“Saudi ruining football heritage” – Fans react as Atletico Madrid stadium renamed to Riyadh Air Metropolitano

Fans expressed concern over Saudi Arabia's rise in football, following Atletico Madrid's recent stadium renaming deal with Riyadh Air.

“Saudi ruining football heritage” – Fans react as Atletico Madrid stadium renamed to Riyadh Air Metropolitano

Atletico Madrid has agreed to rename their iconic stadium as the Riyadh Air Metropolitana. (via Tribuna)

Fans were left baffled over Atletico Madrid’s stadium being renamed Riyadh Air Metropolitano, as they shared their reactions on social media. The Saudi-based airline has consolidated the naming rights of the stadium for an estimated deal worth €250-300 million. 

The Estadio Metropolitano, in the Spanish capital of Madrid, has been known by many names in the past, owing to sponsorship reasons. It was first named Wanda Metropolitano in 2017 after Atletico took control of the stadium. This was a result of a sponsorship deal between the club and Chinese real estate firm, Wanda Group. In 2022, the stadium was renamed as the Civitas Metropolitano. It was a result of the club’s agreement with a Spanish real estate development company.

YouTube video

Newly-opened Saudi airline, Riyadh Air has now acquired the naming rights to the Metropolitano stadium, for the next nine years until 2033. This has increased its growing involvement in club affairs, following a €44 million-per-year shirt sponsor deal signed in 2023. The process of renaming the stands and facades of the iconic 70,000-capacity stadium is set to conclude within the next few weeks. Moreover, it is also set to increase oil-rich Saudi Arabia’s presence in football, often accused of ruining the sport. 

FS Video

Moreover, Riyadh Air’s sponsorship deals with Atletico and Roma have also led to corruption allegations being raised against the company. It is said to have helped the Middle Eastern state win their bid to host the 2034 World Cup, unopposed.

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Fans criticize Atletico Madrid after club decides to rename its iconic stadium as Riyadh Air Metropolitano

Football fans took a dig at Atletico Madrid for striking a multi-million dollar naming deal with Saudi airline company, Riyadh Air. It is set to change the name of the iconic Metropolitano stadium. Some blamed Saudi Arabia for ruining ‘football heritage’. 

Atletico Madrid stadium fans
Fans reacted to Atletico Madrid’s recent stadium renaming deal. (via X)

Some fans angrily remarked that Saudi’s involvement in football should be stopped at once. A few others hilariously stated that Atletico had sold off its club history, just for money. Some other fans however, compared Atletico Madrid’s stadium deal with Riyadh Air, to that of Arsenal and Manchester City’s deals. Both clubs signed deals with UAE-based Emirates and Etihad airways, respectively. Here are some of the reactions:

All of this criticism over Atletico Madrid’s deal has been owing to Saudi Arabia’s recent rise in football. The Saudi PL has over the last few years, increased its foothold by signing popular players, for unrealistic transfer fees.