Black and white vertical stripes. Atlético Mineiro’s shirt looks severe and simple — the same visual language used by Juventus, Notts County and Newcastle. But what the Galo (Rooster) has done in that kit goes far beyond anything its European inspirations ever managed locally.
Founded by students in 1908
Clube Atlético Mineiro was founded on 25 March 1908 by students of the Colégio Izidoro Martins in Belo Horizonte. The black-and-white stripes were adopted from the outset, inspired by leading European clubs of the era. The club’s first official match took place on 21 March 1909: Atlético 3–0 Sport Club Futebol. The alvinegro (black-and-white) identity has never changed since.
The shirt that toured frozen Europe — and came back with a trophy
In 1950, Atlético Mineiro undertook a tour of Europe, playing matches in France, Belgium and Germany during winter. The squad played in snow and cold conditions their São Paulo and Rio rivals had never experienced. They won the informal title of ‘champion of the cold’ — campeão do gelo — and the achievement is still referenced in the club’s official anthem to this day. The Galo’s frozen European adventure remains one of the most unusual stories in 20th century Brazilian football.
Reinaldo’s 28 goals — a record that survived 20 years
In 1977, wearing the alvinegro stripes, striker Reinaldo scored 28 goals in a single Brazilian Championship — a record that stood for two decades before Edmündo finally surpassed it. Reinaldo played for Atlético from 1973 to 1985, scoring 254 goals in total and winning eight Minas Gerais State Championships. He was, quite simply, the greatest player in the club’s first century.
Brazil’s first national champion in 1971
Atlético Mineiro was the first club to win the Campeonato Brasileiro, claiming the inaugural edition in 1971. Since then, the Galo has finished in the top four of Brazil’s national championship more often than any other club — 14 times. The alvinegro shirt has been a permanent presence at the summit of Brazilian football for over half a century.
The 2013 Libertadores and Ronaldinho’s free-kick
Atlético’s crowning modern achievement came in 2013 with the Copa Libertadores, capped by an unforgettable free-kick from Ronaldinho in the final against Olimpia. The alvinegro jersey from that season — and from the subsequent Club World Cup campaign — became one of the most desirable shirts in recent Brazilian football history. Demand for authentic versions surged immediately.
Collecting Galo jerseys: the originals are worth the search
Atlético Mineiro’s centenary kit, their Libertadores editions and their classic 1970s alvinegro designs are among the most replicated shirts in Minas Gerais football. At Garrincha Shirts, every Atlético Mineiro jersey is verified original — from the frozen 1950 tour to the 2013 Libertadores triumph and beyond.