Team

Real Madrid are the most successful club in the history of European football, holding a record 15 European Cups / Champions League titles and 36 Spanish league championships. Their combination of financial power, brand reach and continuous investment in world-class talent has made them the sport's defining superclub across every modern era.

Founded in 1902, Real Madrid rose to global prominence in the 1950s under Alfredo Di Stéfano, winning the first five European Cups from 1956 to 1960 — a run that established the tournament's prestige. Subsequent eras were shaped by La Quinta del Buitre in the 1980s, the Galácticos of the early 2000s, and the four Champions League wins in five seasons between 2014 and 2018 under Zinedine Zidane.

Real Madrid are the defending Champions League and LaLiga holders and one of the pre-tournament favourites for every trophy they enter. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti continues to preside over a squad transitioning to a younger generation led by Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, with Kylian Mbappé joining as the flagship 2024 summer arrival.

Carlo Ancelotti — in charge since June 2021 (second spell). The only manager to win league titles in each of Europe's top five leagues, and the only coach to win five Champions League titles as manager or player.

Ground

Santiago Bernabéu

Capacity

85,000

City

Madrid, Spain

Fully renovated between 2019 and 2024 with a retractable roof, retractable pitch and 360-degree LED display. One of the most technologically advanced stadiums in world sport.

Flexible 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 diamond depending on opposition. Real Madrid combine controlled possession in build-up with direct vertical attacks when the ball crosses into the middle third — a template Ancelotti has refined around Bellingham's late runs and the pace of the front line.

• Jude Bellingham (Attacking midfielder) — Signed from Borussia Dortmund in 2023 and immediately became the team's most decisive attacking presence.
• Vinícius Júnior (Left winger) — Champions League Final scorer in 2022 and the club's principal one-versus-one threat.
• Kylian Mbappé (Forward) — Joined on a free transfer from PSG in 2024 as the flagship summer signing.