On this day in 1902, the Madrid Foot Ball Club is founded by a group of fans in Madrid, Spain. Later known as Real Madrid, the club would become the most successful European football (soccer) franchise of the 20th century.

With its trademark blue-and-white uniforms (originally inspired by those of an English team), Madrid began to make a name for itself in Spain almost right away. From 1905 to 1907, under their first coach, Englishman Arthur Johnson, the team won three titles in a row in the Spanish League, known as La Liga. These were just the first of 29 La Liga championships through 2006 for Real Madrid, including an impressive five consecutive La Liga titles from 1986 to 1990.

Real Madrid’s legendary status internationally was solidified under the leadership of Santiago Bernabeu Yeste, who played for the team from 1912 to 1927 and served as club president from 1943 to 1978. In 1953, Bernabeu began to stock his roster with the best players he could find from around the world, instead of just the best in Spain, beginning with Madrid’s most famous soccer icon, Italian star Alfredo Di Stefano. The resulting team won the European Cup, Europe’s football championship, an unprecedented five times in a row, from 1956 through 1960. Bernabeu then switched course in the 1960s and built a team entirely of Spanish players. In 1966, Real Madrid won its sixth European cup with a team of Spanish “hippies” who rivaled the Beatles in popularity on the European continent.

In 2000, soccer’s international governing body, FIFA, selected Real Madrid the best football team of the 20th century. Two years later, the club celebrated its 100-year anniversary with yet another European club championship, behind the imported stars Luis Figo of Portugal, Zinedine Zhidane of France, Roberto Carlos of Brazil and Raul of Spain. Real Madrid has won a record nine European championships, seven Spanish Super Cups and three world championships. It is one of the few teams that is still owned and operated by its members.

Ron more record

Real Madrid 2 Sporting Gijon 1: Cristiano Ronaldo became first player in history to score 50 in six successive calendar years

RISTIANO RONALO became the first player in history to reach a half century of goals for the sixth calendar year in succession as Real Madrid laboured to a victory over Sporting Gijon which took them seven points clear of Barcelona

Real Madrid became the latest side to don an eco-friendly made from recycled ocean plastic — and they came flying out of the blocks with waves of attacks as the rain poured down in the Spanish capital.
And the home side were awarded a penalty when Lucas Vazquez was fouled by a clumsy challenge.
Ronaldo made no mistake as he struck his spot-kick into the bottom corner.

Is Zinedine Zidane underrated as Real Madrid manager?

Zinedine Zidane has won the Champions League and steered Real Madrid to the top of La Liga. But do his critics have a point? Guillem Balague looks at the debate

Zinedine Zidane has won the Champions League and steered Real Madrid to the top of La Liga. But do his critics have a point? We take a look at the debate...

Zinedine Zidane won the Champions League four months after taking over at Real Madrid. He followed that up by beating Sevilla to lift the UEFA Super Cup in August.
This season he's guided his team to the top of La Liga, where they're six points clear of the competition. Real are unbeaten in 31 games in all competitions and they're into the knockout stages of the Champions League.