Short on time? Atlético Nacional is Medellín’s most successful football club, with a rich history dating back to 1947. Known as “Los Verdolagas”, the club has won numerous Colombian league titles and is one of the few Colombian teams to achieve continental glory in the Copa Libertadores.
Few institutions are as deeply rooted in Medellín’s identity as Atlético Nacional. It’s more than just a football club. Atletico Nacional is a source of pride for millions of fans throughout Colombia. The team’s green-and-white colors can be seen throughout Medellín, from murals and flags to jerseys worn on match days.
For travelers, learning about Atlético Nacional means learning Medellín’s culture, history, and passion. Whether you're planning to watch a game at the stadium or simply want to understand why locals are so devoted to the club, this guide covers everything you need to know about Atlético Nacional.
The History of Atlético Nacional
Atlético Nacional was founded on March 7, 1947, under the name Club Atlético Municipal de Medellín. The club later adopted the name Atlético Nacional to reflect its goal of developing Colombian football talent and representing the nation.
Even from the beginning, Nacional emphasized recruiting only local players. This helped establish its identity as one of Colombia’s most important football teams. Throughout the decades, the club steadily grew in popularity and success, becoming a powerhouse in both domestic and international competitions.
Today, Atlético Nacional stands among the most highly praised clubs in South America and remains one of Colombia’s most recognizable sporting brands.
Atlético Nacional as Los Verdolagas
Los Verdolagas, Nacional’s nickname, comes from the verdolaga plant, a green herb commonly found throughout Colombia. This connects the team’s iconic green and white colors, reflecting Medellín’s football culture. Fans embrace the title, and you'll often hear commentators and supporters refer to Nacional as Los Verdolagas during matches.
Today, Nacional’s green jersey has become one of Colombia’s most recognizable football kits because it symbolizes tradition, passion, and success.
Atlético Nacional’s Biggest Achievements
Atlético Nacional has always been considered one of the most successful clubs in Colombian football history.
Colombian League Titles
The club has won numerous Categoría Primera A championships, consistently competing at the highest level of Colombian football. Its dominance locally has made it one of the country's most successful teams and a regular contender for silverware.
Copa Libertadores Triumphs
Nacional's greatest achievements came on the continental stage.
The club won its first Copa Libertadores title in 1989. They became the first Colombian team to lift South America's most prestigious club trophy. This historic victory elevated both the club and Colombian football onto the international stage.
The team captured a second Copa Libertadores title in 2016, becoming the first team in Colombia to win the tournament twice.
Copa Colombia and Superliga Success
Additionally, Nacional also gained multiple local cup titles and 2 Superliga trophies. These wins strengthened the team’s legacy as one of Colombia’s most successful football organizations.
The Emotional 2016 Chapecoense Story
Atletico Nacional gained the respect of even more people in 2016, thanks to the emotional Chapecoense story. That year, the Colombian team was scheduled to face Chapecoense, a Brazilian club, in the Copa Sudamericana final. Unfortunately, the plane carrying the Brazilian team crashed while en route to Medellín, resulting in the death of most of the squad and staff.
As a sign of sportsmanship and compassion, Atlético Nacional decided to award the Copa Sudamericana title to Chapecoense. This earned widespread praise from the football community because it showcases the club’s commitment to values that are worth much more than the competition.
As a result, CONMEBOL, the South American Football Confederation, awarded Atletico Nacional the Fair Play Award.
Estadio Atanasio Girardot: Home of Atlético Nacional
Atlético Nacional plays its home matches at Estadio Atanasio Girardot, one of Colombia's most famous football venues. It’s located near Central Medellín and serves as the heart of the city’s sporting culture.
Estadio Atanasio Girardot has a capacity of more than 40,000 spectators and regularly hosts most of the country’s most passionate football crowds.
You will love how electric and vibrant the energy and atmosphere are during match days. Fans start arriving hours before kickoff, and they gather around the stadium to sing, chant, celebrate, and support their team. The combination of the crowds’ cheers, drums, flags, and banners creates an unforgettable experience, especially for first-time spectators.
Atlético Nacional’s Biggest Rivalries
The biggest rivalries that battled against Atletico Nacional are defined by fierce local pride and the goal of battling for national supremacy. Most intense clashes normally take place in the heart of Medellín.
Independiente Medellín
The most important rivalry is the Clásico Paisa against Independiente Medellín, often referred to simply as DIM. Both clubs share the same stadium, making the rivalry even more intense. Matches between the two teams divide the city and generate enormous excitement among local supporters.
The Clásico Paisa is considered one of Colombia's premier football rivalries and is an incredible spectacle for visitors lucky enough to attend.
National Rivalries
Nacional also maintains fierce rivalries with other major Colombian clubs, including Millonarios and América de Cali. These matches frequently carry championship implications and attract large television audiences in the country.
How to Watch an Atlético Nacional Match
For travelers visiting Medellín, attending a Nacional game is common and easily accessible.
Tickets are generally affordable compared to major European or North American sporting events. Prices vary depending on the opponent, competition, and seating location, but most matches remain reasonably priced for tourists.
If you decide to attend, make sure to purchase tickets only through official channels. Wear green to blend in with the local fans, and arrive as early as possible so you can enjoy the pre-match energy. Don’t forget to follow strict stadium security guidelines. The experience combines sport, music, culture, and community in a uniquely Colombian way.
Atlético Nacional Medellín: The Colombian Pride
Atlético Nacional is far more than a successful football club. It is a cultural institution that has shaped Medellín for generations. With its historic achievements, passionate supporters, legendary players, and unforgettable match-day atmosphere, Nacional occupies a special place in Colombian sports history.
Planning to visit Medellín? Why not set aside an evening to experience watching a match at Atanasio Girardot? You'll witness not only elite Colombian football but also one of the city's most vibrant expressions of local culture. For many visitors, it becomes one of the most memorable moments of their entire trip.
