Real Madrid C.F.

Real Madrid Club de Fútbol was founded on March 6, 1902, as Madrid Football Club. The club was officially founded after the previous existence of an earlier football club formed by students at the Institución Libre de Enseñanza. The club quickly grew in popularity and became one of the key sports clubs in Spain, participating actively in the development of football in the country.

On June 13, 1947, Real Madrid inaugurated its new stadium, the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, named after their legendary president Santiago Bernabéu. The stadium was initially called Nuevo Estadio Chamartín before being renamed in honor of the president. It became one of the most iconic football stadiums worldwide and has been the home to many of the club's historic moments and triumphs. It initially had a capacity of 75,145 spectators, which has been modified over the years through various renovations.

The European Cup was created in 1955, largely inspired and pushed by Real Madrid's president at the time, Santiago Bernabéu and Gabriel Hanot, editor of L'Équipe. Real Madrid became heavily associated with the tournament as they dominated the early years, winning the first five consecutive editions from 1956 to 1960. This achievement underscored their stature as a formidable football powerhouse in Europe and around the world.

On May 18, 1960, Real Madrid defeated Eintracht Frankfurt 7-3 in the final held at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland, securing their fifth consecutive European Cup. This match is regarded as one of the greatest displays of attacking football and showcased legends like Alfredo Di Stéfano and Ferenc Puskás. Di Stéfano scored three goals, while Puskás scored four. This victory cemented Real Madrid's dominance in European football during this era.

The 1980s saw the emergence of 'La Quinta del Buitre', a term referring to a group of home-grown Real Madrid players who largely shaped the club's success in that decade. The group included Emilio Butragueño, Manuel Sanchís, Martín Vázquez, Míchel, and Miguel Pardeza. Their collective talent brought about an era of domestic dominance, which saw Real Madrid winning multiple La Liga titles and establishing a strong domestic presence, influencing Spanish football significantly.

On May 20, 1998, Real Madrid claimed their seventh UEFA Champions League title after a prolonged gap of 32 years without securing Europe's premier club trophy. Real Madrid defeated Juventus 1-0 in the final, held at the Amsterdam Arena in the Netherlands. The match-winning goal was scored by Predrag Mijatović. This victory marked a significant revival for Real Madrid on the European stage, repositioning them back among the continent's elite clubs.

The signing of Portuguese star Luís Figo from FC Barcelona on July 16, 2000, marked the beginning of the famous 'Galácticos' era under club president Florentino Pérez. It was a massive and controversial transfer as Figo was one of Barcelona's best players at the time. The 'Galácticos' were known for comprising top world stars including Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, and David Beckham, which defined a new chapter of global dominance in both commercial and sporting aspects for Real Madrid.

On May 15, 2002, Real Madrid claimed their ninth European Cup (now UEFA Champions League), defeating Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 in the final held at Hampden Park, Glasgow. The match is famously remembered for Zinedine Zidane's stunning left-footed volley from the edge of the penalty area, which became an iconic moment in football history. This victory reinforced Real Madrid's legendary status in European football, with their star-studded lineup proving critical to their success.

Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid became official on June 1, 2009. The transfer fee of £80 million was a world record at the time. Ronaldo's time at Real Madrid is remembered for numerous individual accolades, becoming the club's all-time top scorer, and helping the team win multiple UEFA Champions Leagues, La Liga titles, and other trophies. His impact on the club was monumental both on and off the pitch.

Real Madrid defeated Liverpool 3-1 in the 2018 UEFA Champions League Final, held on May 26, 2018, at the NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium in Kyiv. This victory marked Real Madrid's third consecutive Champions League title under manager Zinedine Zidane, a feat not achieved since Bayern Munich's three-title run in the 1970s. Gareth Bale scored one of the final's most memorable goals with an overhead bicycle kick that sealed the victory. This triumph solidified their status in modern football.