“Every chant, every cheer, every shared moment in the stands shows us that Atlético Clube de Portugal is much more than a club.”
ATLETICO CLUBE DE PORTUGAL
I think everything that we love about football can be found in Atlético Clube de Portugal, a club that still holds the values of what our beloved game was built on. A game for the people, by the people.
Based in the Alcântara region of Lisbon, the club plays in Liga 3 in Portugal, where the spectacular 25 April Bridge looms over their quaint pastel-coloured Estádio da Tapadinha stadium. It is a beautiful and refreshing sight not often seen in our modern game.
The true and honest values of football are sometimes clouded by the riches of the elite. In today’s game money talks and the game we grew up with is sometimes forgotten.
If you were to sit down to read any newspaper on any given day or scroll through social media or various news platforms, the sports sections would be engulfed in stories of inflated transfer fees, incredible wage demands, fan discontent, FIFA controversies and so on.
The noise of the corporate machine often drowns out the voices of those who are doing so many good things to preserve the legacy of what the beautiful game was built on.
When at times it feels like fans are often treated as customers and commodities, then you only have to look towards Atlético Clube de Portugal. Because it is there, where you will find that the football we know and love still exists.
When you make your way to Estádio da Tapadinha stadium, you are greeted by friends, families and smiles. Whether you are a familiar face or a stranger, you are embraced as one of their own.
The glorious Lisbon sun sets on the faces of those who have their cheeks painted in the club’s famous Yellow, Blue and Red colours and the air is filled with excitement as their team takes to the lush green grass. This is football.
For Atlético Clube de Portugal, football is more than a sport—it’s a reflection of the Alcântara community. “Our club is made up of three colours: yellow, blue, and red,” explains Francisco Brito Pereira, the club’s Head of Communications. “These colours symbolise the resilience and transformation of our neighbourhood.”
Founded in 1942, Atlético CP has been a cornerstone of Alcântara’s identity for over eight decades. From its beginnings during a time of societal change to its role today in a dynamic, evolving neighbourhood, the club has been a constant source of unity and pride for its supporters.
“Atlético represents the people of Alcântara—their struggles, their progress, and their ability to adapt,” says Francisco.
The Atlantic Dispatch sat down with, Francisco Brito Pereira as he shared his insights into the club’s storied past, its connection to the community, and its aspirations for the future.
Francisco delves into what makes Atlético CP stand out, not only as a football institution but also as a vital part of Alcântara’s character and takes a look at the challenges and triumphs of maintaining a football club that remains deeply rooted in the local spirit while navigating the demands of the modern game.
FOR THE RESIDENTS, ATLETICO CLUBE DE PORTUGAL REPRESENTS MORE THAN FOOTBALL
Atlético Clube de Portugal is made up of three colours! Yellow, Blue and Red! Based in Alcântara, our club embodies the neighbourhood’s deep-rooted resilience and transformation.
Founded in 1942, Atlético CP has long served as a symbol of pride and unity for the people of Alcântara, reflecting the area’s journey from aristocratic retreat to industrial hub and, more recently, to a vibrant, modern community.
Just as Alcântara has evolved over the centuries, so has Atlético, adapting to challenges while maintaining its strong connection to local identity.
For the residents, the club represents more than football—it’s a tribute to the neighbourhood’s working-class roots, communal spirit, and ongoing revitalisation, celebrating both the past and present of this historic Lisbon district.
The Estadio da Tapadinha, our Stadium, has a capacity for around 4000 people and for us, it has the best view in all of Portugal!
RESILIENCE PRIDE AND COMMUNITY
Our loyal fans are the heart and soul of everything we do. They are more than supporters in the stands—they are part of our extended family and the very reason this club has endured for generations.
Alcântara’s rich community spirit fuels us, and our fans bring that history, passion, and unity into every match.
Through ups and downs, their unwavering support has been a constant reminder of what we represent: resilience, pride, and community.
Every chant, every cheer, every shared moment in the stands shows us that Atlético is much more than a club; it’s a home for the people of Alcântara, and we’re honoured to represent them on and off the pitch.
INSPIRING OUR COMMUNITY FOR GENERATIONS TO COME
As I said Atlético Clube de Portugal is more than a club—it’s a source of pride and identity for Alcântara. We represent the heart of the community, connecting generations through a shared passion.
On match days, we create a Fan Zone with merchandise, Portuguese sandwiches called “Bifanas”, beer, a bouncy castle, a face painter and a tattoo artist (yes, we really do have people tattooing the Atletico symbol forever!).
Other than that we often visit schools and retirement homes with our players staying deeply connected to the people who support us and carrying the spirit of Alcântara in everything we do.
This season, our aim at Atlético Clube de Portugal is to maximise the potential of our strong squad and ensure maintenance in Liga 3. We’re focused on fostering talent, reinforcing our team’s foundations, and bringing our best to every match.
Looking ahead, we aspire to grow both on and off the pitch, strengthening our community ties and ensuring Atlético continues to be a respected name in Portuguese football.
Our long-term vision is to return to the higher leagues, where we belong, and to keep inspiring our community for generations to come.
A match day at Estádio da Tapadinha is something special—a true taste of Alcântara’s spirit. For anyone who’s never been, expect an atmosphere that’s electric, welcoming, and deeply rooted in tradition.
Beginning with our amazing Fan Zone our fans bring unmatched passion, filling the stands with chants, energy, and pride from start to finish.
You’ll feel the history in every corner of Tapadinha, but also the warmth of a close-knit community that treats you like family.
It’s more than a football match; it’s a shared experience, a celebration of our club and neighbourhood, and a day you won’t forget.
All of our thanks to Atlético Clube de Portugal
You can follow the club here on Instagram
You can also watch the club’s documentary here