As of 2024, Real Madrid had won the UEFA Champions League (UCL) more than any other club, with a total of 14 titles.

A rule introduced in 1968/69 stipulates that the cup becomes the property of any club who win the competition five times or three years in a row. The club then start a new cycle from zero. Real Madrid, Ajax, Bayern Mnchen, Milan and Liverpool all have a version in their trophy rooms.

The club was accused of corruption in sports, fraudulent management and the falsification of mercantile documentation. Prosecutors said between 2001 and 2024, Barcelona paid $7.7m to Negreira, a former referee who was a part of the federation's refereeing committee from 1994 to 2024.

Luis Figo spent five years each at both Barcelona and Real Madrid and made more than 200 appearances . He won two league titles with both  winning the 2002 UEFA Champions League at Madrid. He later joined Inter Milan and retired there in 2009.