On this date: Real Madrid Club de Fútbol was founded 122 years ago

Real Madrid, simply one of the best

The word "Real" in the club's name means "royal" in Spanish, and this title was given to the club by Alfonso XIII in 1920. Along with the designation, the royal crown was added to its logo.

In 1943, Santiago Bernabéu Yeste became the president of Real Madrid. Beginning in 1953, he made transfers that would provide worldwide prestige, including the acquisition of Argentine sensation Alfredo Di Stéfano who debuted with the club in September 1953.

The history of the Spanish giants, famous for winning all the championships a club can possibly win in Europe, are well known across the globe. The history of the Great Royal Club has witnessed many legends wearing the Los Blancos (The Whites) jersey.

Among the all-time greats are Hungarian Ferenc Puskás, Di Stéfano, Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, Frenchman Karim Benzema, the home-grown star Raúl González, the Frenchman Zinedine Zidane, the Brazilian Ronaldo and England's David Beckham.

Championships won by Real Madrid

• Champions League: 14
• Spain's La Liga: 35
• Copa del Rey: 20
• Spanish Super Cup: 13

These achievements make Real Madrid one of the most successful clubs in the history of football, nationally and internationally. Madrid has also won the Spanish Super Cup 13 times, the European Super Cup five times, the Europa League twice, and the Intercontinental Cup three times.

Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo is Real Madrid's all-time top scorer with 451 goals in 438 matches in various competitions. Ronaldo played for Real Madrid from 2009 to 2018 and won the Champions League four times, La Liga the Copa del Rey, the UEFA Super Cup and the Super Copa of Spain twice.

Right after Ronaldo comes Benzema, who scored 354 goals in 648 games. The man who won the Ballon d'Or in 2022 has earned a special place among the legends of Madrid, surpassing Raúl (323 goals) and Di Stéfano (308).

Raúl González boasts the most appearances in Real Madrid history, with 741 matches played. Right behind him is his former colleague, the legendary goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who earned 725 caps.

Madridistas: More Than Just Fans

Real Madrid's supporters are not just fans, they are Madridistas, aka "supporters of Madrid." The nickname signifies a deep-rooted loyalty that transcends generations. Madridistas are a passionate brotherhood (or sisterhood) united by their unwavering belief in Los Blancos. They are the beating heart of the Bernabéu, their chants of "Hala Madrid!" echoing through the stands, a constant source of energy and motivation for the players on the pitch.

Madridistas are also known for their impressive tifos (choreagraphed flags) and elaborate displays showcasing their dedication and creativity. These large-scale visuals add an electrifying element to the Bernabéu atmosphere, solidifying the Madridista identity as a force to be reckoned with.

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

"It is the pride of all Madridistas. It is part of our lives. And it will be our strongest ally to realize all our dreams."

Florentino Pérez about Santiago Bernabéu

The iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium serves as the proud home of Real Madrid. Inaugurated in 1947, it holds 85,000 spectators with a total seating capacity of 96,000+, making it the second-largest stadium in Spain. This magnificent venue has witnessed countless legendary matches and historic victories throughout Real Madrid's illustrious history. Currently undergoing a major renovation, the Bernabéu is set to transform into a state-of-the-art stadium, further solidifying its status as one of the most prestigious footballing grounds in the world.

Congratulatory messages from Madrid legends

"Congratulations Real Madrid. 122 years of writing some of the most golden pages of football. An honor to have been a part."

Sergio Ramos

"Congratulations on these 122 years of history, Madridista family! Hala Madrid!"

Cristiano Ronaldo

"122 years of history. Congratulations Real Madrid."

Pepe

"Congratulations My Madrid. 122 Years of legend. An immense joy to be a Madridista."

Marcelo

"122 years of glory."

Kaka