Shai Gilgeous-Alexander backs Atlético de Madrid
The NBA’s leading scorer, Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, expands his influence to football by joining the shareholder group of Atlético de Madrid, a club he admires for its history and ambition. The Canadian player, born in 1998, expresses his enthusiasm to contribute to the red‑and‑white’s future.
NBA Career
Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander has been the NBA’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) consecutively and led the Oklahoma City Thunder as a key piece. In the 2025/26 season he averaged 31.1 points per game with a 55.3 % field‑goal percentage, marking a historic milestone for a perimeter player.
In a statement, the Canadian star said: “I’m excited to officially join the shareholder group of Atlético de Madrid. This is a club with a long history at the top of European football, and I appreciate the opportunity to be part of its future.” His words reflect the affinity with the values of intensity, pride and ambition that the club promotes.
Born in Toronto in 1998 and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Gilgeous‑Alexander developed his career in Canada before spending a season at the University of Kentucky. He is currently the key piece of the Oklahoma City Thunder and one of the most prominent players in global basketball.
Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander's investment brings the NBA to the heart of Madrid
The player was crowned NBA champion in 2025 and earned the Finals MVP that same year, establishing himself as one of the sport’s most influential figures.
Moreover, he broke the NBA record for most consecutive games scoring at least 20 points, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain’s 126 games and extending the streak to 140 by the end of the season.
Commitment to Atlético’s Values
His investment reflects a genuine interest in Atlético’s long‑term vision and its international growth, a bet that aligns with the club’s philosophy. The photo accompanying the news, taken by Tony Gutierrez for Ap‑LaPresse, shows Javier Gómara observing the announcement.
Atlético de Madrid eye Mexican captain Johan Vásquez as defensive boost
Thus, the contrast between excellence on the basketball court and the commitment to European football highlights how Gilgeous‑Alexander’s global projection transcends the sport in which he was trained, opening new opportunities for collaboration between the two disciplines.