Real Madrid CF's nicknames: Exploring the many nicknames of Real Madrid, their origin and meanings

Real Madrid CF's nicknames: Exploring the many nicknames of Real Madrid, their origin and meanings

Steve Njuguna
November 6, 2023 at 5:42 AM

Real Madrid is the most successful club in European football, with 13 European Cup titles and 35 Spanish La Liga titles. Their global fanbase has many nicknames for the club to show their appreciation and affection. Today, we delve into Real Madrid CF's nicknames and their origins and meanings.

Madrid Logo
Madrid's Logo on display during a home Champions League game in 2022. Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates
Source: Getty Images

The club was founded in 1902 by a group of three founders: Juan Padrós, Carlos Padrós and Julian Palacios. Real Madrid played its first official match on March 13, 1902, against FC Barcelona, which marked the beginning of one of the most intense and storied rivalries in football. Alongside Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona, Real are one of the founding members of La Liga and have never been relegated.

What does the name Real Madrid mean?

The name "Real Madrid" translates to "Royal Madrid" in English. The term "Real" in Spanish means "royal," reflecting the club's connection to the Spanish monarchy. The title was officially granted by King Alfonso XIII of Spain in 1920, and since then, the club has been known as "Real Madrid Club de Fútbol."

The use of "Real" in the club's name is an honorific title that signifies royal approval. While many football clubs in Spain use the term "Real" in their names, it is a distinction granted by the Spanish monarchy.

What do you call a Real Madrid fan?

Several terms can be used to describe Real Madrid fans:

  • Madridistas
  • Merengues
  • Madrileños
  • Blancos
  • Vikingos

What does the nickname Los Blancos mean?

Real Madrid CF's home uniform has historically been all-white, with the primary colour being white for the jersey, shorts, and socks. This iconic white kit has led to the team being called "Los Blancos", which means, 'The Whites' in Spanish.

Madrid Osasuna
Madrid fans during a 2023 game against Osasuna. Photo by Denis Doyle
Source: Getty Images

What does the nickname Los Merengues mean?

"Los Merengues" translates to "The Meringues" in English. This nickname is also derived from Real Madrid CF's all-white home kit, as meringues are a sweet made from whipped egg whites and sugar, often presenting a light and fluffy white appearance.

What does the nickname Los Vikingos mean?

The origins are unclear, though some believe the phrase was coined by the British press about Real Madrid's dominance in the 60s. The nickname has endured as a representation of Real Madrid's competitive and fearless approach to the game. It also referred to the many players of Nordic origin who played for the club in the 70's and 80's.

Madridistas and Madrileños

"Madrileños" refers to residents of Madrid, while "Madridistas" specifically denotes passionate fans of Real Madrid, irrespective of their residence. The former is a broader term encompassing all city inhabitants, while the latter signifies allegiance to the football club. Both terms highlight the connection between the people of Madrid and their local football team, capturing the diverse population that supports Real Madrid.

Madrid fans
Madrid fans arrive at the stadium ahead of their 2023 tie against RB Leipzig. Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno
Source: Getty Images

Funny nicknames for Real Madrid CF

Here are some hilarious monikers that fans and opponents have given Real Madrid.

  1. Royal Whities: A playful take on "Real Madrid" and the team's white kit.
  2. Galácticos Gigglers: Referring to the era when Real Madrid signed high-profile players known as "Galácticos."
  3. Fútbol Kings and Queens: A whimsical take on the "Real" in Real Madrid, suggesting regal prowess on the field.

In the end

Real Madrid CF's success on the field has led to the club accumulating millions of fans all over the world during its century-long existence. That would explain why multiple nicknames describing the club have stuck out in the public domain.

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Authors
Steve Njuguna photo
Steve Njuguna
Steve Njuguna is a media professional with close to a decade of experience in the sports media industry. He has previously worked as a sports journalist with Bamba Sports TV, Vybez Radio and The Nairobian newspaper.