Atlético Monte Azul were founded on April 28, 1920, by several people, including José Cione, who suggested the name Monte Azul.[2] In the late 1940s, the club professionalized their football department, and joined the Campeonato Paulista in 1950.[2] The club won the Campeonato Paulista Segunda Divisão in 2004.[3] Monte Azul won the Campeonato Paulista Série A2 in 2009, after beating Rio Branco in the final.[4] thus being promoted to compete in the 2010 Campeonato Paulista.[2]