Former Real Madrid coach and commentator Javier Valdano said the club's fan base consists of people from across the political spectrum.
Valdano's comments address a long-standing debate regarding the intersection of sports and politics in Spain. By challenging the image of the club as a monolith of right-wing support, he aims to decouple the team's identity from specific ideological labels.
Speaking during an episode of the television program "La Noche de Aimar" on La Sexta, Valdano said the perception of the club is often clouded by prejudice. He noted that supporters come from both left-wing and right-wing backgrounds, and that no political affiliation card is required [1].
"Hay gente de izquierdas y de derechas, no piden carnet de afiliación política," Valdano said [1].
Valdano also touched upon the historical origins of these stereotypes. He mentioned that when the club reached its 100-year anniversary [1], discourse began to emerge linking the institution to the Franco regime. He suggested that these historical associations have fueled the enduring prejudice that the club exclusively represents the political right.
Throughout the interview, the former coach said football fandom transcends political lines. He argued that the passion for the sport creates a space where diverse ideologies coexist without the need for formal political alignment.
Valdano's appearance on the program, which aired June 6, 2024, serves as a public effort to dismantle these narratives. He said the club's global and local reach is a reflection of a diverse society rather than a specific political agenda [1].
“"Hay gente de izquierdas y de derechas, no piden carnet de afiliación política."”
Valdano's statements highlight the ongoing tension between a sports institution's historical perception and its modern identity. By acknowledging the 'club del franquismo' label while denying its current relevance to the fan base, he is attempting to modernize the club's image and neutralize political weaponization of the team's history.
