Introduction
Real Sociedad de Fútbol, based in the charming city of Donostia-San Sebastián, is much more than a sports club; It is the football heartbeat of Gipuzkoa and an emblem of pride for its inhabitants. Founded in 1909, Real has woven a rich history full of passion, commitment and achievements that have left an indelible mark on Spanish football. From its humble beginnings to its consolidation in the elite, the club has managed to maintain a unique identity, rooted in values such as the youth team, unconditional fans and a style of play that reflects the essence of its land. This article delves into the fascinating history of the Royal Society, exploring its origins, historical milestones, emblematic figures and the deep connection it maintains with the Gipuzkoa community.
Foundation and Origins
The history of Real Sociedad de Fútbol dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, at a time when football was beginning to take root in Spain, especially in the Basque Country. In 1904, a group of sports enthusiasts in San Sebastián founded the San Sebastián Recreation Club, a multi-sport entity that included a section dedicated to football. This club became the first football team formally established in the city and province of Gipuzkoa.
The San Sebastián Recreation Club participated in the 1905 Copa del Rey, marking the first foray of a Gipuzkoan team into a national competition. However, due to internal dissension, towards the end of 1907 or beginning of 1908, the members of the football section decided to separate and form an independent club, thus giving birth to the San Sebastián Foot-Ball Club.
In 1909, this team, under the name Club Ciclista de San Sebastián, won the Copa del Rey, beating the Spanish Club of Madrid 3-1 in the final. This victory was a significant milestone that promoted the formalization of the club. On September 7, 1909, the San Sebastián Foot-Ball Society was officially founded. Shortly after, in 1910, King Alfonso XIII granted the club the title of “Real”, becoming known as Real Sociedad de Fútbol.
These first years were fundamental in establishing the foundations of the identity and philosophy of the club, which from its beginnings showed a strong connection with the local community and an unwavering passion for football.
Early Years and Initial Development
After its founding in 1909, the Real Sociedad de Fútbol began to consolidate itself as a leading sports entity in San Sebastián and the province of Gipuzkoa. In its first years, the club actively participated in regional and national competitions, highlighting its presence in the first editions of the Copa del Rey. In 1910, under the name of Vasconia de San Sebastián, they reached the final of this tournament, although they were defeated by Athletic Club.
A significant milestone in the club’s history was the inauguration of the Atotxa field on October 5, 1913. This stadium, located in the Eguía neighborhood, became the home of Real Sociedad for almost 80 years. The opening match pitted Real Sociedad against Athletic Club, ending with a three-goal draw.
Real Sociedad was one of the founding clubs of La Liga in 1929, the top category of Spanish football. In its first season, the team finished in fourth position, with Francisco “Paco” Bienzobas as the tournament’s top scorer.
This initial performance in the national league laid the foundation for the club’s growth and development in the following decades.
During these years, Real Sociedad was characterized by its dynamic and offensive style of play, earning the respect and admiration of fans and rivals. Consolidation in the elite of Spanish football and the construction of its own identity were fundamental for the development and future success of the club.
Golden Era: League and Copa del Rey titles
Real Sociedad lived its golden age in the 1980s and early 1990s, establishing itself as a power in Spanish football.
League titles (1980-81 and 1981-82):
In the 1980-81 season, under the direction of coach Alberto Ormaetxea, Real Sociedad won its first La Liga title. The team showed remarkable consistency, highlighting players such as Luis Arconada, Jesús María Satrústegui and Roberto López Ufarte. The following season, 1981-82, the club retained the title, demonstrating its dominance in Spanish football.
King’s Cup:
Real Sociedad has won the Copa del Rey three times:
1909: As the San Sebastián Cycling Club, the team won its first cup title.
1986-87: In an exciting final played at La Romareda, Real Sociedad beat Atlético de Madrid on penalties, after a 2-2 draw in regulation time.
2019-20: In a historic final held on April 3, 2021 at the La Cartuja Stadium, Real Sociedad defeated Athletic Club 1-0, with a goal from Mikel Oyarzabal, ending a drought of more titles of three decades.
European Participations:
These golden years not only brought titles, but also consolidated the identity and philosophy of the club, based on the youth team and an attractive and effective style of play.
Transition and Challenges: Declines and Returns
After the glorious period of the 80s, Real Sociedad faced periods of transition and daunting challenges that tested the club’s resilience.
Relegations to Second Division:
In the 2006-2007 season, after 40 uninterrupted years in the First Division, Real Sociedad was relegated to the Second Division. The 3-3 draw against Valencia at Mestalla sealed the team’s fate, marking a painful moment for the fans and the institution.
Return to the Highest Category:
After three seasons in the Second Division, the club achieved the long-awaited promotion in the 2009-2010 season. On June 13, 2010, a victory in Anoeta against Celta de Vigo certified the return to the First Division, unleashing euphoria among the Txuri-Urdin fans.
Impact on the Club Structure and Strategy:
These ups and downs led Real Sociedad to rethink its sporting and financial model. The commitment to the youth academy was reinforced, prioritizing the development of young talents at the Zubieta facilities. In addition, measures were implemented to guarantee the economic and sporting stability of the club, laying the foundations for a more solid and sustainable future.
These periods of difficulty demonstrated the ability of Real Sociedad to overcome adversity, reinforcing its identity and commitment to the fans and the Gipuzkoan community.
Move to Anoeta Stadium
Real Sociedad experienced a significant change in its history with the transition from the historic Atotxa Stadium to the modern Anoeta Stadium.
Transition from Atotxa to Anoeta:
The Atotxa Stadium, inaugurated in 1913, was the home of Real Sociedad for 80 years, witnessing countless emblematic moments. However, as time went by, its facilities became obsolete and the need for a more modern stadium with greater capacity became evident.
In 1993, the Anoeta Stadium was inaugurated, located in the Amara neighborhood of San Sebastián, with an initial capacity for 32,076 spectators. This stadium offered more modern facilities and amenities for both players and fans.
Elimination of Athletics Tracks:
Originally, Anoeta was conceived as a multi-purpose stadium, including athletics tracks that separated the stands from the pitch. This configuration generated criticism due to the distance between fans and the field, affecting the atmosphere during games.
In 2019, a comprehensive remodeling of the stadium was carried out, eliminating the athletics tracks and moving the stands closer to the playing field. This transformation not only improved the spectator experience, but also increased the stadium’s capacity to approximately 40,000 seats, establishing Anoeta as a premier football stadium.
The move to Anoeta and its subsequent remodeling reflect Real Sociedad’s commitment to adapting to modern times, offering its fans a closer and more intense experience, while preserving the essence and tradition that characterize the club.
Zubieta: The Quarry and its Importance
Real Sociedad has built a large part of its identity and success on the training of players through its quarry, located at the Zubieta facilities.
Description of the Zubieta Facilities:
Inaugurated in 1981 and modernized in 2004, the Zubieta facilities are located in an enclave of San Sebastián. This sports complex has multiple training fields, both natural and artificial grass, and modern facilities for the comprehensive development of soccer players.
Quarry Successes:
Zubieta has been the cradle of numerous talents who have shone in the first team and on the international scene. Players such as Xabi Alonso, Antoine Griezmann and Mikel Oyarzabal began their training in these facilities, reflecting the quality and effectiveness of the work carried out in the quarry.
Club Philosophy and its Impact:
Real Sociedad maintains a philosophy focused on the development of young local talents, promoting its own gaming identity and a strong connection with the Gipuzkoa community. This strategy has not only provided sporting and economic stability to the club, but has also strengthened the sense of belonging between the fans and the players.
Zubieta represents the heart of Real Sociedad, being an inexhaustible source of talent and a fundamental pillar in the construction of a competitive team true to its roots.
Resurgence and Consolidation in the Elite (2018-2024)
In recent years, Real Sociedad has experienced a notable resurgence, consolidating itself as one of the most competitive teams in LaLiga and reaffirming its presence in European competitions.
Appointment of Imanol Alguacil as Head Coach:
In December 2018, Imanol Alguacil took over as first team coach, bringing a renewed vision and deep knowledge of the club’s philosophy. His leadership has been instrumental to the team’s recent success.
Recent Sports Successes:
Consecutive European Rankings:
Under Alguacil’s leadership, Real Sociedad managed to qualify for European competitions for five consecutive seasons, consolidating itself as a competitive team in LaLiga.
Conquest of the Copa del Rey 2020:
On April 3, 2021, Real Sociedad became champions of the 2020 Copa del Rey, beating Athletic Club in the final, a significant achievement that broke a title drought of more than three decades.
Performance in LaLiga:
Under the direction of Alguacil, Real Sociedad has managed to qualify for European competitions in five consecutive seasons, consolidating itself as a competitive team in LaLiga.
In the 2022-2023 season, the team finished in fourth place, ensuring participation in the UEFA Champions League for the first time in a decade.
In the 2023-2024 season, Real Sociedad maintained its competitiveness, reaching the semifinals of the Copa del Rey and advancing to the round of 16 in the Champions League.
Institutional and Sports Leadership:
Jokin Aperribay: Visionary President:
Since his appointment in 2008, Aperribay has led a comprehensive transformation of the club, focusing on financial stability, modernizing infrastructure and strengthening the youth system.
Roberto Olabe: Director of Strategic Football:
Olabe has been instrumental in sports planning, implementing a philosophy that combines the development of young talent with strategic additions, which has resulted in a competitive and sustainable team.
Imanol Alguacil: Coach and Exponent of the Club’s Philosophy:
Alguacil, former player and trained in the youth system, personifies the values of Real Sociedad. His leadership has been key to the team’s recent success, and his contract has been renewed until 2025, reflecting the club’s confidence in its project.
This period has seen a revitalized Royal Society, combining tradition and modernity, and looking to the future with optimism and ambition.
Future Projection
Real Sociedad de Fútbol, with a solid foundation in its history and philosophy, looks to the future with ambition and projects that seek to consolidate its position in Spanish and European football.
Renewal of Imanol Alguacil:
In November 2024, the club began talks to extend coach Imanol Alguacil’s contract until 2027, with a financial improvement. This initiative reflects the intention of both parties to continue with a long-term project that has provided stability and success to the team.
Infrastructure and Quarry Development:
Real Sociedad continues to invest in the Zubieta facilities, reaffirming its commitment to the training of young talents and the promotion of players from the youth team to the first team. These improvements seek to maintain competitiveness and ensure a constant flow of footballers who embody the club’s values and philosophy.
Sports Goals:
The club aspires to consolidate itself in European competitions and continue being a protagonist in LaLiga, maintaining its identity and playing philosophy. Participation in continental tournaments not only increases the prestige of the entity, but also offers valuable experiences for the development of its players.
With a clear vision and well-defined projects, Real Sociedad prepares to face the challenges to come, always seeking to honor its rich history and satisfy the expectations of its loyal fans.
Club Legends
Throughout its centenary history, Real Sociedad has had players who have not only left an indelible mark on the club, but have also embodied the values and passion that characterize the txuri-urdin entity. These legends have been fundamental in the team’s most glorious moments and continue to be references for new generations.
Luis Miguel Arconada:
Considered one of the best goalkeepers in the history of Spanish football, Arconada defended Real Sociedad’s goal from 1974 to 1989. His leadership and catlike reflexes were key in winning the league titles in 1981 and 1982. In addition, he was international with Spain on 68 occasions, highlighting his participation in the 1984 Euro Cup.
Jesús María Satrústegui:
A lethal forward and the club’s all-time top scorer, Satrústegui scored 162 goals in 374 official matches. His nose for goals and ability to be in the right place at the right time made him a fundamental piece during Real’s golden era.
Roberto López Ufarte:
Nicknamed “The Little Devil”, López Ufarte was a skilled and fast winger who played for Real Sociedad between 1975 and 1987. He contributed significantly to the club’s successes, including the league titles and the 1987 Copa del Rey. His charisma and dedication on the field made him an idol for the fans.
Xabi Alonso:
Trained in the Zubieta youth academy, Alonso made his debut with the first team in 2000. His vision of the game and precision in passing led him to be one of the most outstanding midfielders of his generation. After his time at Real, he shone in clubs such as Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, in addition to being a key player in the Spanish team that won the European Championship and the World Cup.
Antoine Griezmann:
Discovered by Real Sociedad in 2005, Griezmann was promoted to the first team in 2009. His skill, speed and scoring ability quickly made him stand out, being instrumental in promotion to the First Division and in qualifying for the Champions League in 2013. His evolution in the club catapulted him to the elite of world football.
Mikel Oyarzabal:
A product of the quarry, Oyarzabal debuted in 2015 and quickly established himself as the leader and captain of the team. His commitment, versatility and ability to score decisive goals have made him a current reference for the club. He was the scorer of the goal that awarded Real Sociedad the Copa del Rey in 2020, consolidating his status as a living legend.
These figures represent the spirit and essence of the Royal Society, demonstrating that, beyond the titles, what endures is the passion, commitment and love for colors that have transcended generations.
Real Sociedad Forum
For all fans who want to share their passion for Real Sociedad, there is, on this website, a dedicated forum where we can debate, inform ourselves and enjoy our passion together. This space allows us to connect with other fans, exchange opinions and keep up to date with the latest news from the club.
Real Sociedad Forum in DiscoverDonostia
Conclusion
The Real Sociedad de Fútbol, based in Donostia-San Sebastián, is more than a sports club; It is an emblem of Guipuzcoan identity and a fundamental pillar in the history of Spanish football. Since its founding in 1909, it has forged a career marked by moments of glory, challenges overcome and an unbreakable connection with its fans.
The league titles in the 1980-81 and 1981-82 seasons, along with the Copa del Rey conquests in 1909, 1987 and 2020, are testament to their competitiveness and winning spirit. The transition from the historic Atotxa Stadium to the modern Reale Arena, and the constant investment in Zubieta’s facilities, reflect its commitment to modernization and the development of young talents.
Under the leadership of figures such as president Jokin Aperribay, director of football Roberto Olabe and coach Imanol Alguacil, Real Sociedad has experienced a remarkable resurgence, consolidating itself among the elite of national and international football. Qualifying for the UEFA Champions League in the 2022-2023 season and winning the Copa del Rey in 2020 are recent milestones that demonstrate its sustained growth.
Looking to the future, the club maintains its philosophy focused on the youth team, sustainability and competitiveness, aspiring to new achievements that will make its loyal fans proud. Real Sociedad is not just a football team; It is a passion that unites generations and that, with each game, continues to write
