How do Spanish clubs become 'Real' or 'royal'?

Spanish clubs earn the 'Real' (Royal) title through royal patronage by the monarchy, not sporting achievement; 11 clubs in the top two divisions currently hold the distinction.

The word 'Real' means 'Royal' and is a historic distinction granted by Spain's monarchy to football clubs, not an award for trophies or achievements. The practice dates back to King Alfonso XIII, who took an interest in football in the early 1900s. Real Club Deportivo de A Coruña was the first to receive the title in 1909 when Alfonso XIII granted it and accepted the honorary presidency. Real Sociedad followed in 1910. Today, 11 clubs across La Liga and the second tier carry the royal designation, including Real Madrid, Real Betis, and Real Sociedad, each displaying a crown on their badge as a symbol of royal patronage.