1. History of Real Madrid

Real Madrid Club de Fútbol was officially founded on 6 March 1902 in Madrid, Spain, originally named Madrid Football Club. The club was started by football enthusiasts including Julián Palacios and the Padrós brothers who helped structure and lead the early club. In 1920, King Alfonso XIII granted the title “Real” (Royal), adding a crown to the club’s crest and renaming it Real Madrid. (realkit.ir)

Throughout its long history, Real Madrid has become one of the most successful and famous football clubs in the world. It grew especially during the 1950s with stars like Alfredo Di Stéfano and Ferenc Puskás, dominating early European competitions and winning the first five European Cups (now the Champions League). The club continued success domestically and internationally through succeeding generations. (Beytoote)

2. First Leaders

• First President: Julián Palacios is recognized as the club’s first president in the earliest foundations (around 1900–1902). (dxs.fandom.com)

• Other early presidents included the Padrós brothers (Juan and Carlos), who were crucial in formalizing the club and organizing early competitions. (Wikipedia)

• Santiago Bernabéu became president in 1943 and transformed the club into a global powerhouse, leading major investments in players, infrastructure, and the building of the modern stadium. (Beytoote)

3. Stadium – Bernabéu

Real Madrid’s historic home stadium has been the Bernabéu Stadium (officially renamed simply Bernabéu in 2025) since 14 December 1947. It was originally called Nuevo Chamartín before being renamed in honour of president Santiago Bernabéu. The current capacity is around 83,000 spectators, and it is among the most iconic football stadiums in the world. (Wikipedia)

4. Major Honours and Records

Real Madrid is one of the most successful clubs in history:

Domestic Titles

• Multiple La Liga championships (record holders)

• Multiple Copa del Rey titles (Spanish Cup)

• Multiple Spanish Super Cup trophies

International Titles

• Record UEFA Champions League titles, more than any other club. (Beytoote)

The club is known for dominating European football, including being the first to win three Champions Leagues in a row in the modern era. (Facebook)

5. Current Head Coach and Management (2025/26)

• Head Coach: Xabi Alonso — appointed manager from June 2025, a former club legend who played for Real Madrid and returned as coach with a multi-year contract. (The Guardian)

• President: Florentino Pérez, the long-serving and influential club president.

Note: Some veteran players like Luka Modrić left the club in 2025, marking the end of a major era. (Le Monde.fr)

6. Current Key Players

As of the 2025/26 season, Real Madrid’s first-team squad includes (but is not limited to):

• Kylian Mbappé – star striker and 2024–25 European Golden Boot winner. (Managing Madrid)

• Rodrygo, Vinícius Jr. – key attacking players.

• Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde – midfield talents.

• Thibaut Courtois – veteran goalkeeper.

• Antonio Rüdiger, Fran García, Álvaro Carreras – defense.

(The squad changes over time with transfers, injuries, and rotation.)

7. Club Legends (All-Time Great Players)

Some of the most iconic Real Madrid legends include:

• Alfredo Di Stéfano – central figure in the club’s 1950s European dominance.

• Ferenc Puskás – legendary forward.

• Raúl González – long-time captain and club icon.

• Cristiano Ronaldo – all-time leading goalscorer in modern era

• Iker Casillas – legendary goalkeeper

• Zinedine Zidane – club legend both as player and coach.

These players helped shape the club’s history and are celebrated by fans worldwide. (Beytoote)

8. Traditional Rival – FC Barcelona

Real Madrid’s most famous and historic rival is FC Barcelona. Matches between them are called El Clásico, and this rivalry is one of the fiercest in world football, featuring political, cultural, and sporting dimensions. (Wikipedia)

Real Madrid vs Barcelona matches are major global events watched by millions of fans. The rivalry pushes both clubs to compete at the highest level almost every season in La Liga, Copa del Rey, and European competitions. (Wikipedia)

9. Summary

Real Madrid is not just a football club — it’s a global sporting institution with a history of excellence, world-class players, record-breaking achievements, and legendary status in world football. It combines domestic dominance in Spain with unrivalled success in European and international competitions, and its battles with Barcelona remain among the most watched fixtures in the sport. (Beytoote)