Real Madrid had spent over six years and $1.91 billion transforming the Bernabéu into a futuristic stadium, capable of hosting not just soccer matches but a wide range of large-scale events.

The Real Madrid legend played for the club from 1921-1926, taking charge as coach from 1926-1927. Bernabeu became president in 1943, serving 34 years until his death at 82.

In May 2022, Madrid announced a deal with American investor Sixth Street and stadium-management specialist Legends to provide €360m in funding, in exchange for 30 per cent of Real’s in-stadium ...