Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad de Fútbol, S.A.D., commonly known as La Real or Real Sociedad (pronouncedes; Royal Society) in English and Erreala or Reala in Basque, is a Spanish professional sports club based in the city of San Sebastián, Basque Country. The club was founded on 7 September 1909 and is best known for its football team, which plays home matches at the 40,000-capacity Anoeta Stadium.

Real Sociedad won the Liga title in 1980–81 and 1981–82, and finished runner-up in 1979–80, 1987–88, and 2002–03. The club has also won the Copa del Rey four times, in 1909, 1987, 2020, and 2026, and the Spanish Super Cup once, in 1982. It contests the Basque derby against rivals Athletic Bilbao. Real Sociedad was a founding member of La Liga in 1929; its longest spell in the top flight was for 40 seasons, from 1967 to 2007. The club has competed in the European Cup / UEFA Champions League five times, between the 1981–82 and 2023–24 editions.

Traditionally the club followed a policy (similar to that of its rival Athletic) of signing only Basque players, before signing Republic of Ireland forward John Aldridge in 1989. While a strong Basque contingent has been retained among its players, nowadays both non-Basque Spaniards and foreign players are represented at the club. Its youth academy subsequent to the all-Basque era has still been very successful in developing internationally renowned players, including World Cup winners Xabi Alonso, Antoine Griezmann, Mikel Oyarzabal and Martin Zubimendi.

Aside from football (including a women's team), Real Sociedad also has several sections in athletics, including track and field, field hockey, and basque pelota.