While watching Spain’s soccer league, La Liga, you might have seen various team with ‘Real’ in their name. You must have asked yourself, ‘What does “Real” mean in soccer?’
Well, it’s more than just a word – it’s a glimpse into the rich history and cultural tapestry of the game.
In simple terms, “Real” signifies a royal connection. When you see “Real” in a soccer club’s name, it means that the club has a special tie to royalty, like a nod of approval from a king or queen.
But there’s more to uncover about this regal touch in soccer. Let’s dive in and explore the intriguing story behind the question, “What Does Real Mean in Soccer?”
Understanding the Significance of “Real”
The term ‘Real’ in soccer signifies royalty, a touch of majestic honor that adds a regal touch to the game. This royal association traces back to the era of King Alfonso XIII, who ruled Spain from 1886 to 1931.
The Birth of a Tradition
In 1902, a pivotal moment emerged in spain’s soccer history. Carlos Padrós, a visionary, proposed a soccer competition to celebrate the coronation of King Alfonso XIII. This competition, known as ‘Copa del Rey’ or the King’s Cup, marked the dawn of a tradition intertwined with royalty.
Royal Patronage Unveiled
The King’s Cup became more than just a tournament; it paved the way for something grander. Post the competition, Alfonso XIII extended his patronage to several Spanish soccer clubs, granting them the coveted royal approval. Alfonso XIII wanted to connect the monarchy to soccer to capitalize on the sport’s surging popularity back in the day.
Transformation of Clubs
The seed of ‘Real’ was planted, and it began to bloom. Clubs like Madrid FC embraced this regal connection, transforming into Real Madrid, a name now synonymous with excellence in European soccer. But it wasn’t just Madrid that felt the royal embrace.
Nationwide Royal Footprint
The influence of ‘Real’ didn’t stop at Madrid’s borders. Other clubs, situated in Zaragoza, Betis, and Sociedad, followed suit. They evolved into Real Zaragoza, Real Betis, and Real Sociedad, embodying the fusion of sport and royalty.
The First Real – Real Club Deportivo de La Coruña
Real Club Deportivo de La Coruña, nicknamed Herculinos (The Herculeans) was founded in 1906 as Club Deportivo de la Sala Calvet. Deportivo La Coruna was the first club to be granted the title ‘Real’ was in 1909.
After Deportivo La Coruna, Real Sociedad received their own royal decree a year later in 1910. Espanyol joined in 1912, while Celta Vigo and Real Betis became ‘Real’ in 1914. The prestigious Real Madrid secured its royal decree in 1920, adding to this esteemed lineage.
The Spanish football federation (RFEF), established in 1913, was granted the coveted ‘Real’ title that same year. Spain’s tumultuous 20th-century backdrop witnessed club names morphing alongside shifting political landscapes.
Spain’s top five tiers currently house 23 ‘Real’ clubs. Notably, this count excludes reserve sides like Real Madrid Castilla and Real Sociedad B, which actively participate within the Spanish league system. The legacy of these ‘Real’ clubs intertwines with Spanish soccer’s enduring narrative.
The Biggest Real – Real Madrid
Founded in 1902 as Madrid Football Club, Real Madrid holds a storied legacy in soccer. The club’s ‘Real’ designation was conferred in 1920. Remarkably, it stands among the three founding La Liga members, including Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona, to have never faced relegation from the top division since its 1929 inception.
With an impressive tally of 69 trophies in Spanish soccer, Real Madrid shines as a dominant force. Their collection includes a record-breaking 35 La Liga titles, 20 Copa del Rey victories, 12 Supercopa de España triumphs, along with a Copa Eva Duarte and a Copa de la Liga.
Distinct from other European sports organizations, Real Madrid is owned and run by its members, known as socios, throughout its extensive history.
The club boasts an immense global fanbase, earning the title of the most-followed football club on social media according to the CIES Football Observatory as of 2023.
In terms of valuation, Forbes pegs Real Madrid at a staggering $6.07 billion as of 2023, crowning it the world’s most valuable soccer club.
Notably, it has secured recognition as the greatest soccer club of the 20th century by FIFA and as the premier European club during the same era by the IFFHS. The prestigious FIFA Centennial Order of Merit was also bestowed upon the club in 2004.
A trailblazer, Real Madrid became the first club across Europe’s top five leagues to secure 100 trophies across various competitions.
Real Salt Lake: Embracing Soccer Heritage in the USA
In the United States, a notable “Real” presence can be found with Real Salt Lake, a soccer club established in 2004, situated in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area.
Unlike their European counterparts, Real Salt Lake didn’t receive the term from Spanish royalties. Instead, they incorporated it as a homage to soccer’s rich heritage.
The selection of “Real” for the Salt Lake team was a strategic move by initial owner Dave Checketts. He aimed to craft a recognizable brand name, adhering to the league’s European-style naming conventions, and potentially fostering a partnership with Real Madrid.
Upon unveiling the name, local reactions were mixed, with some perceiving it as contrived. Despite this, Real Salt Lake forged its identity in American soccer.
In terms of accomplishments, they clinched the MLS Cup in 2009 and achieved their highest ranking in 2019, securing the 3rd position in the Western Conference and the 6th overall. These successes underscore Real Salt Lake’s ongoing presence and impact in the ever-evolving landscape of American soccer.
FAQs
The word Real is Spanish for Royal. The honorary title was bestowed by King Alfonso XIII in 1920 as he wanted to connect the monarchy to soccer to capitalize on the sport’s surging popularity back in the day.
The selection of “Real” for the Salt Lake team was a strategic move by initial owner Dave Checketts. He aimed to craft a recognizable brand name, adhering to the league’s European-style naming conventions, and potentially fostering a partnership with Real Madrid.
The word Real is Spanish for Royal. Spain’s top five tiers currently house 23 ‘Real’ clubs. The honorary title was bestowed by King Alfonso XIII in early 1900s as he wanted to connect the monarchy to soccer to capitalize on the sport’s surging popularity back in the day.
The word Real is Spanish for Royal and it mostly used by teams in spain. There are 23 in Spain’s top divisions with ‘Real’ in their name and one in MLS with Real Salt Lake.
