and Clausura in 2022, marking a period of revitalization.[67]As of November 2025, Orlegi Sports has initiated the sale of Atlas F.C. to address Liga MX's push to eliminate multi-club ownership, with the process beginning in July 2025 and expected to conclude within six months.[68] The club is reportedly valued at approximately $400 million, attracting interest from potential buyers including high-profile figures like boxer Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez, though no formal bids have been confirmed.[37] Orlegi has committed to keeping the club based in Guadalajara during the transition.[69]Administratively, Atlas F.C. operates under Orlegi Sports' oversight, with Irarragorri serving as the primary decision-maker for strategic direction.[70] The club's president is Aníbal Fajer Alonso, appointed in April 2025 to lead day-to-day operations and ensure continuity amid the ownership transition.[71] The board composition remains closely aligned with Orlegi's corporate structure, emphasizing professional management and infrastructure investments.[72]Financially, detailed public disclosures are limited, but Orlegi's acquisition and subsequent investments have supported operational stability, including player acquisitions and facility upgrades that contributed to on-field success.[73] Transfer activities, such as generating $19.3 million in income during the 2023-2024 window, reflect a balanced approach to revenue from player sales alongside broadcasting and sponsorship deals.[74]A cornerstone of the club's administration under Orlegi is its commitment to community outreach through the Valor Rojinegro initiative, launched post-acquisition to promote social impact via player involvement in local programs.[75] This aligns with Orlegi Sports' broader "Ganar Sirviendo" (Win by Serving) policy, which integrates social responsibility into operations, including field rehabilitations, health education campaigns, and library donations in underserved Guadalajaracommunities since 2019.[76] Examples include a 2025 partnership with Eurocolors and Fundación Dibujando un Mañana to transform a community soccer pitch, and collaborations with Jalisco's health secretariat on mental health awareness starting in 2022.[77][78]
Coaching staff
The current head coach of Atlas F.C. is Diego Cocca, an Argentine tactician appointed on August 12, 2025, for his second stint with the club following Gonzalo Pineda's resignation amid a poor Apertura 2025 start.[79] Cocca, aged 53, brings extensive experience from leading Atlas to back-to-back Liga MX titles in 2021 and 2022 during his prior tenure, where he recorded 37 wins in 98 matches for a 37.8% win rate.[80] In his current role, as of November 2025, he has managed approximately 13 league fixtures, contributing to the team's overall 4-5-8 record in the season while emphasizing defensive organization and counter-attacking transitions.[81]Cocca's technical team includes key assistants focused on tactics and preparation. Marcelo Goux serves as assistant manager, specializing in defensive strategies and player conditioning, having joined the staff in August 2022.[82] Omar Flores, another assistant manager since January 2024, handles tactical analysis and bridges the first team with the youth academy, drawing from his prior experience coaching Atlas' reserve squads.[82] These roles support Cocca's preferred 4-3-3 formation, which prioritizes midfield control and wide attacking play to maximize the squad's technical strengths.[83]The mid-season hire of Cocca in August 2025 marked a significant shift, aimed at stabilizing the club after five consecutive defeats under Pineda, with the new staff integrating seamlessly to implement a pragmatic, defense-first philosophy that has shown early signs of improvement in recent draws against stronger opponents.[84] Support staff includes fitness coach Renso Valinotti, responsible for physical preparation and injury prevention; goalkeeping coach Armando Navarrete, who focuses on shot-stopping techniques and distribution; and analysts who provide data-driven insights for match planning, ensuring alignment with the academy's development pathways for seamless talent promotion.[85]
Squad
Current first-team roster
As of November 2025, Atlas F.C.'s first-team squad comprises 26 players, with an average age of 28.2 years and 10 foreign nationals representing 38.5% of the group. The team adheres to Liga MX salary cap regulations, maintaining a balanced roster focused on a mix of experienced leaders and emerging talents. Aldo Rocha serves as captain, providing stability in midfield, while recent 2025 signings such as Arturo González from CF Monterrey and Mauro Manotas from international markets have bolstered the attacking options.Uroš Đurđević has emerged as a key performer, leading the squad as top scorer with contributions in the 2025-26 Liga MX Apertura season. Other notable contributors include Diego González and Gustavo del Prete among the new additions, enhancing the forward line's depth.The squad is structured as follows:
Atlas F.C.'s reserve team, known as the U23 squad, competes in the Liga MX U23 developmental league as the club's primary affiliate for second-tier competition. In the 2025 Apertura phase, the team recorded 6 wins, 4 draws, and 7 losses across 17 matches, accumulating 22 points and finishing 10th in the standings with a goal difference of -5. Key players in the squad include 21-year-old midfielder Sergio Hernández, valued at €100,000, and 18-year-old centre-back Anthony Bautista, both emerging as promising talents within the roster.[86][87]The club's youth teams participate in national age-group tournaments through the U-20 and U-17 categories, focusing on competitive development in Mexico's youth leagues. For the 2025 U20 League season, Atlas U20 demonstrated strong performance with 23 wins, 13 draws, and 8 losses over 44 matches, highlighting their consistency in the competition. The U-17 team similarly engages in the U17 Liga MX, contributing to the pipeline of talent, though specific 2025 results emphasize ongoing participation in national fixtures.[88]Promotion pathways from the reserve and youth levels to the first team remain a core aspect of Atlas F.C.'s structure, with several academy products integrating into senior play each year; for instance, three players advanced from youth squads to the first-team roster in 2025. The coaching setup for these teams operates separately from the main academy staff, with dedicated technical bodies assigned to each category to foster specialized development. In preparation for the Apertura 2025, the club announced the composition of these bodies, ensuring tailored guidance for reserve and youth players.
Players on loan
As of November 2025, Atlas F.C. has one first-team player on loan to another club, aimed at providing competitive experience in a European league to enhance development and market value.[89]
6 appearances, 68 minutes played, 0 goals, 0 assists in the 2025/26 season[90]
This outgoing loan to Sporting Gijón represents Atlas's strategy of sending players to higher-profile international environments for tactical and physical growth, particularly for forwards seeking regular minutes outside Liga MX.[91] The move allows Caicedo, who had limited impact in prior seasons with Atlas, to adapt to European football's intensity.Caicedo is expected to return to Atlas at the conclusion of his loan in summer 2026, potentially rejoining the first team or featuring in preseason evaluations based on his progress in Spain.[91] No other recent outgoing loans from the 2025 summer window have been recorded for first-team players.[92]
Notable players and managers
Hall of Fame and legends
Atlas F.C. has produced several iconic players whose contributions have cemented their status as legends in Mexican football, with some earning induction into the Salón de la Fama del Fútbol Internacional in Pachuca. Adalberto "Dumbo" López, a prolific striker who joined the club in 1950, was instrumental in securing Atlas's only league title to date in the 1950-51 season, scoring 14 key goals during the campaign.[93] López was inducted into the Hall of Fame as part of its third generation in 2013, recognizing his role in Atlas's historic success and his overall impact on the sport.[93]Another Hall of Fame inductee is defender Jesús del Muro López, who played for Atlas from 1954 to 1965, making over 200 appearances and becoming known for his tenacity and leadership in the backline during a challenging era for the club. Del Muro was honored in the Salón de la Fama's 2022 class for his defensive prowess and loyalty, embodying the rojinegro spirit through consistent performances that helped stabilize the team post their 1950s glory.[94][95] The 1950s title-winning squad, featuring López alongside figures like goalkeeper Antonio Battaglia and forward Pepe Delgado, remains a cornerstone of club lore, with their achievements celebrated as the pinnacle of Atlas's early dominance in Mexican football.[96]Among the club's all-time top scorers, Costa Rican forward Edwin Cubero holds the record with 88 goals between 1944 and 1952, including contributions to multiple cup triumphs and establishing a benchmark for offensive excellence during Atlas's formative professional years.[97] José de Jesús Aceves follows closely with 82 goals, renowned for his versatility and scoring in the 1970s and 1980s, while Daniel Osorno tallied 70 goals in the late 1990s golden era under Ricardo La Volpe, aiding the club's runner-up finishes.[98] These players exemplify the rojinegro attacking tradition, with their legacies honored through club tributes and fan veneration.Loyalty is a hallmark of Atlas legends, exemplified by midfielders like Juan Pablo Rodríguez, who amassed 210 appearances and 60 goals across two stints from 1999 to 2003 and briefly in 2015, known for his vision and set-piece expertise that nearly delivered titles in the late 1990s.[99] Similarly, Alfredo "Pistache" Torres made over 300 appearances from 1986 to 2000, prized for his work ethic and role in sustaining the team through lean periods.[100] Other enduring figures include Rafael Márquez, whose early career at Atlas from 1993 to 1997 launched him to global stardom, and Miguel Zepeda, a versatile forward with 50+ goals who anchored the midfield in the 1990s. While the club has no officially retired numbers, these players' statuesque impacts are preserved in museum exhibits at Estadio Jalisco and annual commemorations.[101]
Managerial history
Atlas F.C.'s managerial history reflects the club's quest for consistency in Mexican football, with frequent leadership changes since its professional debut in 1943. Early success was spearheaded by foreign coaches, setting a pattern that continued through periods of revival and drought. The club has seen dozens of head coaches, many with short tenures amid performance pressures, but standout figures have delivered defining moments like league titles and international qualifications.The inaugural Liga MX championship in the 1950-51 season came under Argentine Eduardo Valdatti, who transformed Atlas into title contenders during the late 1940s and early 1950s. Valdatti's tactical discipline led to a 3-2 aggregate victory over Guadalajara in the final, capping a golden era that included two Copa México wins and the Campeón de Campeones in 1951. This achievement remains a benchmark for the club's early prowess.[102][1]A 70-year title drought followed, broken only by strategic hires of international talent. In 1992, young Argentine Marcelo Bielsa arrived, implementing rigorous training and tactical innovations that elevated the team's competitiveness over two seasons, laying groundwork for future progress. Later, Ricardo La Volpe's arrival in 1997 marked a significant revival; the Argentine's high-pressing, defensive-oriented style guided Atlas to the Invierno 1999 final (lost to Pachuca) and the 2000 Copa Libertadores, the club's first continental appearance in over two decades. La Volpe's first tenure (1997-2001) developed stars like Rafael Márquez and averaged 1.53 points per match, while his 2009 return lasted just 11 months.[24][103][104]The modern era underscores reliance on foreign expertise for breakthroughs. Argentine Diego Cocca, a former Atlas player, returned in 2020 and orchestrated back-to-back titles in Apertura 2021 and Clausura 2022—the first such feat in club history—via a robust 4-4-2 system and youth integration, averaging over 1.8 points per game during his championship run. His departure in September 2022, after a playoff miss, initiated a phase of instability.[105][43]Post-2022 hires highlight ongoing flux, with an average tenure around 1.5 years and a mix of Mexican and foreign leaders. After Cocca, Benjamín Mora managed from October 2022 to October 2023, followed by interim Omar Flores (November–December 2023), Beñat San José (November 2023–December 2024), and Gonzalo Pineda (December 2024–August 2025). Cocca returned for a second stint in August 2025, aiming to revive the club's fortunes amid recent struggles, as of November 2025.[106][83]
This table highlights pivotal tenures, illustrating a trend where foreign (predominantly Argentine) coaches have driven all major titles, comprising about 60% of key hires since the 1990s, amid Liga MX's broader shift toward international managers for tactical edge.[107]
Kit and sponsorship
Uniform evolution
Atlas F.C.'s uniform history began in 1916 with the club's founding, featuring a simple home kit divided into one red half and one black half, symbolizing the team's colors derived from the martyrdom of St. Lawrence, where red represents his blood and black his suffering.[108] This halved design became the iconic foundation for the Rojinegros' identity, initially produced in-house without a commercial manufacturer.[108]In the 1930s, the kits introduced striped patterns, particularly in away designs, such as the 1930 away kit with a single white vertical stripe bordered by black and red accents on a white base, marking an early departure from the plain halves to incorporate linear elements for variety in matches.[109] These changes reflected broader trends in Mexican football toward more dynamic aesthetics while preserving the core red-and-black palette.The 1950s brought stylistic refinements, including the adoption of V-neck collars in home kits, exemplified by the 1951 championship-winning jersey that featured the traditional halved red-and-black shirt with a V-neck for improved comfort and a cleaner silhouette.[110] This era's designs emphasized functionality amid the club's competitive successes, with cotton-based fabrics dominating production.During the 1990s, under manufacturer Atletica from 1995 to 2001, kits innovated with synthetic materials for better durability and moisture management, while retaining the halved pattern but adding subtle geometric accents and bolder contrasts in away variants to enhance visual impact on the pitch.[108] These updates aligned with global kit trends toward performance-oriented apparel, helping Atlas maintain a modern look without altering the foundational design.In the 2020s, kits shifted toward sustainability, with Charly— the current manufacturer since 2020—incorporating eco-friendly materials like recycled polyester in designs such as the 2023-24 home kit, reducing environmental impact while upholding the red-and-black halves. The 2025-26 third kit features a pattern inspired by fan banners, paying tribute to supporter culture ahead of the 2026 World Cup.[108][111]Special editions have punctuated the evolution, notably the 2021-22 commemorative kit celebrating the Liga MX title, the club's first since 1951, which replicated the 1951 V-neck halved design in red and black with embroidered championship stars and historical motifs.[110] Third kits, often used in derbies like the Clásico Tapatío against Chivas to avoid color clashes, include unique variants such as the 2020-21 Día de Muertos grey kit with an all-over skull pattern or the 2023-24 Call of Duty collaboration featuring thematic graphics.[112][113]Design influences have involved fans through initiatives like the 2023 fan token vote on elements for the second kit, integrating community input on patterns and colors to foster greater engagement.[114]
Current sponsors and manufacturers
As of 2025, Atlas F.C.'s kit manufacturer is Charly, a Mexican sportswear brand that has served as the official apparel partner since the 2020 Liga MX Apertura season. Charly designs and produces the club's home, away, and third kits, incorporating performance technologies such as moisture-wicking fabrics for player and fan jerseys. The partnership emphasizes local manufacturing and has been renewed through the 2025-26 season, aligning with the club's branding under Orlegi Sports ownership since 2019.[115][116]The club's primary jersey sponsor is Caliente.mx, a leading Mexican sports betting platform, which has held the front-of-shirt position since 2022 in a multi-year deal valued at approximately 70 million Mexican pesos annually. Other key sponsors include Red Cola on the sleeve, providing visibility for the Jalisco-based beverage brand; Grupo Urrea as a back sponsor, highlighting the tool manufacturer's regional ties; and Viva Aerobus, featured on training kits and promotional materials for its Guadalajara hub operations. Additional partnerships encompass Adhesivos Perdura for construction materials branding, Seguros Atlas for insurance services, Akron for energy lubricants, Pinturas Berel for paints, Omnibus de México for transportation, and Hospital Country 2000 for healthcare, all secured or expanded post-2019 under Orlegi to bolster commercial revenue streams. These deals, totaling over 10 active partners, contribute significantly to the club's operations, with sponsorships forming a core part of its financial strategy amid the ongoing 2025 ownership transition process.[117][118][119]
Construction materials, Jalisco-founded in 1967.[117]
Seguros Atlas
General
Insurance provider, 100% Mexican.[117]
Akron
General
Energy lubricants and services.[117]
Pinturas Berel
General
Paints and coatings, over 70 years.[117]
Omnibus de México
General
Passenger transport services.[117]
Hospital Country 2000
General
Healthcare provider.[117]
Achievements
Domestic honours
Atlas F.C. has secured three Liga MX titles, the first in the 1950–51 season, the second in the Apertura 2021 tournament, and the third in the Clausura 2022 tournament. In 1950–51, the club clinched the Mexican Primera División championship by topping the league table with 30 points from 22 matches, including 12 wins, 6 draws, and 4 losses, while scoring 44 goals and conceding 23 for a +21 goal difference. This victory marked their inaugural national league title in a round-robin format, edging out rivals Atlante (29 points) and Necaxa (28 points), with key contributions from forwards like Adalberto López, who led the scoring charts.[30]The club's second league triumph came after a prolonged absence from the winner's circle, culminating in the Apertura 2021 final against Club León. The two-legged final ended 3–3 on aggregate: León won the first leg 3–2 with goals from Federico Viñas, Ángel Mena, and Víctor Dávila, while Atlas responded in the second leg with a 1–0 extra-time victory courtesy of Aldo Rocha's 117th-minute strike. The match proceeded to penalties, where Atlas prevailed 4–3, thanks to goalkeeper Camilo Vargas saving two shots and forward Julio Furch converting the decisive kick, securing the title under manager Diego Cocca.[120][121]Atlas completed the back-to-back titles by winning the Clausura 2022 final against Pachuca. In the first leg at home, Atlas won 2–0 with goals from Aldo Rocha and Eduardo Aguirre. The second leg in Pachuca ended 2–1 in favor of the hosts, but Atlas held on for a 3–2 aggregate victory, marking their third league championship overall and ending a 70-year drought that began after 1951. This success was also under manager Diego Cocca.[9][122]In cup competitions, Atlas has captured the Copa MX four times, in the 1945–46, 1949–50, 1961–62, and 1967–68 editions. The first victory came in the 1945–46 tournament, a knockout format among 16 teams, where Atlas defeated Atlante 5–4 in extra time during the final held on July 14, 1946, at Parque Asturias in Mexico City before approximately 25,000 spectators. This success, guided by manager Eduardo Valdatti, represented the club's first major domestic cup honor. In 1949–50, Atlas won their second Copa MX by defeating León 3–1 in the final. The 1961–62 title was secured against Guadalajara, and the 1967–68 edition ended with a 2–0 extra-time win over UNAM in the final.[123]Atlas has also won the Campeón de Campeones, Mexico's supercup, five times: in 1946, 1950, 1951, 1962, and 2022. The most recent came in 2022, following their Clausura title, where they defeated Cruz Azul 4–3 on penalties after a 1–1 aggregate in the two-legged final. These victories highlight the club's ability to compete at the highest level across eras.[10]Beyond these, Atlas has not claimed the Supercopa MX, though the club has made notable playoff appearances, including reaching the Liguilla finals in recent seasons to underscore their resurgence. The 70-year gap between league titles—from 1951 to 2021—stands as a significant drought in Mexican football history, often attributed to intense rivalry with Guadalajara clubs and inconsistent performances, yet the back-to-back wins in 2021 and 2022 amplified the emotional impact of their comeback, restoring the trophy to Guadalajara after decades.[124]
Regional and other titles
Atlas F.C., founded in 1916, achieved early success in the amateur era through the Liga de Occidente, a regional competition encompassing teams from western Mexico, particularly Jalisco, that operated from 1908 until the professionalization of Mexican football in 1943.[25] This league served as a key proving ground for clubs like Atlas and Guadalajara before the establishment of the national Primera División. Atlas dominated the early years of the competition, securing five championships that underscored their foundational strength in regional play.[125]The club's regional triumphs began in the late 1910s, a period marked by intense rivalries with local teams such as Colón and Guadalajara. These victories helped solidify Atlas's identity as a powerhouse in Jaliscofootball, contributing to their transition into professional ranks. The specific seasons of success were:
These titles represent Atlas's complete haul from the Liga de Occidente, with no further regional honors documented post-professionalization.[25]Beyond regional competitions, Atlas has not secured any international titles in tournaments such as the CONCACAF Champions Cup, where they made their debut in 2023 following their 2021 Liga MX Apertura victory.[126] The club has participated in other cross-border events like the Leagues Cup since 2022, but without claiming silverware.[1] No additional minor or friendly titles are recognized as major honors in the club's history.[127]