Soccer in Spain has deep roots dating back to the late 19th century, when the sport was introduced by British students and immigrants. In the midst of the country’s growing industrialization and urbanization, soccer rapidly gained popularity, becoming a culturally and socially significant phenomenon.
Emblematic clubs such as Real Madrid and Barcelona emerged as pillars of the sport, not only competing on a national level, but also gaining international prominence and eventually becoming one of the biggest teams in Spain.
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Spaniards’ love of soccer transcends the boundaries of the game itself, reflected in the intense rivalries between clubs and the fervent demonstrations of support from the fans. The stadiums become veritable cauldrons of emotion, where the fans’ passion for their team is evident in every shout and chant.
In addition, the Spanish national team, known as “La Roja”, has played a crucial role in national unity and national pride, especially during its landmark victories in competitions such as the FIFA World Cup and the European Championship. Thus, soccer in Spain is not just a sport, but an essential part of Spanish identity and culture.
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Spain’s biggest teams, Real Madrid and Barcelona, are much more than just soccer clubs – they are institutions that reflect and feed the national passion for the sport. Real Madrid, with its glorious history and countless titles won, embodies the pursuit of excellence and the winning mentality that resonates deeply in the hearts of Spaniards.
On the other hand, FC Barcelona is not just a club, but a symbol of Catalan identity and cultural resistance, catalyzing the passion of an entire region and reflecting Spain’s diversity and pride.
The biggest teams in Spain are more than just sports teams; they are focal points of local communities and represent values and ideals that transcend the boundaries of the playing field. Their rivalry, known as El Clásico, is not just a sporting clash, but an event that stops the country in its tracks, engaging in heated debates and mobilizing passions in every corner of Spain.
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Complete list of the 10 biggest teams in Spain
The list of the biggest teams in Spain, ranked by number of domestic and international titles, includes:
- Real Madrid
- Barcelona
- Atletico de Madrid
- Athletic Bilbao
- Valencia
- Real Sociedad
- Deportivo La Coruña
- Sevilla
- Real Betis
- Villareal
With these names in mind, let’s find out more about the history of biggest teams in Spain!
Biggest Teams in Spain: discover the history of the main clubs
Real Madrid
Founded in 1902 as Madrid Football Club, Real Madrid has become one of the most iconic clubs in the world. Its history is full of achievements, most notably its golden era in the 1950s, when it won the UEFA Champions League five times in a row.
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The club is known for its historical rivalry with Barcelona, which goes back decades. An interesting curiosity is that Real Madrid received the title “Real” (which means “royal” in Spanish) in 1920, after receiving permission from King Alfonso XIII to use the title;
Main Titles:
- La Liga: 35 titles
- Copa del Rey: 20 titles
- UEFA Champions League: 14 titles
Barcelona
Founded in 1899 by a group of Swiss, English and Catalans, Barcelona is one of the most influential clubs in the world. The club is known for its philosophy of attacking play and ball possession, as well as its academy for young talent, La Masia, which has produced legendary players such as Lionel Messi and Andrés Iniesta.
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A fascinating curiosity is that Barcelona was one of the first European clubs to have an innovative sponsorship on its shirt, in 2006, when it displayed the UNICEF logo as part of a philanthropic partnership, without receiving direct financial compensation;
Main Titles:
- La Liga: 27 titles
- Copa del Rey: 31 titles
- UEFA Champions League: 5 titles
Atlético de Madrid
Founded in 1903, Atlético de Madrid has a history marked by ups and downs, but is widely recognized for its dedication and passion. An interesting curiosity is that, until 1947, Atlético de Madrid was known as Athletic Aviación de Madrid, due to its association with the Spanish Air Force.
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The club rose to international prominence under Diego Simeone, winning La Liga in 2014 and reaching the UEFA Champions League final in 2014 and 2016.
Main Titles:
- La Liga: 11 titles
- King’s Cup: 10 titles
- UEFA Europa League: 3 titles
Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao is unique among Spain’s top clubs for its policy of signing Basque players or those trained in the region. This is due to their commitment to the Basque identity and the preservation of the local culture.
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A fascinating curiosity is that the club has turned down numerous opportunities to sign players from outside the region, even when this could have improved its competitiveness. Athletic Bilbao have won La Liga on several occasions and have a remarkable record in the Copa del Rey.
Main Titles:
- La Liga: 8 titles
- King’s Cup: 24 titles
Valencia
Founded in 1919, Valencia has a rich history, including periods of great success and difficult times. The club is known for its fervent fan base and iconic Mestalla stadium. An interesting curiosity is that Valencia won the Copa del Rey in 2019, exactly one hundred years after it was founded.
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The club also achieved international success by winning the UEFA Cup in 2004 and reaching the final of the UEFA Champions League in 2000 and 2001.
Main Titles:
- La Liga: 6 titles
- King’s Cup: 8 titles
- UEFA Champions League: 1 title
With their glorious history, legions of dedicated fans and exceptional talents, Spain’s greatest teams continue to inspire generations and write exciting new chapters in the book of soccer.
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