Founded in Madrid in 1902, Real Madrid is the most decorated club in football history. They hold the record with 15 Champions League (formerly European Cup) titles and have won La Liga 36 times. Legends such as Di Stefano, Puskas, Zidane, and Ronaldo have all worn the famous white shirt across generations.

The "Galacticos" policy of the early 2000s epitomised the club's philosophy of assembling the world's greatest talent. That approach continues today with the signings of Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, as the club builds towards a new golden era.

Originally opened in 1947, the Santiago Bernabeu has undergone a spectacular renovation since 2019. The modernised arena features a retractable roof and a 360-degree LED screen, transforming it into a multipurpose venue capable of hosting concerts and events beyond matchdays. The post-renovation capacity stands at 81,044.

An automated pitch management system beneath the stadium allows the entire playing surface to retract underground, revealing an alternative floor. The renovation cost approximately two billion euros, making it the largest football facility project in history.

In June 2025, Xabi Alonso was appointed manager after guiding Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title. The return of a club legend who spent five seasons at Real Madrid generated enormous excitement. However, by mutual agreement, he departed in January 2026 and was replaced by former player Alvaro Arbeloa.