Hala Madrid Anthem

Lore & Background

The origins of the anthem are rooted in the club's desire to solidify its identity during a period of immense expansion. The poetic verses were first written by José María Pemán in 1920, predating the club's historic European Cup triumphs by decades. In the mid-1950s, under the presidency of Santiago Bernabéu, the club sought a musical piece that matched the grandeur of their on-field successes, particularly leading up to and following their first European Cup victory in 1956. The chosen composition by Manuel Espin de la Rosa, combined with Pemán's pre-existing verses, created an anthem that was both regal and accessible when officially adopted in 1957. It replaced earlier, less formal chants, establishing a new standard for football culture.

Over the decades, the anthem has survived regime changes, stadium renovations, and shifting musical trends, yet its core melody remains untouched. It is inextricably linked to the concept of 'Madridismo,' representing the club's motto that nothing else matters ('y nada más') but the pursuit of glory. The lyrics evoke a sense of destiny and eternal victory, promising that while other teams may fade, Real Madrid will endure forever. This narrative has been reinforced every time the anthem plays after a Champions League lift or a decisive La Liga title celebration.

In Their Own Story

The lights dim over the packed stands, the air thick with anticipation and the faint, metallic scent of flares. Then, the first brass note cuts through the noise like a sword drawn from its sheath. A hush falls instantly across the Santiago Bernabéu, broken only by the swelling strings of the orchestra. One by one, then in unison, fifty thousand voices rise: 'Hala Madrid... y nada más.' The vibration travels through the concrete tiers, up into the players' locker room, and settles deep in the chests of every man wearing the white shirt. For those few minutes, tactics, injuries, and rivalries dissolve; there is only the pure, unadulterated belief that this anthem has sung since 1957: that they are destined for greatness.

Reader's Guide

The tradition of singing 'Hala Madrid' is a cornerstone of matchday culture at the Santiago Bernabéu. Performed by the official orchestra and choir immediately before kickoff, it creates a solemn yet electric atmosphere that signals the start of the ritual. Fans are encouraged to stand during this moment, joining the chorus with hands raised or flags waving in a synchronized display of unity. The chant is not passive; it is an active participation where every voice contributes to the pressure felt by the opposition and the inspiration drawn by the squad.

Did You Know?

• The anthem was officially adopted in 1957, one year after Real Madrid secured their first European Cup victory in 1956.
• Lyricist José María Pemán actually wrote the verses in 1920, over three decades before the music was composed or the anthem was officially adopted by the club.
• Unlike many modern pop-style anthems, this piece is a traditional grand march performed by a full symphony orchestra.
• The anthem has been covered and rearranged numerous times but the original melody remains the definitive version used at matches.

Origins and Creative Process

The anthem ¡Hala Madrid!...y nada más emerged from a direct commission by club president Florentino Pérez, aiming to celebrate the team's historic tenth UEFA Champions League victory. The musical composition was crafted by Nadir Khayat, known professionally as RedOne, who is also a devoted supporter of the club. His creative journey began in 2010 during a flight between Madrid and Morocco, where he conceived the melody. Later, while in Sweden, he handled the programming and recording of the symphonic elements that give the track its grandeur. The lyrics were penned by journalist Manuel Jabois, who initially drafted a more extensive version before editing it down to match RedOne's composition. Jabois explained that the phrase 'y nada más' encapsulates the club's polarizing nature, suggesting that one either loves Real Madrid or does not. This collaborative effort between a passionate fan-composer and a skilled writer resulted in a modern tribute designed to honor the club's legacy while motivating its current squad.

Recording and Stadium Integration

The official recording session took place at PKO Studios in April 2014, featuring an all-star lineup of the Real Madrid squad alongside their manager, Carlo Ancelotti. Prominent players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale, Luka Modrić, Xabi Alonso, Ángel Di María, Isco, and Marcelo lent their voices to the track. Although recorded in April, the song was strategically withheld from public release until after the team secured La Décima, their tenth European title. Internally, it served as a motivational tool before crucial matches, including the 2014 Copa del Rey Final against Barcelona and Champions League encounters with Bayern Munich and Atlético Madrid. Following its official launch, the anthem became a staple of matchday atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. It is now routinely played by fans both prior to kick-off and immediately after a goal is scored, cementing its role as an integral part of the club's identity and emotional connection with supporters.

Lyrical Heritage and Cultural Context

The title ¡Hala Madrid!...y nada más draws deeply from the linguistic and historical roots of the club. The phrase 'Hala Madrid' serves as a traditional battle cry, with the word 'Hala' originating from Arabic to mean 'Come on.' This specific chant distinguishes itself from the club's official anthem commissioned in 1952 by Santiago Bernabéu for the golden jubilee, which is often referred to as Las mocitas madrileñas. That earlier song was written by Luis Cisneros Galiane and recorded by José de Aguilar. In contrast, this modern iteration adds the suffix 'y nada más' ('and nothing else'), a choice made by lyricist Manuel Jabois to reflect the absolute devotion required of fans. The anthem thus bridges the gap between historical tradition and contemporary celebration, honoring the past while providing a fresh, energetic soundtrack for a new generation of supporters who rally behind the team's relentless pursuit of glory.

Global Reception and Special Editions

Upon its release, the anthem achieved remarkable commercial success, demonstrating the global reach of Real Madrid. It topped the iTunes charts in Spain and reached number one in seventeen other nations, including Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Sweden, Hungary, Israel, and several Central American and Eastern European countries. This widespread popularity highlighted the club's international fanbase. Additionally, a special version was recorded by renowned opera singer Plácido Domingo in December 2014. Originally intended for release in 2015, this rendition was delayed because the team failed to reach the Champions League final that year. It finally saw the light of day in May 2016, following the club's eleventh European triumph known as La Undécima. This later release served as a celebratory capstone to another era of dominance, ensuring the anthem remained relevant across multiple championship cycles.