Real Madrid set to give new name to their stadium for marketing reasons: Reports
According to MARCA (via Madrid Xtra on X), Real Madrid are set to give their stadium a new name. The club are planning to change from 'Santiago Bernabeu' to 'The Bernabeu' due to commercial and marketing reasons.
The rebranding is likely aimed at increasing the stadium's appeal and commercial value. The Spanish giants plan to make their home ground more attractive for sponsorships, events, and other non-football-related activities. The move has come just over a year after the stadium's reported multi-billion upgrade was completed.
However, Los Blancos are yet to release an official statement about the renaming. Madrid Xtra took to their official X account to write:
"NEW: Real Madrid will change the name of the stadium to ‘The Bernabéu’ for marketing reasons and to have bigger impact in the market."
The Santiago Bernabeu is one of football's most iconic stadiums with a capacity of 78,297. It has been Real Madrid's home ground since its completion in 1947 and is named in honor of former club president Santiago Bernabeu.
The stadium has hosted several key football matches such as the 1982 FIFA World Cup final, the 2018 Copa Libertadores final, and four UEFA Champions League finals.
How have Real Madrid performed at the Santiago Bernabeu this season?
Carlo Ancelotti's side have been quite formidable at home this season. Nine of their 18 league matches so far have been played at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Los Blancos have lost only once at home in LaLiga this term — a 4-0 defeat against rivals Barcelona in El Clasico on October 26. The loss to Barcelona also ended Los Merengues' 42-game unbeaten run.
The side's other home loss in the 2024-25 season came in the UEFA Champions League. The 14-time European champions suffered a 3-1 defeat to Serie A side AC Milan on November 5.
Real Madrid are second in LaLiga with 40 points after 18 games and trail table-toppers Atletico Madrid by a point. Ancelotti's side are in 20th place in the Champions League standings with nine points from six matches.
The side will return to LaLiga action in 2025 with an away fixture against Valencia on January 3.
