Eighty-two years ago, Santiago Bernabéu was elected president of Real Madrid
On 15 September 1943, he began his term of office and one of the most glittering periods in the club's history.
On 15 September 1943, Santiago Bernabéu was elected president of Real Madrid. He was 48 years old and succeeded Antonio Santos Peralba in the role, leading one of the most glorious periods in the club's history, a period of institutional and sporting growth that would last 35 years.
During his presidency, between 1943 and 1978, Real Madrid won six European Cups, a competition he was instrumental in promoting, 16 leagues, one Intercontinental Cup, six Spanish Cups, two Latin Cups and two Small Club World Cups. Among his initiatives was the construction of the Nuevo Chamartín stadium, which opened in 1947 and was renamed in his honour years later.
Basketball honours
With Bernabéu as president, the basketball section also dominated the national and international scene: six European Cups, three Intercontinental Cups, 19 leagues, 18 Spanish Cups and one Latin Cup.