Madrid is one of the most popular cities in the world of football, with a rich history of producing some of the game’s greatest players and teams. The city boasts a strong footballing culture, with passionate fans and a range of clubs at all levels. In this article, we will take a look at how many football clubs there are in Madrid.
Real Madrid
When it comes to football clubs in Madrid, there is no bigger name than Real Madrid. Founded in 1902, Real Madrid is one of the most successful clubs in history, with an impressive record of 13 UEFA Champions League titles and 34 La Liga titles.
Fun Fact: The club’s nickname is “Los Blancos” (The Whites) due to their iconic white home kit.
Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid is another well-known football club based in Madrid. Founded in 1903, Atletico has a strong rivalry with Real Madrid and has also enjoyed significant success over the years. They have won 3 La Liga titles and reached the UEFA Champions League final on three occasions.
Fun Fact: Atletico’s nickname is “Los Rojiblancos” (The Red and Whites) due to their red and white striped home kit.
Getafe
Getafe is a smaller club based in the south of Madrid that has been making waves in recent years. Founded in 1946, Getafe has been playing in La Liga on and off since 2004. They have never won any major trophies but have become known for their hardworking style of play.
- Interesting Fact: Getafe’s mascot is a blue alien named “Getafense”.
- Another Interesting Fact: Getafe’s stadium, the Coliseum Alfonso Perez, is named after a former player who tragically died of a heart attack at age 28.
Rayo Vallecano
Rayo Vallecano is a club with a strong working-class identity based in the east of Madrid. Founded in 1924, Rayo has had a turbulent history but has become known for their passionate fans and commitment to social causes. They have never won any major trophies but have had some notable performances in La Liga.
Other Clubs
While Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are the two most well-known football clubs in Madrid, there are several other clubs that play at various levels. These include:
- CD Leganes: A club based in the south of Madrid that has been playing in La Liga on and off since 2016.
- AD Alcorcon: A smaller club based in the west of Madrid that currently plays in Segunda Division B (the third tier of Spanish football).
- CF Fuenlabrada: A club based in the south-west of Madrid that currently plays in Segunda Division (the second tier of Spanish football).
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, while Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are undoubtedly the two biggest football clubs in Madrid, there are several other clubs that also play an important role in the city’s footballing culture. From smaller clubs like Getafe and Rayo Vallecano to up-and-coming teams like CD Leganes and CF Fuenlabrada, there is no shortage of footballing action to be found in the Spanish capital.