You will have heard of Spanish clubs such as Real Madrid, Real Sociedad and Real Betis. The word 'Real' translates simply as 'Royal', and it is not a decorative addition or a reward for winning trophies. It is a historic distinction tied to Spain's monarchy, carried by some football clubs for more than a century.
Across the top two Spanish divisions, 11 clubs currently carry the royal designation. In La Liga they include Real Madrid, Real Betis, Real Sociedad, Real Racing Club, Real Club Celta de Vigo, Real Club Deportivo Espanyol and Real Club Deportivo de A Coruna. In the second tier they include Real Club Deportivo Mallorca, Real Oviedo, Real Sporting de Gijon and Real Valladolid.
The story dates back to the reign of King Alfonso XIII, who took an interest in the rapidly developing sport of football. Real Club Deportivo de A Coruna was the first Spanish football organisation to receive the distinction, in 1909, when Alfonso XIII also accepted the honorary presidency. A crown was added to its badge as a visible symbol of royal patronage. Real Sociedad, based in San Sebastian, followed in 1910. The honour carried particular weight there because the royal family regularly spent their summers in the city. Espanyol and Real Sporting both received the title in 1912.
The most famous example came in 1920, when Alfonso XIII granted Madrid Football Club, founded in 1902, the right to use the title 'Real'. The royal crown was subsequently incorporated into its crest.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing