| Full name |
Real Sociedad de Fútbol, S.A.D. |
- Real Sociedad de Fútbol, S.A.D., more commonly referred to as Real Sociedad (pronounced [reˈal soθjeˈðað]; Royal Society) or La Real, is a Spanish professional sports club in the city of San Sebastián, Basque Country, founded on 7 September 1909.
- It plays its home matches at the Anoeta Stadium.
- Real Sociedad won the Liga title in 1980–81 and 1981–82, and finished runner-up in 1979–80, 1987–88, and 2002–03.
- The club has also won the Copa del Rey three times, in 1909, 1987 and 2020.
- It contests the Basque derby against rivals Athletic Bilbao.
- Real Sociedad was a founding member of La Liga in 1929; its longest spell in the top flight was for 40 seasons, from 1967 to 2007.
- Traditionally the club followed a policy (similar to that of its rival Athletic) of signing only Basque players, before signing Republic of Ireland forward John Aldridge in 1989.
- While a strong Basque contingent has been retained among its players, nowadays both non-Basque Spaniards and foreign players are represented at the club.
- Its youth section subsequent to the all-Basque era has still been very successful in developing internationally renowned players, such as World Cup winners Xabi Alonso and Antoine Griezmann.
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