Real Madrid

Founded in 1902 as Madrid Football Club, Real Madrid is a global sporting institution headquartered in the Spanish capital. The club received the royal title "Real" from King Alfonso XIII in 1920, cementing its prestigious identity. Its home is the legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, a colossal arena with a capacity of over 81,000, renowned for its iconic white facade and a history of hosting major finals, including the FIFA World Cup and European Championship. Real Madrid's trophy cabinet is unparalleled, boasting a record 15 UEFA Champions League/European Cup titles, including an unprecedented five consecutive wins from 1956 to 1960. Domestically, they have secured a record 36 La Liga titles and 20 Copa del Rey trophies. This success is built on a legacy of legendary players, including Alfredo Di Stéfano, Ferenc Puskás, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo Nazário, and modern icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, who became the club's all-time top scorer. The club's identity is synonymous with attacking, galáctico football, often assembling teams of global superstars. The "Madridismo" fan culture is fiercely passionate, with the Bernabéu known for its demanding yet supportive atmosphere. A defining rivalry is "El Clásico" against FC Barcelona, a clash transcending sport to embody cultural and political tensions. Currently, Real Madrid remains a dominant force in La Liga and Europe, consistently challenging for top honors under manager Carlo Ancelotti. An interesting fact is their policy of signing "Galácticos"—world-class superstars—which has defined multiple eras of the club's history.