Real Madrid

Real Madrid celebrates its 106 anniversary today, 6 March 2008. Throughout its robust history, the club has celebrated countless triumphs and feats. The most heralded club in Europe designated by FIFA as the Best Club of the 20th Century.

The universality of Real Madrid has no equal. The stats, in both sports and the social arena, indicate that this club is the most heralded in history and that it has the most supporters in the world. According to a 2006 Harvard University study, Real Madrid has 228 million fans spanning the globe, followed by Manchester United with 168 million. That's 60 million more than the best club from the country where football was invented.

The football and basketball teams lead both Spain and Europe in the number of titles won. The football team boasts of 30 league titles and nine European Cups, the first five won in consecutive years. What's more, Real Madrid is the only club to have a European Cup trophy on site for having won the competition five straight time. In basketball, Real Madrid has won more national titles and international competitions in Europe than any other team.

Real Madrid has always been at the forefront in terms of initiatives that enrichen the game of football. The club was a driving force behind the European Cup. In 1904 it was a charter member of and the only club to participate in the establishment of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). During these 106 years of history, Real Madrid's prestige has only increased. In November 2002 FIFA designated it the Best Club of the 20th Century.

106 YEARS. A DECADE BY DECADE LOOK AT THE HISTORY OF REAL MADRID