The Santiago Bernabéu: A Technological Marvel
The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is a marvel of modern engineering. Beyond hosting football matches, it’s also a venue for concerts (think Taylor Swift), tennis tournaments, and corporate events. I like to think of it as a “transformer” stadium. The grass field divides into six long strips, which slide away one by one to a lower level underneath the stadium. Down there, the turf is watered and given ultraviolet light to maintain its pristine condition. When needed, the grass slides back into place while new surfaces are prepared for other events.
First opened in 1947, the Santiago Bernabéu has undergone numerous renovations, with a total investment of over one billion euros. The latest refurbishment, with a €370 million budget, added a fully retractable roof, improved lighting for optimal turf growth, additional seating, and better infrastructure for stadium layout changes. There’s even a massive store where fans can shop for jerseys and memorabilia (more on that later). A standout moment during the tour is stepping into the vast stadium itself. The sheer size and grandeur of the space are awe-inspiring. Most visitors find a quiet spot to sit, taking in the atmosphere, reflecting on past games, and dreaming of future victories.
Real Madrid: The Most Successful Club in Europe
Before the tour, I knew Real Madrid was one of Europe’s football giants, but I hadn’t fully grasped their dominance. Walking through the history and trophy rooms was a revelation. Real Madrid has won more European Cups than any other club—26 UEFA competition titles, including 15 UEFA Champions League trophies and 6 UEFA Super Cup victories. Globally, they hold the record for the most international titles, with 34 major trophies. The visual impact of walking through halls filled with cups and memorabilia is powerful. It’s a tangible reminder of the club’s unmatched success.
Financially, Real Madrid is also a juggernaut, being the first team to break the billion-euro mark in annual revenue. After touring the stadium, it’s easy to see how—everywhere in Europe, it seems like one in ten people is sporting a Real Madrid jersey, which typically costs around €150.
“Meeting” the Legends: Real Madrid’s Star Players
One of the most exciting parts of the tour is a hallway where video projections of current Real Madrid players greet visitors. The high-definition visuals make it seem like they’re right there, encouraging you to take selfies with them. It’s surreal! Real Madrid has a strategy of buying the world’s top talent and molding them into a cohesive team. This isn’t about finding hidden gems—it’s about acquiring the best of the best. Does the name Mbappé ring a bell? He joined in the summer of 2024. Other world-class stars that gave me goosebumps? Vini Jr., Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, and Rüdiger. The list goes on!
The Real Madrid Megastore: A Fan’s Paradise
At the end of the tour, you’ll find yourself in the Real Madrid megastore, and trust me, the excitement is contagious. Fans practically sprint to grab jerseys featuring their favorite players. Whether you’re after hats, scarves, footballs, or anything else Real Madrid-related, this store has it all. Now, I’ll admit—I wasn’t a Real Madrid fan before the visit, but after immersing myself in the club’s history, I couldn’t help but eye a few souvenirs. Maybe a coffee cup? Or a set of Real Madrid playing cards?
