The Greatest uncovers the many lives of Real Madrid, the world’s most celebrated and supported football club. Along the way, we meet the people, places and moments that turned the famous white shirt into a symbol of excellence. Painting a vivid portrait of identity of the club, this book is about much more than silverware and success.

The Greatest journeys through the many lives of Real Madrid, arguably the most celebrated and supported football club in the world. From its unlikely beginnings – shaped by two Catalan brothers and a little-known Irishman – to its present global esteem, this is the definitive account of the legendary side from Spain’s capital. It explores the myths and realities of the ‘Franco’s club’ label, Madrid’s role in Spain’s political and social tensions, plus those unforgettable European glory nights. Along the way, we meet the people, places and moments that turned the famous white shirt into a symbol of greatness. Discover the intensity of El Clásico, the club’s influence on the modern commercialisation of football and the power struggles between Santiago Bernabéu and Alfredo Di Stéfano. The Greatest paints a vivid portrait of the life and identity of a club like no other. It is a story that is about much more than silverware and success.