Atletico Mineiro

Location: Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Stadium: Mineirao
Founded: 1908

Atletico Mineiro is one of the oldest football clubs in Brazil, having been founded in 1908. One year later in 1909. Atletico Mineiro had their first official match, winning against Sport Futebol Club 3-0. They won their first regional title in the 1915 Brazilian championships, and in 1936 played in a national tournament open exclusively to teams that had won the regional championships. They took home a great victory, and were named “campeao de campeoes” or “champion of champions”.

In the 1940's and 1950's, Mineiro had many successful seasons, including five consecutive regional titles, from 1952-1956. They had their most important victory in 1971, when Mineiro won the Brazilian national cup. Two years later, Reinaldo debuted in the Atletico Mineiro jersey. He was to become the team's flagship in 1978, during the battle for the national championship cup, in which he scored 28 goals that season. Despite the incredible offensive success, Mineiro was beaten by Sao Paolo and fell short of their second Brazilian championship. Currently, Mineiro competes in the top Brazilian championship.