On February 21, 2025, I had the opportunity to attend the Real Madrid Talks conferences at the Escuela Universitaria Real Madrid Universidad Europea in Madrid, where the topic of human talent development was addressed in a keynote lecture by José María García, Director of Human Resources and a graduate in Psychology, together with María Gil Founier, Law graduate and Director of the Youth Academy Residence.
Real Madrid opens its doors and offers all necessary resources for each footballer to reach their full potential. However, the spark of greatness and the true magic of success depend on each individual. Innate talent and genetics certainly play a fundamental role, but it is individual passion, effort, and the ability to choose the right path that truly define an athlete’s destiny. Every decision made, every extra effort invested, are what truly write each player’s personal story and transform opportunity into reality.
The probability of becoming a top player is extremely low. Although having exceptional technique is a good indicator, there are many players with outstanding skills. The competition is fierce, and only a few players each year manage to reach that level of recognition.
The club has implemented a professionalization process in its staff management structures. It has established talent management criteria in the development of its football academy. The Training and Development Area pursues four main objectives:
Sporting Objective: Prepare players who can integrate into the first team.
Economic Objective: Many players trained in the academy move into the market, representing a source of income for the club.
Social Objective: The responsibility toward young players goes beyond their athletic development, including their personal growth.
Institutional Objective: The sports area must collaborate with other departments of the club through professional procedures and mechanisms.
A Complete Perspective of the Player
There are clearly visible aspects: they make quick decisions, always seek victory, and collaborate with the team (this is true even in individual sports, where there is always a support team behind the athlete). The club culture is very strong and always focused on excellence and never giving up.
How do they think? They make decisions at high speed. They think and execute what they consider appropriate quickly. They adapt their decisions to each game situation. They understand and adjust to different segments of the match in progress.
How do they feel? They always have the desire to win. They are only satisfied with victory. They give their all at all times. They are constantly striving to improve. They generally perform well and sometimes exceptionally well.
How do they relate? They do what they know for the benefit of the team. They prioritize the good of the team over personal success and play for the collective. They are influential; they indicate what to do and others follow. They are fully immersed in the game, highly participative, consider others, and are considered by them.
“The professionalization of management is a natural evolution in organizations, and sports entities also have this need.” – José María García.
Summary of Real Madrid’s Values
Real Madrid, considered by many as the greatest club of all time, is built on solid values that encompass sporting, social, charitable, and economic aspects.
Excellence: A fundamental pillar since 1902, which implies the constant pursuit of the highest standards of quality. Excellence is sought through leadership, high standards, and talent.
Commitment: Embracing the club’s values and remaining loyal to its historic legacy, Real Madrid commits to both its millions of fans and to sustainability, managing its resources for future generations.
Winning Spirit: This value permeates every season and translates into a positive attitude, effort, sacrifice, and perseverance, defining the mentality of the club and its supporters.
Teamwork: Under an organizational philosophy, Real Madrid promotes camaraderie, generosity, and unity to achieve common goals, involving everyone from players to fans.
Respect: On the field, the club acts with sportsmanship, and off it, maintains fraternal and supportive relationships with other clubs, offering cooperation to sports institutions.
Universality: The club transcends barriers of race, ideology, and culture, being multicultural and inclusive, which reinforces its global and timeless nature.
Solidarity: Through the Real Madrid Foundation, the club is committed to helping those in greatest need, especially children at risk of social exclusion, giving back to society what it has received.
Humility: This quality is essential for progress, avoiding self-complacency and recognizing each achievement as a step toward new challenges. Real Madrid respects its rivals and sees every victory as a new starting point.
These principles reflect the essence of Real Madrid and its continuous drive for excellence and success.
“HASTA EL FINAL, VAMOS REAL.”
