Real Madrid CF
Spanish football team.
Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, commonly known as Real Madrid, is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. Founded in 1902 as Madrid Football Club, the club has become one of the most successful and widely supported teams in world football. Real Madrid plays its home games at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, which has a capacity of 81,044 spectators.
The club's distinctive all-white home kit has led to the nickname "Los Blancos" (The Whites). Real Madrid received the royal patronage from King Alfonso XIII in 1920, adding the title "Real" (Royal) to its name. Throughout its history, Real Madrid has been synonymous with success and glamour in football.
Real Madrid has won a record 35 La Liga titles, 20 Copa del Rey trophies, and an unprecedented 14 UEFA Champions League/European Cup titles. The club's first major period of success came in the 1950s and 1960s, during which they won five consecutive European Cups from 1956 to 1960. This team, featuring legends like Alfredo Di Stéfano and Ferenc Puskás, is considered one of the greatest in football history.
The club has continued to achieve success in subsequent decades, with notable periods including the "Quinta del Buitre" era in the 1980s and the "Galácticos" era in the early 2000s. The Galácticos policy, implemented by president Florentino Pérez, involved signing world-class players like Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, and David Beckham.
Real Madrid's rivalry with Barcelona, known as "El Clásico," is one of the most famous and fiercely contested in world football. These matches often have significant implications for the La Liga title race and attract global attention. The club also maintains a strong rivalry with city neighbors Atlético Madrid in the Madrid Derby.
The club's youth academy, La Fábrica, has produced numerous talented players who have gone on to have successful careers both at Real Madrid and other top clubs. Notable academy graduates include Emilio Butragueño, Raúl, and Iker Casillas.
In recent years, Real Madrid has continued its tradition of success, winning multiple Champions League titles, including three consecutive victories from 2016 to 2018. The club has also maintained its policy of signing top talent, with players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, and more recently, Kylian Mbappé joining the ranks.
Real Madrid's influence extends beyond the pitch, with the club being one of the richest and most valuable sports teams in the world. Its global fan base and commercial success have made it a true powerhouse in modern football.
As of 2024, Real Madrid continues to compete at the highest level of Spanish and European football, maintaining its status as one of the world's elite clubs.