La Liga
By Staff Writer — 9 October 2026
Real Madrid went from Madrid Football Club to Real Madrid in 1920 after King Alfonso XIII granted the club the right to use the title ‘Real’
You will have heard the names of Spanish clubs like Real Madrid, Real Sociedad and Real Betis.
But what does the word ‘Real’ actually mean?
It’s translated simply to ‘Royal’ and it is not just a decorative addition to a club’s name, or a title awarded to clubs for winning trophies.
It is a historic distinction connected to Spain’s monarchy and one that has been carried by some football clubs for more than a century.
The top two Spanish divisions currently feature 11 clubs who carry the royal designation in their names.
In La Liga, they are Real Madrid, Real Betis, Real Sociedad, Real Racing Club, Real Club Celta de Vigo, Real Club Deportivo Espanyol and Real Club Deportivo de A Coruna.
In the second tier, they are Real Club Deportivo Mallorca, Real Oviedo, Real Sporting de Gijon and Real Valladolid.
The story goes back to the reign of King Alfonso XIII, who took an interest in the rapidly developing sport of football.
The first Spanish football organisation to receive the distinction was Real Club Deportivo de A Coruna.
The club’s own history says Alfonso XIII granted it the title of ‘Real’ in 1909, while he also accepted the honorary presidency, which was the most direct way to earn the royal title.
A crown was added to the club’s badge providing a visible symbol of its new royal patronage.
Real Sociedad, based in San Sebastian, was the next to get the seal of approval, in 1910. The distinction carried particular significance in the city on the north west coast of Spain because it was where the royal family regularly spent their summers. The club is also known as ‘La Real’.
Espanyol received the honour in 1912, becoming Real Club Deportivo Espanyol and Real Sporting also traces its title to 1912, after Alfonso XIII accepted the honorary presidency of the Gijon club.
The practice continued through the early 20th century as football rapidly expanded across Spain.
As clubs became established in cities and regions around the country, royal patronage gave some extra prestige. Receiving the ‘Real’ title could strengthen their social standing while establishing a connection with the country’s monarchy.
And then came perhaps the most famous example of all.
Real Madrid was founded in 1902 as Madrid Football Club.
But in 1920, Alfonso XIII granted the club the right to use the title ‘Real’, with a letter from the monarch’s household formally giving the club permission to place the designation before its name. The royal crown was subsequently incorporated into its crest.
There is no sporting qualification needed to become ‘Real’. A club does not become ‘Real’ by winning La Liga, lifting the Copa del Rey, reaching Europe or being promoted to the top flight.
Historically, clubs sought royal patronage and the monarch could grant the designation. Modern examples show that some form of formal request and supporting case can still be made.
That process was demonstrated by Club Deportivo Gara in the small town of Garachico in Tenerife. They play in a league seven tiers below La Liga.
During its centenary celebrations in 2012, the club sought royal recognition. In June that year, the royal house granted the title, allowing the club to become Real Club Deportivo Gara.
