Real Madrid CF 2026, The legend of the best club of the 20th century

Real Madrid CF 2026, The legend of the best club of the 20th century

⚽ At The Sun Places, we know that there are passions that transcend luxury. One of them is the white feeling.

Real Madrid CF is the most decorated and recognised sports institution on the planet, a club that has written the goldenest pages in the history of sport. Its almost 125 years of life are full of epic feats, eternal rivalries and players who became myths.

For sports lovers, visiting Madrid and not feeling the greatness of Real Madrid CF is like missing the essence of the capital. That is why The Sun Places wants to be your host to live this passion, staying in the utmost luxury while you explore the white temple and its surroundings.

Real Madrid CF is not just a club; it is a feeling that is breathed in every corner of the city.

Real Madrid CF is synonymous with greatness. Chosen by FIFA as the "Best Club of the 20th Century" in 2000, its record is a collection of unparalleled trophies worldwide.

The entity, which has more than 93,000 members, is a social and sporting giant. In 2026, Real Madrid CF remains the king of Europe and a benchmark in every corner of the planet.

Its ability to reinvent itself, its iron will to win and its connection with the fans make it a unique case in sport. Below, we break down the pillars of this colossus: its history, titles, presidents, players, stadium, sports sections and the profound meaning it has for Madrid and the world.

📜  History and foundation of Real Madrid CF

The history of Real Madrid CF officially began on 6 March 1902, when the Padrós brothers, together with former members of the 'Foot Ball Club Sky', founded the 'Madrid Foot Ball Club'. Julián Palacios served as its first president, but it was Juan Padrós who would become the first elected president of the entity, ushering in a new era in Spanish football.

In 1920, the club received a great honour: King Alfonso XIII granted the title of "Real" (Royal) to the entity. A royal letter of 29 June 1920 gave permission for the club to be renamed 'Real Madrid Club de Fútbol'.

In its first decades, the club established itself as a leading team at national level, winning several Copa del Rey trophies and regional championships. However, the arrival of Santiago Bernabéu to the presidency in 1943 was the real turning point.

Bernabéu, a visionary, transformed the entity, built the stadium that today bears his name (inaugurated in 1947) and laid the foundations for the conquest of the first five consecutive European Cups between 1956 and 1960, led by Alfredo Di Stéfano and Ferenc Puskás.

Since then, Real Madrid CF has not stopped growing, adding to its legend figures such as Amancio, Santillana, Hugo Sánchez, Emilio Butragueño, Raúl, Zinedine Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić, among many others.

Real Madrid CF in 2026 remains the reigning king of Europe, defending its crown in a new era.

🏆 Real Madrid CF's trophy cabinet: The King of Cups

Real Madrid CF's trophy cabinet is the most impressive in world football. It is the club with the most titles in history. Below is the breakdown of its collection of trophies at national and international level, according to official club data:

  • National competitions: Real Madrid CF dominates in Spain. It has 36 Leagues (more than any other club), 20 Copas del Rey, 13 Spanish Supercups and 1 League Cup. These numbers reflect almost total hegemony in national football for over a century
  • International competitions: This is where Real Madrid CF reaches mythical status. It is the club with the most European Cups / UEFA Champions Leagues in the world, with a total of 15 (from 1956 to 2024). To these are added 9 Club World Cups, 6 European Supercups and 2 UEFA Cups. In addition, it has the prestigious FIFA Trophy for Best Club of the 20th Century and other titles such as Small World Cups (2) and Latin Cups (2)
  • Unique records: Real Madrid CF is the only club that has been able to win five consecutive European Cups (1956-1960), a feat that no one has been able to match. In addition, it is the institution with the highest number of European Cups among all the club's sports sections (football and basketball), totalling 26, an absolute continental dominance.

🏀  Real Madrid CF's sports sections

Real Madrid CF is not just football.

It is a multi-sport entity that has achieved notable success in other disciplines, especially basketball. The basketball section of Real Madrid CF was refounded in 1957 (although it existed since the 1930s) and is, together with football, one of the most decorated in Europe.

Real Madrid CF's basketball team has won 11 European Cups / Euroleagues (the last in 2023), 35 ACB Leagues and 29 Copas del Rey, being the club with the most titles in the history of Spanish basketball.

In addition, Real Madrid CF has handball sections (with a notable trajectory in the 80s), volleyball, rugby and athletics, many of them with national and international titles.

In total, the different sections of Real Madrid CF add up to hundreds of trophies, demonstrating that the greatness of the club transcends football.

For sports lovers, visiting the Valdebebas Sports City or the Palacio de Vistalegre (where basketball is played) is an ideal complementary experience. Real Madrid CF is, without a doubt, the most complete club in the world.

🏛️ Legendary presidents of Real Madrid CF

Behind every great club there are great presidents. Real Madrid CF has been fortunate to have leaders who marked an era. Among them, two colossal figures stand out: Santiago Bernabéu and Florentino Pérez.

  • Santiago Bernabéu (1943-1978): He is the most iconic president and the main architect of modern Real Madrid CF. Under his mandate, the stadium that today bears his name was built (inaugurated in 1947), the Sports City was created and the five consecutive European Cups were forged. His long-term vision and ability to attract talent (such as Di Stéfano) transformed the club into a world giant. He is the second president with the most titles (31) in the club's history
  • Florentino Pérez (2000-2006, 2009-present): He is the most decorated president in the history of Real Madrid CF and one of the most influential in world sport. Under his mandate, the club has won 66 titles, including 7 European Cups, 5 Club World Cups and 5 Leagues. His management has been marked by the galactic signing policy (Zidane, Ronaldo, Beckham) and a colossal economic strategy. With 37 titles, he is the president with the most trophies in the 124-year history of the club, surpassing Bernabéu. His legacy includes the total modernisation of the Santiago Bernabéu and the era of 4 Champions Leagues in 5 years (2014-2018) with Cristiano Ronaldo
  • Other notable presidents: Besides these two titans, other presidents contributed to the legend: Carlos Padrós, brother of the founder, was a key promoter; Ramón Mendoza (1985-1995) presided over the Quinta del Buitre; and Lorenzo Sanz (1995-2000) returned European glory to the club with the Seventh European Cup in 1998
  • The list of presidents of Real Madrid CF is a list of passionate figures who built an unforgettable history

🥇 The legends who wore the Real Madrid CF shirt

Real Madrid CF is a museum of stars. The most elegant and winning footballers in history have passed through its dressing room. It is impossible to mention them all, but some have earned an immortal place in the Olympus of sport.

  • Alfredo Di Stéfano (1953-1964): The "Blond Arrow". For many, the best player in the history of Real Madrid CF and the architect of the five European Cups. His versatility, leadership and goalscoring ability (216 goals) redefined attacking football
  • Cristiano Ronaldo (2009-2018): A record machine. He is the club's all-time top scorer with 450 goals in 438 matches and was a key player in winning 4 Champions Leagues, 3 Club World Cups, 2 Leagues and 2 Copas del Rey. He is, for many, the best superstar of the modern era of Real Madrid CF
  • Raúl González (1994-2010): The eternal "Seven". He is the player with the most official matches played (741) in the club's history and the second highest scorer. A symbol of the Madridista race and grit
  • Zinedine Zidane (2001-2006): Elegance made football. Author of the most famous volley goal in history in the 2002 Champions League final. As a coach, he led Real Madrid CF to win 3 consecutive Champions Leagues (2016-2018), an unprecedented feat
  • Iker Casillas (1999-2015): The "Saint". Formed in the youth academy, he was the goalkeeper and captain of Real Madrid CF for more than a decade. He won 3 Champions Leagues and 5 Leagues. He is the goalkeeper with the most matches in the club's history
  • Ferenc Puskás (1958-1966): "The Galloping Major". Hungarian striker, author of 242 goals in 262 matches. His left foot was a legend, and he formed an unstoppable duo with Di Stéfano
  • Other legends: Paco Gento (the only one with 6 European Cups), Hugo Sánchez (the all-time Mexican top scorer), Emilio Butragueño (the "Quinta del Buitre"), Roberto Carlos (the best left-back in history), Luis Figo (the first galactico) and many more. Real Madrid CF is a factory of myths

📸 The Real Madrid CF museum: A journey through glory

The Bernabéu Tour is one of the most in-demand tourist experiences in Madrid. This tour allows Real Madrid CF fans to delve into the heart of the club and experience history from within.

The Real Madrid CF museum houses a unique collection of trophies in the world, including the 15 European Cups, the 9 Club World Cups and the 36 Leagues, among others. Visitors can access exclusive areas such as the dressing rooms, the bench, the press room and the pitch.

In addition, the tour includes interactive areas that recount the club's most epic moments. In 2026, the museum continues to be updated to include the most recent triumphs and offer a state-of-the-art immersive experience.

It is a must-stop for any sports lover and one of the most recommended activities by The Sun Places for its guests.

🏟️ Santiago Bernabéu: The temple of modern football for Real Madrid CF

The Santiago Bernabéu is not just Real Madrid CF's stadium; it is an architectural icon and an emblem of Madrid's modernity. Inaugurated on 14 December 1947, it has been deeply renovated in recent years to become the "Stadium of the Future".

The transformation, completed in its main phase in 2024, has given the stadium a retractable roof that protects the pitch, a new steel facade and a panoramic 360° LED screen inside. In 2026, the 83,186-seat stadium remains a world benchmark, not only for football, but also for hosting global events such as concerts or NFL games.

The experience of watching a Real Madrid CF match in this renovated coliseum is overwhelming. The stadium is located in the financial heart of the city, on the Paseo de la Castellana, just a few minutes from the best hotels, restaurants and luxury shops.

For The Sun Places, which is in the Salamanca District, a trip to the Bernabéu is quick and easy.

🎭 What Real Madrid CF represents for Madrid and The Sun Places

Real Madrid CF is the most representative entity of Madrid along with its museums and the Royal Palace. It is a symbol of improvement, a global showcase for the city and a first-order economic and social engine.

For The Sun Places, living the passion for Real Madrid CF is part of the luxury experience in the capital. That is why our Luxury Apartments in Madrid are located in areas such as the Salamanca District and near the Paseo de la Castellana, allowing you to feel the Madridista atmosphere in your surroundings.

Real Madrid CF is the club that has inspired generations and that, together with the culture of the Theatres of Madrid, the gastronomy of the Michelin Star Restaurants in Madrid and the history of Madrid of the Austrias, makes Madrid the most vibrant city in the world.

In addition, it is a perfect complement to a getaway that combines sporting excellence with shopping on Serrano Street and the charm of San Miguel Market.

✨ The perfect plan with The Sun Places to experience Real Madrid CF

Friday: Arrival and pre-match atmosphere. You settle into your Luxury Apartment in Madrid. In the evening, you have dinner at a grill restaurant in the Chamartín area and feel the pre-match atmosphere in the bars near the stadium.

Saturday:

  • Match day at the Bernabéu
  • In the morning, you take the Bernabéu Tour to see the museum and the dressing rooms and to finish off with a good Squid Sandwich
  • In the afternoon, you prepare to experience the Real Madrid CF match. Living the experience from a vip area of the stadium with high-quality gastronomy is an invaluable luxury
  • After the match, the party continues at the Kapital nightclub or at any fashionable cocktail bar in the Salamanca District

Sunday: Visit to the Sports City and the best shops

  • You visit the Valdebebas facilities, where Real Madrid CF trains
  • A complete and unforgettable weekend experience

Ready to experience the greatness of Real Madrid CF with the luxury and comfort of The Sun Places?

📞 Contact us and let us organise your perfect sports getaway.

But if you prefer other destinations, The Sun Places also has prepared for you: Luxury Apartments in Barcelona, Luxury Accommodation on the Costa Brava, Luxury Apartments in Seville, Luxury Apartments in Cádiz, Luxury Apartments in Puerto Banús, Luxury Accommodation in Sanlúcar de Barrameda and Luxury Apartments in Córdoba.