In BTS's "Arirang" music night held at Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium (Spain), Suga appeared on stage with a jersey model believed to be a new design of Atletico Madrid football club for the 2026-2027 season. This is considered the first time this jersey model has appeared in public, although the club has not officially announced it.
The Suga shirt worn is personalized with the name and jersey number "Suga 7" on the back. According to Spanish media, the male artist's appearance in the new shirt right at Atletico Madrid's home stadium is considered a special introduction move before the team deploys the official communication campaign for the new season.
Suga's appearance quickly attracted the attention of the sports and fashion media. A Spanish media channel commented: "Suga, a member of BTS, surprised when appearing with a new Atletico Madrid jersey at the Metropolitano stadium. Although the club has not officially launched the jersey, the first person to wear it to the public is Suga".
Atletico Madrid also took action to interact on official social media platforms when sharing images of Suga with the status line: "Army Bomb (BTS lightstick) is shining brightly in red and white tonight. The shirt is very suitable for you, Suga!" In addition, the Club's Sales and Operations Director also reposted this moment on his personal page with a red and white heart icon.
This is not the first time Suga has cooperated with major sports brands. Previously, the male rapper took on the role of Global Ambassador of the National Basketball Association of North America (NBA) and participated in the launch of the NBA x Agust D cooperation collection. He also cooperated with the Oakland Athletics baseball team to release a limited edition jersey, attracting great interest from fans.
According to observers, Atletico Madrid's choice of a globally influential K-pop star like Suga to promote its image is seen as part of the club's strategy to expand its appeal in the Asian market.
This move takes place in the context of Atletico Madrid preparing for their summer tour in South Korea in August. In addition, the team is also contacted by the media with a number of transfer deals related to Korean players, including midfielder Lee Kang In.
The combination of football and an artist with a large fan base like Suga is expected to contribute to increasing the brand promotion efficiency of the club in the Asian market.
