The Copa del Rey, one of the oldest and most prestigious domestic competitions in Spain, has been a stage for intense rivalries and memorable moments. With fierce competition between clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid, the question often arises: Which club has won the most Copa del Rey titles in history?
The Origins of the Copa del Rey
The tournament was initially proposed by Carlos Padrós, then-president of Real Madrid, to celebrate the coronation of King Alfonso XIII of Spain. The first edition, known as the “Copa de la Coronación,” featured just five teams, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Espanyol, and Bizcaya de Bilbao. Bizcaya de Bilbao won the inaugural tournament, defeating Barcelona in the final.
Over the years, the competition evolved and became officially known as the Copa del Rey. It has since been a platform for Spanish clubs to showcase their talent and passion for football.
Top Winners of the Copa del Rey
- Barcelona – 31 Titles
Barcelona leads the all-time list with a record 31 Copa del Rey titles. They have also been runners-up 13 times, making them the club with the most final appearances. The Catalan giants last won the trophy in the 2020/2021 season, while their most recent runner-up finish came in 2023. - Athletic Bilbao – 24 Titles
Surprisingly, Athletic Bilbao ranks second with 24 Copa del Rey titles, surpassing Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. Their strong history in the competition highlights their prominence in Spanish football. - Real Madrid – 20 Titles
Real Madrid has won the Copa del Rey 20 times, with their most recent triumph coming in the 2022/2023 season, defeating Osasuna 2-1 in the final. However, the club has also been runners-up 20 times, with their last runner-up finish occurring in 2013. - Atlético Madrid – 10 Titles
Atlético Madrid has claimed the trophy 10 times, with their last victory in 2013. The club has reached the final on nine other occasions, most recently in 2010. - Valencia – 8 Titles
Valencia has won the Copa del Rey 8 times, making them one of the most successful clubs in the competition.
Complete List of Copa del Rey Winners
| Club | Titles |
|---|---|
| Barcelona | 31 |
| Athletic Bilbao | 24 |
| Real Madrid | 20 |
| Atlético Madrid | 10 |
| Valencia | 8 |
| Real Zaragoza | 6 |
| Sevilla | 5 |
| Espanyol | 4 |
| Real Unión | 4 |
| Real Sociedad | 4 |
| Real Betis | 3 |
| Deportivo La Coruña | 2 |
| Arenas Club | 1 |
| Real Mallorca | 1 |
| Bizcaya de Bilbao | 1 |
Notable Facts
- Barcelona’s Dominance: Barcelona’s 31 titles make them the undisputed kings of the Copa del Rey, and their record of 13 runner-up finishes further cements their legacy in the competition.
- Athletic Bilbao’s Surprise: Despite not being one of Spain’s current footballing powerhouses, Athletic Bilbao’s 24 titles highlight their historical significance.
- Real Madrid’s Struggles: While Real Madrid has been dominant in La Liga and European competitions, they rank third in Copa del Rey triumphs.
FAQs
1. Who has won the most Copa del Rey titles?
Barcelona holds the record with 31 Copa del Rey titles.
2. When did Real Madrid last win the Copa del Rey?
Real Madrid last won the Copa del Rey in the 2022/2023 season, defeating Osasuna in the final.
3. Which club ranks second in Copa del Rey titles?
Athletic Bilbao is second with 24 titles.
4. How many times has Atlético Madrid won the Copa del Rey?
Atlético Madrid has won the Copa del Rey 10 times, with their last victory in 2013.
5. Which club won the first Copa del Rey?
Bizcaya de Bilbao won the inaugural Copa del Rey in 1902, defeating Barcelona in the final.
