How do Spanish clubs become 'Real' or 'royal'?

What the report says

Spanish football clubs that carry the word “Real” in their names do so because of a royal distinction granted by Spain’s monarchy, not because of results on the pitch. BBC Sport Football explains that “Real” means “Royal” and has been used for more than a century by clubs that received the title through royal patronage, often along with a crown added to their badge.

The article says the practice became established during the reign of King Alfonso XIII, who took an interest in football as the sport grew rapidly across Spain. Among the early examples were Deportivo de A Coruna, Real Sociedad, Espanyol and Sporting de Gijon, each gaining the title in the early 1900s through formal approval or the king’s honorary presidency. Real Madrid, founded in 1902 as Madrid Football Club, received the designation in 1920.

BBC Sport notes that there is no sporting qualification for becoming “Real”; clubs do not earn it by winning titles or reaching higher divisions. Historically, it was a matter of royal permission, and in modern times clubs can still seek the honour through a formal request. As an example, the piece points to Club Deportivo Gara in Tenerife, which was granted the title in 2012 during its centenary celebrations. The article provides context for why the royal label remains visible across Spanish football, including in La Liga and the second tier.