Real Madrid is one of the most storied and iconic soccer teams in history. Founded in 1902, the team has seen both triumphs and struggles. Throughout its history, Real Madrid has won a total of 33 La Liga titles and 13 European trophies. But they have also experienced heartbreaking moments, such as their loss to Liverpool in the Champions League final in 2018.
But what has kept Real Madrid afloat, no matter the highs or lows? For one thing, they’re known for their strength in defense. Currently led by captain Sergio Ramos, the team boasts some of the best defensive players in the world, like Raphael Varane and Dani Carvajal. This defensive prowess has been a cornerstone of the club’s success over the years.
Additionally, there’s no limit to how much ambition Real Madrid shows on the field. They are always trying to stay ahead of their competition by signing young stars who will continue to shape their legacy for years to come—players like Eden Hazard and Rodrygo Goes have recently joined the squad with that purpose. That drive for greatness is truly something special about this team—it’s what makes them one of soccer’s most historic and beloved clubs!
Triumphs & Titles Earned by Real Madrid
Real Madrid is one of the most successful teams in the world; since its founding in 1902, Real Madrid has played more than 110 seasons and won an impressive 33 titles. So grab a seat on the edge of it, because it’s time to dive into the glory and learn all about Real Madrid’s championship wins!
The team has dominated international competitions, having won four UEFA Champions League titles in 1998, 2000, 2002 and 2014. In fact, they hold the record for most wins in the competition! Additionally, they have also earned three UEFA Cups and two Intercontinental Cups.
At the domestic level, Real Madrid has won 34 La Liga titles—making them one of the most decorated teams in Spanish football. They’ve also been champions of Copa del Rey 17 times and Supercopa de Espana 10 times. On top of that, they’ve been crowned champions of FIFA Club World Cup four times and have won two European Super Cups.
Real Madrid is a true giant on the international stage with their impressive list of accomplishments—and their never-give-up attitude shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Flaws of the Club & Struggles on the Pitch
Real Madrid has been plagued by a number of issues over the years. While the club’s results have generally been positive, there have been some drawbacks that have held the team back.
Player Relationships
The relationships between Real Madrid players and the coaching staff have not always been ideal. In the past, there have been cases where former players and staff members have clashed over playing time or coaching decisions, resulting in a lack of unity on the pitch. This can be detrimental to a team’s performance in big games.
Injury Problems
Injuries can be devastating for any team and Real Madrid is no exception. In 2018-19, the club was hit by an unprecedented number of injuries that severely hampered their title challenge. These injuries included long-term casualties such as Marco Asensio, who was out for more than half of the season with a knee injury, and Marcelo, who was sidelined with a calf problem for five months.
The lack of depth in their side meant they had to rely on untested youngsters or play key players out of position to make up for these absences and this undoubtedly had an effect on their performances.
Financial Struggles
As one of the biggest clubs in world football, Real Madrid are expect to maintain high levels of spending each year in order to compete at the highest level. However, due to financial difficulties caused by COVID-19, they were forced to cut their payroll by around 10% during the 2020 summer transfer window – something that could potentially hurt them next season if they are unable to find ways around it.
Players That Have Shined for Real Madrid
Real Madrid has had a long and storied history full of successes and struggles, but every era of the team was full of impressive and world-renowned players. Over the years, these players have aided in taking Real Madrid to international heights with stunning moments of triumph.
One player that immediately comes to mind is Cristiano Ronaldo, who helped bring home a total of four Champions League titles between 2013 and 2018. Aside from his individual success, Ronaldo also lead multiple Real Madrid teams to La Liga wins and FIFA Club World Cup victories. Then there’s Luka Modric, who won the 2018 Ballon d’Or award after helping guide Real Madrid to their third consecutive Champions League title that year.
Other star players that have held the torch for Real Madrid over the years include:
- Raul Gonzalez (1994-2010): Led the team in goals for 16 seasons in a row
- Iker Casillas (1999-2015): Backbone of the team during a stretch from 1999-2013 where they won 12 trophies
- Sergio Ramos (2005-present): Captain of every season since 2010, winning 3 La Ligas over that span
- Gareth Bale (2013-2019): Member of 4 successful Champions League seasons for Real Madrid
These are just some examples of players who have left their mark on Real Madrid’s illustrious history—and although they all left at different times, their contributions remain forever etched in everyone’s memory.
Changes in Management & Strategies
One of the major changes that Real Madrid has gone through in recent years is a stick shift in their management and strategies. Although this may have been a difficult transition, it has ultimately helped the team become more successful—and it’s something you should know about.
Management Changes
Real Madrid have had a number of changes in their management throughout their history, with the most recent being in 2018 when Santiago Solari was appointed as manager. The team has also made changes to their overall strategy of focusing on youth development, which has had an impact on their performance.
Change in Strategy
The change in strategy was implement to ensure that the team would become more competitive and start winning more trophies – and it’s work! In particular, Real Madrid have adopted a policy of investing heavily in young talent from around the world and nurturing them into first team players.
This shift in philosophy has been effective for Real Madrid, as evidenced by their success on the pitch. The La Liga title win of 2019-20 season is just one example of the proof that this approach works – so if you’re looking for a club with solid foundations and a bright future, Real Madrid might be worth keeping an eye on!
Supporters of Real Madrid: The Fans That Fuel Them
You might not know it, but Real Madrid’s amazing success would be impossible without their supporters. At home and abroad, their fans—or Madridistas—fill the stadium with chants of encouragement and devotion. These fans are passionate and proud, giving Real Madrid a huge emotional advantage that can fuel them when they’re struggling in a game.
Soccer Fans: A Different Breed
When it comes to sports fandom, soccer fans may be the most passionate. There is energy and enthusiasm that starts before the match and continues through all 90 minutes—and sometimes more if there’s overtime or penalty kicks. And Real Madrid has one of the most passionate fan bases in soccer, with some sources estimating between 9-19 million supporters around the world.
Continual Support in Difficult Times
No matter what the situation is for Real Madrid, their fans always show up cheering and ready to get behind them. During their struggles over the last few years, seeing faithful impassioned supporters singing from the stands has been an incredible boost of morale for the team – they know they can always rely on their dedicated fanbase to carry them through tough times.
Though times have been difficult at times for Real Madrid, there’s no doubt that their devoted supporters have been a major component in their success throughout all these years – they truly are more than just a team, but an entire global community of madridistas supporting them every step of the way.