Real Madrid join Barcelona, bow to pressure from UEFA and end Super League dreams

Real Madrid have officially withdrawn from the European Super League project, following rivals Barcelona in stepping away from the controversial breakaway competition.

The decision brings a dramatic chapter in European football closer to its end, almost five years after the plan first sparked outrage across the continent.

Barcelona confirmed last week that they had pulled out of the project, and now Madrid have done the same after reaching an agreement with UEFA.

The original Super League proposal in 2021 involved 12 major clubs: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Inter, AC Milan, Manchester City, Tottenham, Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea. The idea was to create a new elite competition separate from UEFA’s Champions League.

However, the announcement was met with fierce backlash from fans, players, domestic leagues and governing bodies. Protests erupted across Europe, forcing most English clubs to withdraw within days and leaving the project in tatters.

Madrid president Florentino Perez had been one of the leading figures behind the proposal, continuing to defend the concept even after it stalled. Now, the Spanish giants have formally ended their involvement.

In a statement, Real Madrid confirmed they had reached an agreement “for the good of European club football.”

The club said: “Following months of discussions conducted in the best interests of European football, UEFA, European Football Clubs (EFC), and Real Madrid CF announce that they have reached an agreement of principles for the well-being of European club football, respecting the principle of sporting merit with emphasis on long-term club sustainability and the enhancement of fan experience through the use of technology.”

Madrid added that the agreement would also resolve ongoing legal disputes linked to the Super League once the outlined principles are implemented, effectively closing the door on the controversial project.