What is the Copa del Rey? Spain’s oldest trophy explained
Spain’s historic knockout competition has been running since 1903, offering giant-killings, one-game drama and a very different format from U.S. sports.
Real Sociedad, from San Sebastián in the Basque Country in the north of Spain, face Atlético Madrid, from the Spanish capital, in the final of the Copa del Rey (King’s Cup), today, Saturday, April 18, with kickoff at 3 p.m. ET.
What is the Copa del Rey?
The Copa del Rey is Spain’s domestic cup competition, a knockout tournament that brings together clubs from across the country and often produces some of the most unpredictable moments in European soccer. First played in 1903, it is the oldest competition in Spanish football and runs alongside LaLiga each season, offering teams another route to silverware and a place in European competition. Currently the winner claims a spot in the Europa League.
Unlike the league format the Copa del Rey is the equivalent of March Madness or the NFL playoffs. It is single-elimination, meaning one bad night can end a team’s campaign, regardless of status or budget. That structure opens the door to “giant-killings,” where lower-division teams face — and occasionally eliminate — some of the biggest clubs in the world. It’s part of what gives the competition its enduring appeal.
Despite the possibility of major upsets in any given round, historically, the tournament has been dominated by Spain’s traditional powers. Barcelona hold the record for the most titles with 32, followed by Athletic Club with 24 and Real Madrid with 20.
The format has evolved over the years, but the essence remains the same: win or go home. Early rounds typically feature smaller teams hosting bigger clubs, creating unique atmospheres and increasing the chances of an upset. As the competition progresses, the stakes rise, culminating in a single-match final that crowns the champion.
There is no safety net, no series to recover from a bad performance. Every game matters, and every round can deliver a surprise. That unpredictability is what keeps the tournament relevant more than a century after it began.
In a soccer landscape increasingly dominated by leagues and international competitions, the Copa del Rey remains a reminder of the sport’s roots — a competition where history, tradition and the possibility of the unexpected come together in a single knockout format.
Who has won the Copa del Rey the most times?
Barcelona confirmed last season that it is the king of this competition. It beat Real Madrid in the cup clash and lifted its 32nd trophy since winning the Copa for the first time in 1910. However, Hansi Flick’s side have not been able to defend their title, as Atlético edged them out by the narrowest of margins in the semifinals.
Real Madrid remains third on the all-time list behind Barcelona and Athletic Club with 20 titles. It last won the Copa del Rey in 2023, beating Osasuna 2-1. Arbeloa’s side were surprisingly knocked out by an impressive Albacete from the second division and will have to wait until next year for another shot at the trophy.
Copa del Rey winners
| Team | Copas del Rey | Winning years |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | 32 | 1910, 1912, 1913, 1920, 1922, 1925, 1926, 1928, 1942, 1951, 1952,1953,1957, 1959, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1978, 1981, 1983, 1988, 1990, 1997, 1998, 2009, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021 y 2025. |
| Athletic | 24 | 1903, 1904, 1910, 1911, 1914, 1915, 1916, 1921, 1923, 1930, 1931, 1932, 1933, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1950, 1955, 1956, 1958, 1969, 1973, 1984 y 2024. |
| Real Madrid | 20 | 1905, 1906, 1907, 1908, 1917, 1934, 1936, 1946, 1947, 1962, 1970, 1974, 1975, 1980, 1982, 1989, 1993, 2011, 2014 y 2023. |
| Atlético | 10 | 1960, 1961, 1965, 1972, 1976, 1985, 1991, 1992, 1996 y 2013. |
| Valencia | 8 | 1941, 1949, 1954, 1967, 1979, 1999, 2008 y 2019. |
| Zaragoza | 6 | 1964, 1966, 1986, 1994, 2001 y 2004. |
| Sevilla | 5 | 1935, 1939, 1948, 2007 y 2010. |
| Espanyol | 4 | 1929, 1940, 2000 y 2006. |
| Real Unión | 4 | 1913, 1918, 1924 y 1927. |
| Club ciclista/Real Sociedad | 3 | 1909, 1987 y 2020. |
| Betis | 3 | 1977, 2005 y 2022. |
| Deportivo | 2 | 1995 y 2002. |
| Arenas de Getxo | 1 | 1919. |
| Mallorca | 1 | 2003. |
| Levante | 1 | 1937. |
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