From the terraces of the Metropolitano to chants echoing through Madrid’s streets, Atlético fans embrace their identity with pride. But have you ever wondered why are Atletico Madrid fans called colchoneros supporters? Many know the nickname “Colchoneros” — but few grasp its full story. Today, DuitKick will take you on a journey through history, myth, and identity to uncover how a simple nickname became a badge of honor for Atlético de Madrid.
The literal meaning: “mattress makers”
In Spanish, “colchoneros” literally translates to “mattress makers.” While that may sound odd for a football club, the connection lies in fabric, industry, and stripes — a thread that ties history and culture together.
- In early-20th century Madrid, mattress covers (colchones) were often made.
- Atlético de Madrid switched to a red-and-white striped kit (borrowed from Athletic Bilbao’s style) around 1911. The similarity between their new attire and classical mattress fabrics made the nickname an obvious, even inevitable association.
- Over time, the stripes on Atlético’s shirts became inseparable from the idea of stripes on mattresses — and the supporters of the club began to be called Colchoneros.
Thus, the term evolved.
Historical roots and evolution
The nickname didn’t emerge overnight. Its adoption unfolded across decades, shaped by social, economic, and cultural shifts in Spain and Madrid itself.
Early kit change and textile economy
Atlético’s earliest kits were blue and white, mirroring Athletic Bilbao. But by 1911, the club adopted red-and-white stripes — partly because those fabrics were inexpensive and commonly produced. At the time, red-and-white striped cloth was used in textile products (including mattress covers), giving rise to the visual link between Atlético’s kit and mattresses.
Madrid had a flourishing textile industry in the early and mid-1900s. Mattress covers, upholstery, and domestic fabrics all competed in factories throughout the city. The red-and-white striped fabrics used in home goods and mattresses gave the public a ready metaphor when seeing Atlético’s uniforms.
Post–Civil War Spain and nickname solidification
The Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) radically altered the political, social, and economic landscape. In the years following the war, the nickname Colchoneros began to be more widely used in public discourse, media, and among rival fans. The connection between Atlético’s stripes and mattress fabrics gained resonance in that context, especially when modest resources and materials made the metaphor more salient.
By mid-20th century, Colchoneros was no longer just a taunt — it had become a staple label for Atlético itself, used by fans, journalists, and rivals alike.
Alternate theories and complementary nicknames
While the mattress origin is the dominant narrative, football history is rich with multiple threads. Over the decades, Atlético and its fans have also been known by other names and have alternate origin tales. These add color and complexity to the story.
“Indios” — a second nickname
Another common nickname is Indios (“Indians”). Theories around this label include:
- During the 1960s and ’70s, Atlético signed several Latin American players. Rival fans allegedly used “Indios” to mock their heritage. Over time, Atlético fans embraced the nickname, turning an insult into identity.
- Another idea links the nickname to Atlético’s stadium location: near the Manzanares River, evoking imagery of “tribal” or “river-dwelling” cultures (in the imagination of rival fans).
- The club mascot is named “Indi,” connecting the club symbolically to this nickname.
While Colchoneros remains the dominant moniker, Indios is sometimes used among the fanbase and media as well.
“Rojiblancos” — “red-whites” by default
A straightforward nickname used in Spain is Rojiblancos (red-whites), referring to Atlético’s iconic red-and-white striped jersey. This is a neutral, descriptive label without the metaphorical or historical weight of Colchoneros — but remains widely used, especially in match commentary, fan chants, and branding.
Why the nickname endures: identity, pride, and mythology
Nicknames in football often evolve. Colchoneros has become a powerful symbol for Atlético supporters for several reasons:
- Identity through adversity
- Atlético has long fought an image of being underdogs compared to giants like Real Madrid and Barcelona. As “Colchoneros,” fans embrace their roots — modest, working class, loyal — rather than hide them. The nickname signals solidarity with the common people, a gritty resistance to elite powers.
- Visual and emotional resonance
- The red-and-white stripes are more than colors — they’re symbols. Every match, every banner, every shirt evokes the historical texture of textiles, the streets of Madrid, and the lineage of supporters who wore those stripes before.
Reclaiming a “mocking” term
- What once may have been whispering mockery. By owning Colchoneros, Atlético’s supporters have turned a metaphor against mattress fabrics into a mark of honor.
- Inter-generational tradition
- The name has passed through generations —. It ties present-day followers to the club’s past.
Famous fans, chants, and cultural echoes
The Colchoneros identity is not just a historical footnote — it lives in chants, rituals, and popular culture:
- Fan chants and banners often use the word colchonero, e.g. “Aquí mandamos los Colchoneros” (“Here the Colchoneros rule”).
- Cultural references appear in songs, poems, and fan art; one Atlético centenary anthem even includes a lyric referencing mattress stripes.
- Fan institutions such as peñas (fan clubs) often incorporate “Colchoneros” in their names, reinforcing its strong brand identity among ultras and local supporters.
- Media usage has cemented it: broadcasters, newspapers, and football journalists refer to the team and its fans as “Los Colchoneros” in Spanish and English.
Common misconceptions and clarifications
Because nicknames accrue layers of myth, some misconceptions spread widely. Let’s debunk a few:
|
Misconception |
Reality |
|
The nickname is very recent |
No — it dates back several decades, though it gained traction post–Civil War. |
|
It came from rival fans only |
At first, perhaps yes — but Atlético fans embraced it and made it their own. |
|
Colchoneros means “pillows” |
Not quite — it means “mattress makers” or associated with mattress fabrics, not the soft stuff. |
|
It relates to Atlético’s stadium |
Some alternate theories say so, but the fabric/striped cloth origin has stronger historical backing. |
The broader significance: nickname as brand
In modern football, clubs are global brands. Colchoneros is more than a nickname — it is part of Atlético’s identity marketing, storytelling, and emotional appeal. It:
- Sets Atlético apart from other clubs (very few teams have such evocative, metaphorical nicknames).
- Helps fans around the world participate in a shared language: to call oneself a Colchonero is to stake a claim in Atlético’s narrative.
- Anchors merchandise, slogans, marketing campaigns, and social media hashtags — reinforcing brand recognition.
Conclusion
Why are Atletico Madrid fans called colchoneros supporters? Because a century ago, their red-and-white striped kits echoed the fabrics used to cover mattresses. What began as a visual metaphor gradually became a cultural emblem, embraced by the fans themselves and passed down through generations., Colchoneros is now inseparable from Atlético’s identity. It reflects heritage, pride, defiance, and community — more than just a nickname, it’s a declaration: “We wear stripes, we stand by our team, come rain or shine.”
If you found this dive into Atlético lore interesting, keep exploring with DuitKick — learn more about club nicknames, player histories, and football culture across the world. Wear your stripes and shout it loud: Colchoneros forever!
