Atlético Madrid Unveils New Fan-Voted Walk of Legends at Metropolitano Stadium
Atlético Madrid replaced its centenary player plaques with a new "Walk of Legends" at the Metropolitano Stadium, selected by a fan vote of 47,095 members. The 17 legends include Fernando Torres, Luis Aragonés, and Diego Simeone, with Antoine Griezmann to be added later. Excluded legends like Ratón Ayala expressed sadness. To soften backlash, the club returns old plaques to players and will create a mural honoring all one-season players.
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Atlético Madrid to Honor Legends Excluded from New Walk of Legends at Metropolitano
Atlético Madrid's Social Commission met on June 24, 2026, to create a new 'Walk of Legends' at the Metropolitano stadium, replacing the previous 'Walk of Centenary Players.' A fan vote of 47,095 members selected 17 historic former players, with Antoine Griezmann also proposed for inclusion. The new methodology excluded several legends, including Ratón Ayala and Rubén Cano, who publicly expressed sadness and a feeling of being 'erased.' The club decided to remove existing plaques and replace them with those chosen by fans, sparking discontent among some former players and supporters. To mitigate the backlash, Atlético will send the removed plaques to the affected players and create a mural inside the stadium honoring all male and female players who have worn the shirt for at least one season. The club defends the new process as agreed with the Social Commission, noting that future additions to the Walk of Legends are possible.
FútbolAtlético de Madrid's New Walk of Legends Excludes Former Stars, Sparking Lament from Club Legend Ratón Ayala
Atlético de Madrid recently unveiled a new Walk of Legends, revising admission criteria after complaints from the Social Commission. Initially intended to remove recognition from former players like Thibaut Courtois and Hugo Sánchez who joined rival Real Madrid, the change also excluded many other former players. The new Walk features 17 players chosen by a vote of 47,095 members from a list of 200, including Fernando Torres, Luis Aragonés, and Diego Simeone, with Antoine Griezmann proposed for future addition. Excluded legend Ratón Ayala, now 75 and living far from Spain, issued a heartfelt lament, saying his memories and friends were tied to the plaques. He expressed sadness that his grandchildren might not find his legacy in the place he once called home, highlighting the personal cost of the club's decision.
FútbolAtlético Madrid Announces 17 Legends for Metropolitano Walk of Fame
Atlético Madrid has announced that the Metropolitano stadium will feature a new 'Walk of Legends' honoring 17 footballers selected by club members via popular vote. The chosen players represent the club's greatest legends. The article notes that star forward Antoine Griezmann could be the next player added to the walk. Current teammates Koke and goalkeeper Jan Oblak will be inducted once they retire from active play. The initiative celebrates the legacy of the club's most iconic figures and engages the fanbase in the selection process.
Fútbol en AS.comFutre and Torres React to Inclusion in Atlético Madrid's Walk of Legends
Atlético de Madrid announced the 18 players selected for the new 'Walk of Legends,' chosen by member vote, replacing the controversial centenary player walk. The list includes Fernando Torres, Luis Aragonés, Paulo Futre, Diego Simeone, and others, with Antoine Griezmann to be added upon retirement. Fernando Torres shared a farewell image with a heartfelt message, while Paulo Futre posted an emotional thank-you note accompanied by a photo of his Atlético tattoo. The initiative aims to honor club legends through fan participation.
FútbolAtlético Madrid to Remove Current Stadium Plaques, Torres Leads New Legend Walk List of 17
Atlético Madrid officially announced that the existing nameplates outside the Metropolitano Stadium will be removed after a Social Committee meeting adopting new selection criteria for the 'Legend Walk.' A member vote involving 47,095 participants resulted in a new list of 17 legendary players, led by Fernando Torres and Luis Aragonés. The list includes Futre, Simeone, Gabi, Godín, Forlán, Falcao, and others. Additionally, the committee proposed that Antoine Griezmann be added to the walk after his departure from the club. The old plaques will be returned to the players, and new ones are expected to be installed before the first home league match. A new mural honoring all male and female players who played at least one season for the club will also be created inside the stadium.
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