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Atlético Nacional

Atlético Nacional is a Colombian professional football club based in Medellín, Antioquia.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Atlético Nacional is a Colombian professional football club based in Medellín, Antioquia. Founded in 1947 as Club Atlético Municipal, it is one of the most successful and popular clubs in Colombia and plays its home matches at Estadio Atanasio Girardot.

History

Atlético Nacional was founded in 1947 in Medellín under the name Club Atlético Municipal. The club changed to its current name in 1950 and became one of the early representatives of Colombian professional football.

Home ground

The club plays at Estadio Atanasio Girardot in Medellín. The stadium has been Atlético Nacional's home since 1953 and is shared with local rival Independiente Medellín.

Honours

Atlético Nacional is among the most decorated clubs in Colombian football. Its honours include multiple Categoría Primera A titles and two Copa Libertadores victories, making it one of the country’s best-known teams.

Identity and fan base

The club is commonly associated with green colours and the nickname Verdolaga. Sources describe it as one of the most popular clubs in Colombia, with a large national fan base.

Key facts

  • Atlético Nacional was founded in Medellín in 1947 as Club Atlético Municipal and adopted its current name in 1950.
  • The club plays at Estadio Atanasio Girardot, its home since 1953.
  • Atlético Nacional is one of Colombia's most successful clubs, with multiple league titles and two Copa Libertadores championships.
  • Organización Ardila Lülle acquired the club in 1996.
  • The club is nicknamed Verdolaga and Rey de Copas.
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Canadian context

Atlético Nacional has no direct Canadian base, but it is relevant to Canadian readers through international football coverage, South American club competitions, and the global player market.

Frequently asked questions

When was Atlético Nacional founded?
It was founded on 30 April 1947 as Club Atlético Municipal.
Why did the club change its name?
It adopted the name Atlético Nacional in 1950 after beginning with the Municipal name.
Where is Atlético Nacional based?
The club is based in Medellín, in the Colombian department of Antioquia.
What stadium does Atlético Nacional use?
Its home ground is Estadio Atanasio Girardot in Medellín.
Who owns Atlético Nacional?
Organización Ardila Lülle acquired the club in 1996.

References

  1. El Tiempo — https://www.eltiempo.com/deportes/futbol-colombiano/atletico-nacional-la-creacion-de-un-gigante-del-futbol-colombiano-755632
    Supports: Founded in Medellín in 1947; name and early history; stadium location and home use.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atl%C3%A9tico_Nacional
    Supports: Founding details, original name, current name adoption, ownership, and fanbase claims.
  3. Wikipedia — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historia_de_Atl%C3%A9tico_Nacional
    Supports: Official foundation date, original name, and 1950 renaming.
  4. Atlético Nacional — https://atlnacional.com.co/hitos-y-titulos/
    Supports: Club history milestone noting the name change to Club Atlético Nacional in 1950.
  5. Vavel Colombia — https://www.vavel.com/colombia/data/atletico-nacional/bio/
    Supports: Medellín base, official foundation date, and home stadium.
  6. FootballHistory.org — https://www.footballhistory.org/club/atletico-nacional.html
    Supports: Foundation year, city, home ground, and honours overview.