Real Madrid

When thinking about 'Real Madrid' you'd probably say that this prolific football club has achieved everything a club would always want. Founded in 1902 as 'Fútbol Club Madrid', it was renamed in 1020 after King Alfonso XIII gave them royal patronage, giving the club the title of "Real" (meaning "royal" in English). 

‘Real Madrid’ was successful from the start: it became the first Spanish soccer club to win the 'Copa del Rey' title twice, in 1905 and 1908. At first, the team disputed its matches at 'Campo de O'Donnell', until they moved to 'Nuevo Estadio Chamartín' in 1947, which was then renamed 'Santiago Bernabéu' in 1955, after Santiago Bernabéu Yest, a former player who then served as the club's president, from 1943 to 1978.

The next generations

The team won many titles and became internationally known for its talents. This status solidified when Santiago Bernabéu Yeste became the club's president. The former club captain, manager and director was elected for the first time in 1945, and he immediately signed the best players he found from all around the world. Among those exceptional players was Argentine talent Alfredo Di Stéfano, who then became an eminence.

The club became one of the most famous and prolific in the world, winning multiple awards and training lots of the best soccer players ever known. When Florentino Pérez was elected president of 'Real Madrid', he was responsible for lots of the most expensive transfers ever made. He had the idea of forming a so-called "dream team": he bought big names such as Zinedine Zidane and David Beckham, but did not think about team balance. His dreams didn't work out and 'Real Madrid' lost the 2003 'Champions League' title, alongside other titles. 

During the 2011/12 season, the club celebrated its 110th anniversary and became the champion team, breaking the record of the club with the most points in the history of Spanish 'La Liga'. It also set a record for goals, with 121. 

Awards

These are some of the many titles 'Real Madrid' won:

34 'La Liga'

19 'Copa del Rey'

11 'Supercopa de España'

7 'Club World'

4 UEFA 'Super Cup'

Curiosities

When reviewing 'Real Madrid's history it cannot be left behind its supposed connection with General Francisco Franco. It is said that Franco realized that having the 'Real Madrid' being pretty successful would be perfect propaganda for him. However, it's known that Bernabéu banned General Millán Astray, who was very close to Franco, from the stadium.