Madrid: Football’s Global Capital – La Liga Madrid: Football’s Global Capital – La Liga
Madrid: Football’s Global Capital – La Liga

September 18, 2024

Madrid: Football’s Global Capital – La Liga

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In recent years, Madrid has rightfully earned its title as the world’s football capital. The city’s passion for the sport is unmatched, with LALIGA’s influence visible everywhere you go.

Each weekend during the LA LIGA season, Madrid’s iconic stadiums—Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu and Atlético de Madrid’s Cívitas Metropolitano—alternate hosting thrilling matches. 

For those looking beyond the city’s two football giants, teams like CD Leganés, Getafe CF, and Rayo Vallecano also add to the excitement of LALIGA EA SPORTS.

But football in Madrid is more than just the matches. The sport is deeply embedded in the city’s culture and history, waiting for fans to discover at every corner.

1. Football Museums at the Bernabéu and Cívitas Metropolitano

Any football fan visiting Madrid must attend a LA LIGA match at the Santiago Bernabéu or Cívitas Metropolitano. But even when games aren’t on, these legendary stadiums are open for tours.

The Bernabéu tour is one of Madrid’s top tourist attractions. It features everything from Santiago Bernabéu’s boots to interactive experiences with stars like Luka Modrić and Vinícius Jr. Guests can enter the pitch, pass through the players’ tunnel, and even go to the media area.

At the Cívitas Metropolitano, Atlético fans can explore the state-of-the-art facilities, including the dressing rooms where players like Antoine Griezmann and Jan Oblak prepare. Visitors can also sit in Diego Simeone’s seat and snap selfies with the club mascot, Indi.

For a broader football experience, Madrid offers LEGENDS: The Home of Football, a museum near Puerta del Sol. Featuring 600 historic artifacts across 4,200 m², this LALIGA-presented space takes fans on an immersive journey through over a century of football history.

2. Cibeles and Neptuno Fountains

The iconic Fuente de Cibeles stands four kilometers from the Santiago Bernabéu, down the Paseo de la Castellana. This 18th-century neoclassical fountain, featuring the Greek goddess Cybele in a chariot pulled by lions, has become the centerpiece of Real Madrid’s trophy celebrations. Since the mid-1980s, it’s been a tradition for the team captain to drape a club scarf around the goddess’ shoulders, a ritual dating back to the era of the ‘Quinta del Buitre,’ when Emilio Butragueño led the club to five consecutive LA LIGA titles.

Only 500 meters away, the Fuente de Neptuno is where Atlético de Madrid fans gather to celebrate their triumphs, including the 2020/21 LA LIGA EA SPORTS title. This fountain, with the Greek god Neptune wielding his trident, is located near the famous Prado Museum, highlighting the city’s deep football and cultural ties.

3. Puerta del Sol and Royal Palace

Madrid’s main thoroughfare is Puerta del Sol, the “kilometer zero” from which all road distances in Spain are measured. This bustling square is always alive. Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid have shops nearby for tickets, merchandise, and souvenirs. Look closely, and you’ll spot the “Oso y Madroño” (Bear and Strawberry Tree) statue, a symbol from Atlético’s badge, in the square’s northeast corner. Across from it stands the Real Casa de Correos, where players from both clubs greet fans after winning trophies.

A short stroll down Calle Mayor leads to the Royal Palace, the former residence of Spanish monarchs. While the current king, Felipe VI, lives in the Palacio de Zarzuela, he’s a lifelong Atlético fan. He has served as the club’s honorary president since 2003. His father, King Juan Carlos, is a devoted Real Madrid supporter, making derby days in the royal household exciting over the years.

4. Rastro and Madrid Río

For football memorabilia collectors, Madrid’s famous Rastro flea market is a must-visit. Located around Plaza de Cascorro and La Ribera de Curtidores, this bustling market offers everything from vintage football shirts to old match programs and unique collectibles. Fans can browse countless stalls every Sunday morning for rare football items.

Just a short walk from the city center is the Manzanares River, where Atlético Madrid’s old Estadio Vicente Calderón once stood before its demolition. In its place, the “Madrid Río” park stretches along the river, offering recreation areas and activities for families. Football enthusiasts can also join in casual five-a-side games on public pitches—bring your boots!

5. Steaks and Star Sightings

Visitors to Madrid also can dine in restaurants frequented by LALIGA stars. Real Madrid players often celebrate victories at Meson Txistu in Plaza Angel Carbajo, where the walls are adorned with photos of the club’s legends. Asador Donostiarra on Calle de la Infanta Mercedes has a similar reputation, known for hosting Atlético Madrid’s title celebrations in 2014. Diego Simeone, Atlético’s coach, is also a regular at the Di Maria grill on Calle Felix Boix. If you’re lucky, you might spot one of the stars enjoying a post-match steak!

6. LA LIGA EA SPORTS Matches Every Weekend

In the 2024/25 season, five teams from the Madrid region compete in LA LIGA EA SPORTS: Real Madrid, Atlético de Madrid, Getafe CF, Rayo Vallecano, and CD Leganés. This means a quarter of Spain’s top football division is based in the capital!

This offers plenty of opportunities for football fans to catch a live game. With matches scheduled every few days, many weekends will feature multiple fixtures across the city. Some weekends, like Matchday 6, will see all five Madrid teams playing in the capital, including local derbies such as Getafe CF vs CD Leganés and Rayo Vallecano vs Atlético de Madrid.

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author
Katarzyna Nowak

Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and football sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Football News Today, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for football, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.