Real Madrid, the FIFA club of the century
Real Madrid is the most successful European club in the history of football. The club was founded in 1902. The “Los Blancos” as they are commonly known have won 9 European cups, the most by any team. They managed to win the first 5 European cups in a row. Along
with the European expeditions the club also has won a staggering 57 domestic titles that include 31 league titles; 13 ahead of arch rivals Barcelona.
To cap off all the outstanding achievements in 2000 Real Madrid was named the FIFA club of the century with 42.35% of the votes. The history of the club makes the Los Blancos the undisputed
kings of European football. Over the years Real Madrid has become a household name throughout the world.
The home stadium of the club is known as “The Santiago Bernabéu”. The magnificent stadium holds a crowd of above 80,000 on average for each game. It is Spain’s 2nd largest
stadium behind the camp nou of Barcelona. The Santiago bernaneu is one of the largest stadiums in Europe and is a sight to behold once jam-packed. Most professional footballers dream of playing in this legendary stadium. It was also the host for the 2010 European
cup final now known as the UEFA Champions league.
The stadium has been home to many legends of the beautiful game. The first superstar to grace the field was Alfredo Di Stefano, he was named European player of the year in 1957 and
1959. Later Ferenc Puskas also wore the famous white shirt. Zidane a former legend now has been appointed as the presidential advisor of the club. Zidane is a former 3 time FIFA world player of the year and has been a great servant to Real Madrid football
club.
Players like Zidane, Luis Figo, Raul, Luis Ronaldo, David Beckham, Roberto Carlos, Michael Owen were all part of the team at the same time. Hence the club was given the title of “The
Galacticos” meaning galaxy of stars. The Galacticos project took place under the 1st reign of Florentino Perez. He was the president of the club and wanted all the best players at supposedly the best club in the world.
Over the years Real Madrid has made some of the most controversial and expensive signings. Figo was signed from bitter rivals Barcelona in 2000. £The 37 million fees given for him at
the time made Figo the most expensive player in the world at that time. Despite the controversial signing of Figo, he managed to win the Real Madrid fans over and was named the 2001 FIFA world player of the year. In 2001 Real Madrid even surpassed the signing
amount for Figo when Zidane was signed from Juventus for a mammoth £47 million. Zidane like Figo became an instant success at the Bernabeu and helped Real Madrid win their 9th European cup with the winning goal in the final. He was also named as
the FIFA world player of the year playing for the whites in 2003.
If the signing of Zidane was not enough a year later Luis Ronaldo was signed after his exploits helped Brazil win the 2002 world cup. The same year Ronaldo was also named the FIFA world
player of the year. This was the during the Galicticos era when all the biggest names in football were on the shopping list for Florentino Perez.
Despite having such an enviable history Real Madrid has not won the European cup since 2002 and have not lifted the La Liga crown since 2008. Considering the recent failures Florentino
Perez is once again in charge. The 2nd Galacticos era is underway. Despite having a wonderful league season last year Real Madrid could only finish 2nd behind their nemesis Barcelona.
The new Florentino Perez era has resulted in the signings of former FIFA world players of the year kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo. Kaka was signed from AC Milan for £56 million making him
the 2nd most expensive signing in history behind his team mate Cristiano Ronaldo who was signed from Manchester United for £80 million.
This season Real Madrid have managed to secure the services of Jose Mourinho, and the club is off to a flying start. Mourinhio is unbeaten so far and Madrid is at the top of La Liga
ahead of the clash with Barcelona. The Real Madrid fans and Florentino Perez are hoping this season Real Madrid will win a major trophy and bring back the glory days worthy of the club.
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