Copa del Rey

Lore & Background

The competition was founded in 1903, though a forerunner, the Copa de la Coronación, was played in 1902 to celebrate the coronation of King Alfonso XIII. That cup is on display in the Athletic Bilbao museum and the club includes it as its first Copa del Rey win, but the RFEF does not officially recognize it. The Copa del Rey was Spain's national championship until La Liga was founded in 1929. It has been known by various names: Copa del Ayuntamiento de Madrid (1903–1905), Copa de Su Majestad El Rey Alfonso XIII (1905–1932), Copa del Presidente de la República (1932–1936), and Copa del Generalísimo (1939–1976). In 1937, during the Spanish Civil War, the Copa de la España Libre was held, won by Levante FC; in 2023 the RFEF recognized it but not as a Copa del Rey. The number of Athletic Bilbao's titles is disputed (24 or 25) depending on whether the 1902 edition is counted. The final is a one-off game at a neutral venue; since the 2019–20 edition, the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville has been the regular host.

In Their Own Story

The rain slicks the pitch at the neutral venue as the final whistle approaches. The score is level after ninety minutes, sending the match into extra time. In Career Mode, this is the moment where squad rotation pays off; your substitute striker steps up, eyes fixed on the goal. The crowd roars in the stadium simulation, a mix of anticipation and dread.

Reader's Guide

The competition is a knockout tournament. Since the 2019–20 format overhaul, all rounds are single-leg ties with lower division teams hosting, except the semi-finals which are two-legged. The top-level clubs enter in the first round, except four teams taking part in the Supercopa de España who enter in the third round (last 32). The final is a single match at a neutral venue. Reserve teams were allowed until 1990. The number of entrants increased to 125 in 2019–20 and later to 126 in 2025. Winners qualify for the UEFA Europa League and the Supercopa de España; since the 2019–20 Supercopa, the Copa runners-up also qualify for that event.

Did You Know?

• Barcelona has won the Copa del Rey 32 times, the most of any club.
• Athletic Bilbao's title count is disputed: either 24 or 25, depending on whether the 1902 Copa de la Coronación is counted.
• The final has been held at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville since the 2019–20 edition.
• The trophy has been replaced 12 times; clubs can keep it permanently after three consecutive wins or five total wins.
• In 2011, Real Madrid player Sergio Ramos accidentally dropped the trophy from a bus, and it was run over.