Real Madrid registers the name change of its iconic stadium

The iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium no longer exists. Real Madrid has decided to change the name of the field it has considered home since 1947.

According to Marca, Real Madrid have practically shortened the name to ‘Bernabéu’. The stadium’s name on social media and in commercial terms has been altered to not include ‘Santiago’, including on the stadium’s own website. Originally named Estadio Nuevo Chamartín, the stadium was later named after then-president Santiago Bernabéu, who was a player and president for 35 years between 1943 and 1978. He is also credited with starting their glorious run of success in the late 1950s and early 1960 that made the club what it is today.

The Bernabéu, which was renovated and completed in 2024, has faced many problems, with legal challenges affecting its plans to host concerts and also to build an underground car park linked to the stadium. However, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez described him as an engine to make money for the club in the future. Next year it will host the first NFL game in Spain.