The Real Madrid story
Real Madrid was founded in 1902 as Madrid Football Club and received the royal title "Real" from King Alfonso XIII in 1920. The club's identity was forged in the 1950s, when it won the first five European Cups in a row with players such as Alfredo Di Stéfano. Since then the all-white shirt has stood for winning on the biggest stage.
What makes Real Madrid powerful
Real Madrid's power comes from sustained success and global stars. It has won the European Cup and Champions League more times than any other club, and its signings have made it a magnet for attention in every football market. The Santiago Bernabéu stadium, rebuilt with a retractable roof and pitch, is now an events venue as well as a football ground.
Real Madrid today
Real Madrid is owned by its members, the socios, who elect the president. Florentino Pérez has led the club through two long spells. Its revenue comes from broadcasting, matchday income and commercial partners, and the stadium redevelopment has opened new sources of income through concerts and events.
What comes next for Real Madrid
Real Madrid's task is to keep winning while funding its stadium investment and holding on to the member model that defines it. Its fan base and its trophy record give it a strong base for the decade ahead.
Why Real Madrid ranks #8
Real Madrid ranks #23 in WCRC's World's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026 with a Power Score of 78.50.
Europe's ranking carries the same score, which places Real Madrid at #8 among brands of core European origin.
Pillar profile
Real Madrid was assessed on all five pillars and 50 parameters in the World's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026. See its full global profile.
Versus its nearest rivals
3 Sport brands are in the Europe 100. Real Madrid is #1 in its sector.
Questions people ask
What rank is Real Madrid in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026?
Real Madrid ranks #8 of 100 in Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026, with a WCRC Power Score of 78.50 out of 100. It also ranks #23 in WCRC's World's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026.
When was Real Madrid founded and who founded it?
Real Madrid was founded in 1902. Founder(s): Founding members led by Juan Padrós and Carlos Padrós.
Who leads Real Madrid today?
Florentino Pérez, President. The brand is owned by Real Madrid Club de Fútbol (member-owned).
Where is Real Madrid headquartered?
Real Madrid is based in Madrid, Spain. Its country of origin is Spain.
What is Real Madrid's revenue?
€1.22bn operating revenue, excl. player transfers (2025/26 season, +3.1%), according to the company's published results.
What is a signature fact about Real Madrid?
Real Madrid has won the European Cup and UEFA Champions League more times than any other club.
Key facts
| Brand | Real Madrid |
|---|---|
| Company / owner | Real Madrid Club de Fútbol (member-owned) |
| Headquarters | Madrid, Spain |
| Founded | 1902 |
| Founder(s) | Founding members led by Juan Padrós and Carlos Padrós |
| Leadership | Florentino Pérez, President |
| Latest revenue | €1.22bn operating revenue, excl. player transfers (2025/26 season, +3.1%) Source |
| Sector | Sport |
| Country of origin | Spain |
| Signature fact | Real Madrid has won the European Cup and UEFA Champions League more times than any other club. |
| Official website | realmadrid.com |
Real Madrid is ranked #8 in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026 (Power Score 78.50).