The old name of Real Madrid was Madrid Football Club (Madrid FC). This was the club’s official name when it was formally founded in 1902, and it is the most important original name in its history. Besides this core old name, the club briefly returned to it due to historical changes. Overall, the evolution of its name is closely connected to the history of Spain.
The Origin of the Core Old Name,The Birth of Madrid Football Club
On March 6, 1902, brothers Juan Padrós and Carlos Padrós officially founded the football club. The official name chosen at that time was Madrid Football Club (Madrid FC).
It is important to note that before the club was officially founded, there was an amateur team called Sky Football Club (Football Club Sky, or Sky FC), established in 1896. It is considered a predecessor of Real Madrid, but it was not the official “old name.” The true old name only refers to Madrid FC, which was established in 1902.
The First Major Name Change,The Addition of the “Royal” Title
On June 29, 1920, Spanish King Alfonso XIII granted the club the honorary title “Real.” In Spanish, “Real” means “Royal.” From that moment, the club’s name officially changed to Real Madrid Football Club (Real Madrid FC).
To reflect this royal honor, a crown was added to the club’s crest. This design has continued to this day and has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Real Madrid.
Name Adjustment During a Special Historical Period
In 1931, after the establishment of the Second Spanish Republic, the title “Real,” which was related to the monarchy, was abolished. As a result, the club temporarily lost the “Real” prefix and returned to its original old name — Madrid FC.
This name was used until the end of the Spanish Civil War in 1939. During this period, although the club returned to its old name, its core operations and team development continued without interruption.
The Permanent Restoration of the “Real” Title
In 1941, after the Spanish Civil War, the “Real” title was restored. The club’s official name was adjusted to Real Madrid Club de Fútbol (Real Madrid CF). This name has been used ever since and is the official name known by fans around the world.
From the old name Madrid FC to today’s Real Madrid CF, the changes in the club’s name not only reflect honor, but also witness the historical changes of Spain.
Real Madrid Name Evolution Timeline
| Time Period | Official Name | Key Background |
| 1902–1920 | Madrid Football Club (Madrid FC) | Club officially founded by the Padrós brothers |
| 1920–1931 | Real Madrid Football Club (Real Madrid FC) | Granted the “Real” title by King Alfonso XIII |
| 1931–1939 | Madrid Football Club (Madrid FC) | The Second Spanish Republic abolished the “Royal” title |
| 1941–Present | Real Madrid Club de Fútbol (Real Madrid CF) | “Real” title restored, final official name confirmed |
Small but Important Details About the Club’s Name
About the pronunciation of “Real”
Many fans mispronounce it as “Reel.” The correct Spanish pronunciation is closer to “Reh-al.” It means “Royal” and is an honorary title granted by the Spanish king to outstanding institutions. Not all Spanish clubs can receive this title.
The difference between the old name and the predecessor
As mentioned earlier, Sky FC (1896–1902) was an amateur predecessor team of Real Madrid, but it was not the official old name. The official founding of the club began with the establishment of Madrid FC in 1902. This distinction is important to avoid confusion.
Changes in abbreviations
The earliest abbreviation was Madrid FC. After 1920, it became Real Madrid FC. Since 1941, it has been fixed as Real Madrid CF. “CF” stands for the Spanish term “Club de Fútbol,” which means “Football Club.” This is the abbreviation most commonly used in official documents and media today.