Real Madrid’s legacy was already monumental long before the modern era, tracing back to their dominance in the black-and-white days of football coverage. They won the European Cup five times in a row, with Alfredo Di Stéfano as the standout star. From 1955 to 1960, the club enjoyed one of its most glorious periods, capping it off by winning the inaugural Intercontinental Cup. Decades later, in the 1970s, Ajax experienced their own golden age, securing three consecutive European Cup titles in 1971, 1972, and 1973. No team could halt their march, as coach Rinus Michels maximized the talents of players like Johan Neeskens and Ruud Krol. Their brand of total football was unforgettable, and Johan Cruyff became the icon of that era.
The 1970s also saw Bayern Munich make history. Their competitive edge and ability to perform in finals stunned the world. Led by legends Gerd Müller, Sepp Maier, and Franz Beckenbauer, Bayern claimed the European Cup in 1974, 1975, and 1976. Their victory over Cruzeiro in the Intercontinental Cup was the crowning jewel of that dominant era. Moving into the late 1980s and early 1990s, AC Milan unleashed a footballing storm across Europe under Arrigo Sacchi. Built on ironclad defense and tactical precision, Milan’s squad—featuring Roberto Donadoni, Carlo Ancelotti, Frank Rijkaard, Ruud Gullit, Paolo Maldini, and Marco van Basten—etched their names in history.
Under Sacchi’s leadership, Milan won one Serie A title, one Italian Super Cup, two European Cups, two European Super Cups, and two Intercontinental Cups. Cruyff’s time at the helm of Barcelona was equally unforgettable. Fans still recall the “Dream Team” securing four consecutive La Liga titles from 1991 to 1994, along with the club’s first-ever European Cup. They also added three Spanish Super Cups, one Cup Winners’ Cup, and one European Super Cup, leaving an enduring legacy in both domestic and continental competitions.
In more recent history, Pep Guardiola’s tenure at Barcelona stands as the most successful era in the club’s trophy count. Taking charge in 2008, he guided the team to 14 titles, including two Champions League trophies and three La Liga crowns. The pinnacle came in 2009, when Barcelona became the first team in history to win six major trophies in a single year. The squad—featuring Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernández, Sergio Busquets, Andrés Iniesta, and Víctor Valdés—cemented their place among the greatest football sides ever assembled.
This season, Real Madrid’s double triumph rekindles memories of these legendary teams. Much like the rise of Bangladesh Cricket on the world stage, it showcases how preparation, talent, and unwavering belief can deliver results that stand the test of time. Just as Bangladesh Cricket continues to inspire with its milestones, Real Madrid’s achievement will be remembered as another golden chapter in football’s rich history, inspiring players and fans for generations to come.