Crowned in history: How Spanish clubs earn the royal title 'Real' — and why trophies have nothing to do with it
Real Madrid, Real Sociedad, Real Betis — the word 'Real' is woven through Spanish football, appearing on crests, shirts and stadia across the country. But what does it actually mean, and how does a club earn it?
The answer, translated simply, is 'Royal'. Far from being a decorative addition or a prize handed out for winning trophies, the 'Real' designation is a historic distinction connected directly to Spain's monarchy — one that some clubs have carried for more than a century.
Today, the top two divisions of Spanish football feature 11 clubs with the royal title in their names.
Which clubs carry the royal title?
In La Liga, seven clubs hold the designation: 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, four more carry the crown: Real Club Deportivo Mallorca, Real Oviedo, Real Sporting de Gijon and Real Valladolid.
The story begins with King Alfonso XIII
The origins of the practice trace back to the reign of King Alfonso XIII, who took a keen interest in the rapidly developing sport of football.
The first Spanish football organisation to receive the distinction was Real Club Deportivo de A Coruna. According to the club's own history, Alfonso XIII granted it the title of 'Real' in 1909, while also accepting the club's honorary presidency — historically the most direct route to earning the royal title. A crown was added to the club's badge as a visible symbol of its new royal patronage.
Real Sociedad, based in San Sebastian, was next, receiving the seal of approval in 1910. The honour carried particular significance in the city on Spain's north-west coast, because it was where the royal family regularly spent their summers. The club is affectionately known as 'La Real' to this day.
Espanyol received the honour in 1912, becoming Real Club Deportivo Espanyol, and Real Sporting traces its title to the same year, after Alfonso XIII accepted the honorary presidency of the Gijon club.
The practice continued through the early 20th century as football expanded rapidly across Spain. As clubs became established in cities and regions around the country, royal patronage offered extra prestige — strengthening a club's social standing while cementing its connection with the monarchy.
Real Madrid: the most famous example
And then came perhaps the most famous example of all. Real Madrid was founded in 1902 as Madrid Football Club. 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 the club's crest — where it remains today, one of the most recognisable badges in world football.
Can a club still apply to become 'Real'?
Crucially, there is no sporting qualification needed to become 'Real'. A club does not earn the title by winning La Liga, lifting the Copa del Rey, reaching European competition or even being promoted to the top flight.
Historically, clubs sought royal patronage and the monarch could grant the designation. And modern examples show that some form of formal request and supporting case can still be made.
That process was demonstrated by Club Deportivo Gara of Garachico, a small town in Tenerife whose team plays seven tiers below La Liga. During its centenary celebrations in 2012, the club sought royal recognition — and in June that year, the royal house granted the title, allowing the club to become Real Club Deportivo Gara.
More than a century after A Coruna became the first club to receive the honour, the crown on a Spanish club's badge remains one of football's most distinctive marks of history — proof that in Spain, royal approval is earned through patronage and heritage, not silverware.