[1] Real Madrid was one of the founding members of La Liga in 1929, and is one of three clubs, along with FC Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao, to have never been relegated from the league.
[2][3] Since then, the club's first team has competed in numerous nationally and internationally organized competitions.
Real is the most successful club in European and international football, having won 35 official UEFA and FIFA trophies in total.
Real Madrid has employed numerous famous players, with four FIFA World Player of the Year, ten Ballon d'Or, two FIFA Ballon d'Or, four European Golden Shoe and three FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball winners among the previous and current club players.
As of 22 January 2025, a total of 785 players have played at least one official match for Real Madrid throughout history.