Spanish clubs carrying 'Real' title connected to monarchy's history
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 9, 2026, 8:41 AM
Last updated Oct 9, 2026
The title of 'Real', which means 'Royal', is granted to Spanish football clubs by the monarchy, not based on sporting success. The first club to receive this distinction was Real Club Deportivo de A Coruña in 1909, followed by clubs like Real Madrid in 1920. Currently, 11 clubs in Spain's top two divisions hold the title. Becoming 'Real' requires royal patronage, without any specific sporting achievement. Historical examples show clubs have formally requested this status, as demonstrated by Club Deportivo Gara in 2012.
- •11 clubs in La Liga have 'Real' in their names.
- •Real Madrid became 'Real' in 1920 under King Alfonso XIII.
- •Clubs do not need to win titles to obtain 'Real' status.
- •Royal patronage enhances a club's prestige.
- •Club Deportivo Gara received the title in 2012 after a formal request.
- 8:41 AMYahoo Sports — How do Spanish clubs become 'Real' or 'royal'?
- 8:41 AMBBC Football — How do Spanish clubs become 'Real' or 'royal'?
"The title of 'Real' is bestowed upon Spanish clubs by the country's monarchy but it has little to do with achievements on the field.
"The title of 'Real' is bestowed upon Spanish clubs by the country's monarchy but it has little to do with achievements on the field.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsOct 9, 2026, 8:41 AMHow do Spanish clubs become 'Real' or 'royal'?
The title of 'Real' is bestowed upon Spanish clubs by the country's monarchy but it has little to do with achievements on the field.
- BBC FootballOct 9, 2026, 8:41 AMHow do Spanish clubs become 'Real' or 'royal'?
The title of 'Real' is bestowed upon Spanish clubs by the country's monarchy but it has little to do with achievements on the field.
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