Real Madrid, Real Sociedad, Real Betis. The word ‘Real’ in those names translates simply as ‘Royal’, but it is not a decorative flourish or a prize for success on the pitch. It is a historic distinction tied to Spain’s monarchy, and some clubs have carried it for more than a century.
The top two divisions of Spanish football currently include 11 clubs with the royal designation. 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 Coruña. In the second tier, the list is Real Club Deportivo Mallorca, Real Oviedo, Real Sporting de Gijón and Real Valladolid.
The practice dates back to the reign of King Alfonso XIII, who took an interest in the rapidly growing sport. The first Spanish football organisation to receive the distinction was Real Club Deportivo de A Coruña. The club’s own history states that Alfonso XIII granted it the title of ‘Real’ in 1909, and that he also accepted the honorary presidency — described as the most direct way to earn 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 Sebastián, was next in 1910. The distinction had particular significance in the city because it was where the royal family regularly spent its summers. The club is also known as ‘La Real’. Espanyol received the honour in 1912 and became Real Club Deportivo Espanyol, while Real Sporting traces its title to the same year, after Alfonso XIII accepted the honorary presidency of the Gijón club.
The practice continued through the early 20th century as football expanded across Spain. As clubs became established in cities and regions, royal patronage gave them extra prestige. Receiving the ‘Real’ title could strengthen a club’s social standing while establishing a connection with the country’s monarchy.
Perhaps the most famous example is Real Madrid. The club was founded in 1902 as Madrid Football Club. In 1920, Alfonso XIII granted it the right to use the title ‘Real’, with a letter from the monarch’s household formally giving 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 earn the title 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, but modern examples show that a formal request and supporting case can still be made.
That process was demonstrated by Club Deportivo Gara, from the small town of Garachico in Tenerife. The club plays in a league seven tiers below La Liga. During its centenary celebrations in 2012, it sought royal recognition, and in June that year the royal house granted the title, allowing the club to become Real Club Deportivo Gara.