Real Madrid Honoured Peñas before Spanish Supercup Final

Hours before Real Madrid lifted the 11th Spanish Supercup in its history at King Abdullah Stadium on Sunday, Peñismo filled the air of a banquet room at the Hilton Hotel. As is traditional custom, the club of 13 European Cups took a timeout to honour regional and international Peñas that made the trip to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Attended by hundreds of Members from 17 Peñas, this extravagant gathering presided by Don Florentino Pérez showcased the current euphoria felt inside Madridismo.

”The unity of all Madridismo is what makes us feel that we are always prepared for the biggest challenges.” said the President. As he read off a list of the Peñas in attendance, members’ applause grew and a warm smile came across his face. Peña representation spanned from Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Mauritania, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Palestine, to India. One by one, Peña members took photos with former legendary player and Institutional Relations Director Emilio Butragueño, as well as three-time Champions League winner Roberto Carlos.

Among the Peñas was Jordan Blancos, who sent a delegation of 35 Members led by Mohammed Kabeer. He was one of the 17 Peña Chairmen honoured with a home jersey customized with the Peña name. “It is a mixture of happiness, pride, and gratitude with this royal honor”, said Kabeer of the Club’s jersey gift. This fabulous Peña of five years continues to be a gold standard of Middle Eastern Madridismo. Another devoted attendee who happened to be the only Chairwoman was Bara’ah Hasan of Peña Lebanon. When asked about what went through her mind upon setting foot on stage, Bara’ah responded, “It is the best moment to represent my Peña and country in front of the President of our beloved Club.”

Peña gatherings are vital events where the Club honours its most loyal supporters, especially those who live outside Madrid and Spain. Later in the evening, over 50,000 people at the Final heard these Peña Members sing authentic songs and cheer during the most crucial moments, especially the penalty shootout. Don Florentino summed it up best: “Values such as work, friendship, team spirit, humility, respect, and solidarity are those that have marked our history in these almost 118 years of life.”

This Spanish Supercup triumph is being lauded as the moment validating the team’s resurrection and propelling their favouritism in the remaining three major trophies. No matter what, these 17 Peñas leave Jeddah fortified to continue the extreme dedication to spread Madridismo in their countries. Madridismo is universal. ¡Hala Madrid y nada más!

- Christian Paredes (@Xian_D_Paredes) is a Founding Member and former Chairman (2012-2016) of La Peña Madridista Sur de California (@RmSurCalifornia)