Google Cloud, the cloud computing arm of the global tech giant, has extended its partnership with Spanish soccer club Atlético Madrid, becoming the club’s official cybersecurity partner across its women’s and men’s teams.
The partnership, which began in 2024, involves Atlético investing in improving the protection of both operational and fan data by moving to Google Cloud’s Backup and Disaster Recovery Service.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The service automatically encrypts data at rest, ensures critical data and systems remain protected, and allows operations to recover swiftly from potential disruptions.
René Abril, chief information officer at Atlético Madrid, said: “Cybersecurity plays a critical role in ensuring that every interaction with Atlético de Madrid — whether purchasing tickets, engaging online, or accessing club services — is secure and seamless.
“Working alongside Google Cloud has already given us valuable insights that we can use to strengthen our defenses and knowledge about the kind of threats facing every football club around the world."
Cristina Pitarch, managing director EMEA for Google Cloud Security, added: "Sports clubs today operate in an increasingly digital world, making cybersecurity more important than ever.”
Meanwhile, Atletico have also extended their deal with Spanish brewery Mahou San Miguel until 2035, renewing with its brands Mahou Cinco Estrellas and Solán de Cabras.
Alongside the extension, that will see it continue to sponsor the men's and women's teams as it has done for the past 50 years in various ways, the beer firm becomes the first official sponsor of the future Ciudad del Deporte, the urban development project that is set to be built around the club’s Metropolitano stadium.
The future Sports City is set to occupy more than 265,000 square meters and will be a pioneering space dedicated to leisure and sports, with activities such as top golf, a climbing wall, multi-adventure areas, and a beach club, among others.
Mahou San Miguel said that its brands, Mahou Cinco Estrellas and Solán de Cabras, will actively participate in creating unique experiences in these spaces, strengthening its presence in the entertainment sector and demonstrating its capacity for innovation.
The club’s Metropolitano stadium last year was renamed the Riyadh Air Metropolitano for the duration of its deal with nascent Saudi Arabian flag carrier Riyadh Air.
The long-term deal, which will run through the end of the 2032-33 season, sees Riyadh Air replacing previous stadium naming partner Civitas.
Atletico have referred to Riyadh Air, which has been the team’s front-of-shirt sponsor since August 2023, as the most lucrative sponsor in the club’s history.
