Real Madrid Exit Ends European Super League Project
Last update: February 11, 2026
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Real Madrid officially withdraws from European Super League...
Real Madrid have formally withdrawn from the European Super League, bringing the controversial breakaway competition to an official end.
With FC Barcelona having pulled out earlier this month, Madrid’s decision means no clubs remain backing the project, effectively rendering the Super League defunct.
CBI News reports that the Spanish club confirmed on February 11 that it had reached an agreement with UEFA, signalling a return to the traditional European football structure and paving the way for the resolution of legal disputes tied to the proposed competition.
“UEFA, the European Football Clubs (EFC), and Real Madrid C. F. reach an agreement for the good of European club football,” the club said in a statement.
“After months of discussions held in the interest of European football, UEFA, the European Football Clubs (EFC), and Real Madrid C. F. announce that they have reached an agreement in principle for the good of European club football, respecting the principle of sporting merit and emphasizing the long-term sustainability of clubs and the improvement of the fan experience through the use of technology.
“This agreement in principle will also serve to resolve their legal disputes related to the European Super League, once a final agreement is implemented.”
The Super League was unveiled in 2021 as a closed competition involving 12 elite European clubs.
However, it faced immediate and fierce backlash from fans, players, and football governing bodies, leading to its rapid collapse.
England’s six Premier League clubs withdrew within days amid widespread protests.
Italian clubs and Atletico Madrid soon followed, with Juventus later stepping away, leaving Real Madrid and Barcelona as the final defenders of the initiative.
Barcelona’s recent withdrawal had already left Madrid isolated.
The Catalan side confirmed it had formally notified the European Super League Company and other parties of its decision to exit, leaving only Madrid and organiser A22 as stakeholders at the time.
Barcelona’s departure also reflected a renewed effort to strengthen ties with UEFA, amid growing tension with Real Madrid.
Relations between the two clubs have been strained further by the ongoing Negreira case, in which Barcelona face charges related to alleged sporting corruption, with Madrid among those calling for sanctions.
