Real Madrid, the eternal rival of FC Barcelona, seized the moment to congratulate the Catalan club on its 125th anniversary. Through its official account on the social network "X" (formerly Twitter), the Madrid-based club emphasized the significance of their historic rivalry, one of the most iconic in the world of football.

"Congratulations on your 125th anniversary, FC Barcelona. It is an honor for Real Madrid to compete with such a great rival throughout our history," read the message shared by Los Blancos, which quickly went viral among fans of both teams.

This gesture from Real Madrid highlights the sportsmanship that exists within this historic rivalry, one that has defined countless moments in Spanish and international football.

How Old is Real Madrid?

Founded in 1902, Real Madrid boasts 122 years of history, leaving three years to go before celebrating its own 125th anniversary.

A Historic Gala at Gran Teatre del Liceu

FC Barcelona celebrated its 125th anniversary with an unforgettable evening at the Gran Teatre del Liceu. Iconic figures of the club, including Joan Laporta, Ronald Koeman, and Xavi Hernández, joined past legends and political figures to honor over a century of history. The gala featured the premiere of the official anniversary anthem, the unveiling of a commemorative mascot, and heartfelt tributes to the individuals who shaped Barça’s legacy.

An Evening Filled with History and Emotion

The event commemorated the club’s founding on November 29, 1899, when Hans Gamper and 11 other men established a sports association representing the city of Barcelona. This milestone gathered over 2,000 attendees, including athletes, directors, and former members, all integral to Barça’s enduring story.

Legends and Political Figures in Attendance

Walking the red carpet were Barcelona legends such as Ronald Koeman, Xavi Hernández, Deco, Gerard Piqué, and Rafa Márquez. Former managers, including Frank Rijkaard, also graced the occasion, along with political figures like Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni and former Catalan government presidents.

Although notable figures like Lionel Messi, Pep Guardiola, Andrés Iniesta, and Carles Puyol were unable to attend, they sent heartfelt video messages. Messi, who was honored by Joan Laporta as "the greatest player in football history," said, "I am proud to be part of this great story."

Unveiling the Anthem and Mascot

A highlight of the evening was the debut of L’escut al pit (The Crest on the Chest), the official 125th-anniversary anthem composed by Xavier González-Costa, as chosen by club members. Additionally, the new mascot, Cat, a feline inspired by the Barça crest and designed by Jordi and Carlos Grangel, was introduced.

Tributes to Club Figures and Women’s Football

The celebration included tributes to legendary figures such as Johan Cruyff, Hristo Stoichkov, and Alexia Putellas. The dominance of the women’s team, described by Laporta as "the best in the world," was also highlighted during the event.

An Emotional Finale

The gala concluded with Joan Laporta leading the audience in a symbolic cake-cutting ceremony alongside former players and current athletes. Created by renowned pastry chef Christian Escribà, the cake represented the club’s unity and legacy. As the Barça anthem echoed through the theater, the event ended with a sense of pride and optimism for the club’s future.