Discover the evolution of the Real Madrid dressing rooms

"The players' most private space has undergone some notable
changes over the course of history.
here are some men here who instead of coming to play football
want to be part of the party. Know that you are not only
representing Real Madrid, but all of Spain and all those Spaniards
who work abroad and who are filled with pride when a Spanish side
triumphs” ( Santiago Bernabéu , 1956).

These words from the Real Madrid president in the Prater Stadium dressing
room in Vienna were what got a reaction out of the Whites and helped them
send out Rapid Wien in the first round of the European Cup. That year the team
would go on to win the club's second title in the competition. That intervention
is a clear indication of just how important the things that go on within a
dressing room can be. Technical talks, motivational messages, the hairdryer
treatment... Success is mapped out inside these four walls. This is a place that
has undergone a lot of changes over the club's 112-year history.
The first dressing rooms Real Madrid players used to change into their kits were
in the toilets of the ‘La Taurina’ bar (in the old bull-fighting ring) as well as in
an old storehouse for building materials. Beginning in 1910 they moved to
the O’Donnell pitch , where a top quality dressing room for the time was built,
which they also shared with the athletes who trained there. From 1923 to 1924
they used another hut in the Velódromo with three rooms for the teams and the
referees, with separate dressing room facilities, showers and sinks.
As time went on and construction techniques improved, the interior of these
spaces started to evolve. To begin with, the Real Madrid players only had one
physio's bench. They also had metal coat hangers and benches which were
later replaced for wooden ones in the 1980s. The lockers came years later.
Nowadays, each player's name and picture is on display, and is also
illuminated. On top of that, there is a Jacuzzi, a cold-water pool, hydromassage
cabins and exercise bikes.
Thanks to the Bernabéu Tour, fans can see this otherwise private area where
their heroes get ready and where the team's victories are mapped out. They can
also visit the “Best Club in History” room, the trophy cabinet, the pitch, the
presidential box, the player's tunnel, the dugouts, the technical area and the
press room, among other places. Madridista Card Holders can purchase their
ticket for a special price and members get in for free.