The History of Real Madrid CF
More than 120 years of glory, triumphs, and legends
The Beginning (1902-1940s)
On March 6, 1902, Juan Padrós Rubió and Carlos Padrós Rubió founded Madrid Football Club, which would later receive the 'Real' (Royal) title from King Alfonso XIII in 1920. The club quickly became a powerhouse in Spanish football, winning its first Copa del Rey in 1905.
The Di Stéfano Era (1950s-1960s)
The arrival of Alfredo Di Stéfano in 1953 transformed Real Madrid into the greatest club in Europe. Under president Santiago Bernabéu, the team won an unprecedented five consecutive European Cups (1956-1960), establishing a dynasty that defined European football.
The Quinta del Buitre (1980s-1990s)
The 'Quinta del Buitre' generation — Butragueño, Míchel, Martín Vázquez, Sanchís, and Pardeza — brought a new golden era. Real Madrid dominated La Liga with five consecutive titles (1986-1990) and captivated fans with their attacking style.
The Galácticos Era (2000s)
Under president Florentino Pérez, Real Madrid assembled the most star-studded squad in history: Figo, Zidane, Ronaldo, Beckham, and Roberto Carlos. The club won 2 Champions League titles and 2 La Liga titles, becoming the world's most valuable sports brand.
The Cristiano Ronaldo Era (2009-2018)
Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival in 2009 began the most successful European era in modern football. With 450 goals, he became the club's all-time top scorer. Under Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid won 4 Champions League titles in 5 years (2014-2018), including an unprecedented three in a row.
Present & Future
With stars like Vinícius Jr, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid continues to dominate. The Santiago Bernabéu stadium has undergone a historic €1.8 billion renovation with a retractable roof and 360° panoramic screen, cementing its status as the world's most iconic football venue.
Santiago Bernabéu — Our Fortress
The Santiago Bernabéu has been Real Madrid's home since 1947. With a capacity of 81,044 after its recent renovation, it is one of Europe's most modern stadiums. The new Bernabéu features a retractable pitch, a retractable roof, and a 360-degree panoramic screen — a temple worthy of 15 Champions League titles.
La Fábrica — The Factory of Champions
La Fábrica, located at Ciudad Real Madrid in Valdebebas, is Real Madrid's legendary youth academy. It has produced world-class talent including Raúl, Casillas, Carvajal, and countless others. The state-of-the-art facility spans 120 hectares and serves as the training ground for all Real Madrid teams.
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Photos from Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA / Public Domain)
Real Madrid CF — Historic team photo