The EuroLeague is the top-tier, most prestigious men's basketball club competition in Europe.
Lets take a look at everything you need to know about Real Madrid, the most successful team in the history of the competition.
1930s - Laying the Foundations
In 1931, Real Madrid began establishing its basketball team, with an advertisement placed in the ABC newspaper to recruit interested players, marking a significant step in the sport's introduction to Spain.
Key individuals like Ángel Cabrera, who founded the basketball project and the Federación de Castilla, and Segundo Braña, who became the team's first coach in 1935, were instrumental in fostering the sport's growth.
The dedication of these pioneers helped basketball gain a strong foothold in Spain during this decade, leading to early successes such as winning the Castile Championship.
1940s - First Dominance
Real Madrid experienced its first period of dominance between 1942 and 1944, securing three consecutive Castilla Championships.
The team was significantly strengthened by the arrival of the Alonso brothers from Cuba, who transferred from rival club Rayo, playing a crucial role in these early victories.
By the end of the decade, Real Madrid had won another three Castilla Championships (1948, 1949, and 1950), cementing its status as the leading basketball team in central Spain.
1950s - Saporta's Vision
The arrival of visionary administrator Raimundo Saporta in 1952 provided a major boost to Real Madrid's basketball team, offering vital resources and shaping its identity.
Saporta was instrumental in establishing key competitions such as the National League (1957) and the European Championship Cup (1958), and he entrusted Pedro Ferrandiz to coach the team from the 1958-59 season to achieve ambitious goals.
During this decade, Real Madrid achieved significant success, winning 3 National Leagues, 6 Spanish Cups, and 1 Latin Cup, solidifying its position as a dominant force.
1960s - European Glory
Bolstered by the backing of Raimundo Saporta and the coaching acumen of Pedro Ferrándiz, Real Madrid assembled a legendary team featuring stars like Emiliano, Luyk, Sevillano, and Brabender, which led to significant domestic and continental success.
The team achieved its first European Championship Cup in 1964, overcoming a deficit against Spartak Brno, and successfully defended the title in 1965 against CSKA Moscow, marking the beginning of a dominant era in European basketball.
During the 1960s, Real Madrid showcased unparalleled dominance in Spain, securing 9 National League titles and 6 Spanish Cups, alongside their 4 European Cups.
By the end of the decade Madrid were undoubtably a powerhouse of European basketball.
1970s - Continental Supremacy
Real Madrid's dominance continued through the 1970s, with Pedro Ferrándiz leading the team initially before appointing Lolo Sainz as his successor, maintaining a consistent winning mentality.
The club further cemented its status as the most decorated on the continent by winning an additional three European Championship Cups and three Intercontinental Cups during this decade.
Domestically, Real Madrid maintained its supremacy by securing nine National League titles and six Spanish Cups, demonstrating sustained success across all competitions.
1980s - Liga ACB Emerges
The 1980s marked a significant era with the creation of the Liga ACB in 1983, which introduced a playoff format and increased competition, coinciding with the rise of legendary players like Fernando Martín and Drazen Petrovic.
Real Madrid continued its domestic dominance, winning the first three Liga ACB titles from 1984 to 1986, a period highlighted by the contributions of stars such as Fernando Martín, Romay, and Iturriaga.
Internationally, the club achieved notable success, securing 2 European Cups Winner's Cups, 1 Korac Cup, and 1 Clubs World Cup, in addition to winning 4 National Leagues and 3 Copas del Rey during this decade.
1990s - Return to European Elite
Following a period of rebuilding, Real Madrid acquired legendary player Arvydas Sabonis in 1992, aiming to return to the pinnacle of European basketball.
With the strategic additions of Joe Arlauckas and coach Zeljko Obradovic in 1994, the team achieved its objective by winning its eighth European Cup in 1995.
The club continued its successful trajectory, securing a total of 1 European Cup, 2 European Cups Winner's Cups, 3 National Leagues, and 1 Copa del Rey by the end of the century.
2000s - EuroLeague Era Begins
The new century brought significant changes to basketball, including the inauguration of the EuroLeague, as Real Madrid focused on winning more trophies and building its prestige.
Real Madrid played a part in the dawn of this new era by participating in the very first EuroLeague game against Olympiakos.
During the 2001-2010 period, the club achieved success by winning 1 ULEB Cup, 2 National League titles, and 2 Christmas Tournaments.
2010s - Laso's Sustained Success
Under the committed leadership of Florentino Perez and the long-term guidance of head coach Pablo Laso from 2011, Real Madrid established a period of sustained success, attracting key players and fostering an offensive style of play.
The team demonstrated remarkable domestic dominance, securing five National League titles, six Copas del Rey, and six Spanish Super Cups between 2011 and 2020.
This era was highlighted by significant European achievements, including winning two European Cups (in 2015 and 2018), with the 2014/15 season being particularly memorable for winning four trophies.
2020s - Continued Glory
Real Madrid achieved their eleventh European Cup title on 21 May 2023, defeating Olympiacos in a dramatic final in Kaunas, sealed by an extraordinary late basket from Llull.
Domestically, the team secured league titles in the 2021/22 and 2023/24 seasons, and won the Copa del Rey in 2024, continuing their strong performance on home soil.
Under coach Chus Mateo, Real Madrid also demonstrated significant dominance in the Spanish Super Cup, winning the title consecutively from 2021 to 2023.
Real Madrid's Trophy Cabinet
Trophy | Total Wins | Year(s) |
ACB Leagues | 38 | 1956-57, 1957-58, 1959-60, 1960-61, 1961-62, 1962-63, 1963-64,1964-65, 1965-66, 1967-68, 1968-69, 1969-70, 1970-71, 1971-72, 1972-73, 1973-74, 1974-75, 1975-76, 1976-77, 1978-79, 1979-80,1981-82, 1983-84, 1984-85, 1985-86, 1992-93, 1993-94, 1999-00, 2004-05, 2006-07, 2012-13, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2021-22, 2023-24, 2024-25 |
Spanish Cups | 29 | 1951, 1952, 1954, 1956, 1957, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1985, 1986, 1989, 1993, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2024 |
Christmas Tournaments | 25 | 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2004 |
European Cups | 11 | 1964, 1965, 1967, 1968, 1974, 1978, 1980, 1995, 2015, 2018, 2023 |
Spanish Super Cups | 10 | 1984-85, 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24 |
Intercontinental Cups | 5 | 1976, 1977, 1978, 1981, 2015 |
European Cup Winners' Cups | 4 | 1984, 1989, 1992, 1997 |
Korac Cup | 1 | 1987-88 |
ULEB Cup | 1 | 2006-2007 |
Latin Cup | 1 | 1952-53 |
