Real Sociedad

File:Real Sociedad 1912.png

File:REAL 1931.jpg

Football was introduced to San Sebastián in the early 1900s by students and workers returning from Britain. In 1904, they formed San Sebastián Recreation Club, the first football club in the city, and in 1905 the club competed in the Copa del Rey.{{cite web |url=https://as.com/futbol/2009/08/15/mas_futbol/1250317621_850215.html |title=Todo empezó en el Club Ciclista San Sebastián |trans-title=It all started at the San Sebastián Cycling Club |language=es |website=as.com |date=15 August 2009 |access-date=23 July 2022 |archive-date=2 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402225146/https://as.com/futbol/2009/08/15/mas_futbol/1250317621_850215.html |url-status=live }} In 1907, a conflict between the club's members caused the team to split with several players (such as Alfonso and Miguel Sena and Domingo Arrillaga) leaving to create a new team in 1908, the San Sebastian Football Club. This team applied to enter the 1909 Copa del Rey, but complications over registration permits saw them compete as Club Ciclista de San Sebastián. This team convincingly defeated the powerful Athletic Club 4–2 in the quarter-finals and then beat Club Español de Madrid 3–1 in the final.{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/spancup1909.html |title=Spain - Cup 1909 |date=13 January 2000 |website=RSSSF |accessdate=23 July 2022 |archive-date=15 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715211400/https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/spancup1909.html |url-status=live }} A notable figure of this team was George McGuinness, who netted 6 goals in the tournament including the opener in the final.

A few months after this victory, the players who had won the tournament founded the Sociedad de Futbol on 7 September 1909. Sociedad applied to enter the 1910 Copa del Rey, but once again had to compete under a different name, Vasconia de San Sebastián, and once again they reached the final (UECF), where they were beaten by Athletic (0–1).{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/spancup1910.html |title=Spain - Cups 1910 |date=13 January 2000 |website=RSSSF |accessdate=23 July 2022 |archive-date=15 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715211412/https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/spancup1910.html |url-status=live }} In the same year, King Alfonso XIII – who used San Sebastián as his summer capital – gave the club his patronage, where it subsequently became known as Real Sociedad de Fútbol. The first final the club played as Real Sociedad was in 1913, where FC Barcelona needed three games to beat them.{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/spancup1913.html |title=Spain - Cups 1913 |date=13 January 2000 |accessdate=23 July 2022 |archive-date=8 April 2022 |website=RSSSF |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408092402/http://www.rsssf.com/tabless/spancup1913.html |url-status=live }} After a 15-year hiatus, Sociedad reached the 1928 final, which was remarkably similar to their previous one since Barcelona again needed three games to beat them at El Sardinero.{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/spancup1928.html |title=Spain - Cup 1928 |date=12 February 2001 |website=RSSSF |accessdate=23 July 2022 |archive-date=20 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620231909/http://www.rsssf.com/tabless/spancup1928.html |url-status=live }}

File:Real Sociedad 1952an.jpg

Real Sociedad was a founding member of La Liga in 1929. The team came fourth with Francisco "Paco" Bienzobas finishing as the top scorer. The team's name was changed to Donostia Club de Futbol in 1931 with the advent of the Second Spanish Republic, but changed back to Real Sociedad after the Spanish Civil War in 1939. The team has generally fluctuated between the Primera and Segunda divisions, in one period (during the 1940s) managing to be relegated and promoted seven times. Around that time, the sculptor Eduardo Chillida was the team's goalkeeper until injury put a stop to his football career.

The team finished as runners-up in La Liga for the first time in 1979–80, gaining 52 points compared to Real Madrid's 53, and 13 points clear of third-placed Sporting de Gijón. Real Sociedad won its first ever Primera División title at the end of the 1980–81 season, denying Real Madrid a fourth-consecutive title because although both clubs earned 45 points and Madrid had the superior goal difference Sociedad were better in the head-to-heads.{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/spanhist7989.html |title=Spain 1980/81 |website=RSSSF |access-date=26 July 2021 }} This qualified La Real for the 1981–82 European Cup, where they were eliminated in the first round by CSKA Sofia of Bulgaria, who hosted and won the first leg 1–0. The second leg in Spain was a 0–0 draw.{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=1981/matches/round=1028/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111205161441/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=1981/matches/round=1028/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 5, 2011|title=UEFA Champions League 1981/82 - History - 1st – UEFA.com|work=UEFA}}

File:Real sociedad jarraitzaileak 0002.JPG]]

The club retained the Liga title the following season, beating Barcelona by 47 points to 45, under the management of Alberto Ormaetxea.{{cite web|url=http://footballcraze.contentcreatorz.com/performance-record-of-real-sociedad-football-club/|title=Performance record of Real Sociedad football Club|work=contentcreatorz.com|access-date=2011-12-21|archive-date=2011-04-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110417202831/http://footballcraze.contentcreatorz.com/performance-record-of-real-sociedad-football-club/|url-status=dead}} Forward Jesús María Satrústegui was the club's top scorer for 1980–81 with 16 goals.{{cite web|url=http://free-elements.com/Spain/Goals/Res/Res1980.html|title=Real Sociedad 1980–1981|work=free-elements.com|access-date=2011-12-21|archive-date=2011-12-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111225123751/http://free-elements.com/Spain/Goals/Res/Res1980.html|url-status=live}} He scored 13 the following season as Pedro Uralde was the top scorer, with 14.{{cite web|url=http://free-elements.com/Spain/Goals/Res/Res1981.html|title=Real Sociedad 1981–1982|work=free-elements.com|access-date=2011-12-21|archive-date=2011-12-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111225083251/http://free-elements.com/Spain/Goals/Res/Res1981.html|url-status=live}} The club reached the semi-finals of the 1982–83 European Cup, defeating Víkingur of Iceland, Celtic and Sporting Clube de Portugal before losing 3–2 on aggregate to eventual champions Hamburger SV.{{Cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/63866--hamburg-vs-real-sociedad/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=2025-03-22 |archive-date=2024-02-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227082518/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/63866--hamburg-vs-real-sociedad/ |url-status=live }} Real Sociedad won the Supercopa de España at the beginning of the 1982–83 season, overturning a 1–0 defeat in the first leg to defeat Real Madrid 4–1 on aggregate.

On 11 March 1987, Real Sociedad set a record for most goals in a quarter-final of the Copa del Rey after defeating Mallorca 10–1. In the semi-finals of the same tournament, it beat its Basque rivals Athletic Bilbao 1–0 over two legs. On 27 June 1987, Real Sociedad won its first Copa del Rey title, defeating Atlético Madrid 4–2 on penalties after drawing 2–2. The match was held at La Romareda in Zaragoza, Aragon.{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/spancup1987.html |title=Copa del Rey 1987 |website=RSSSF |access-date=26 July 2021 }} In the following season's Copa del Rey, Real Sociedad defeated Atlético Madrid again after defeating them in the quarter-finals. It then beat Real Madrid 5–0 on aggregate in the semi-finals, but lost 1–0 in the final to Barcelona at Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on 30 March 1988.{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/spancup1988.html |title=Copa del Rey 1988 |website=rssf.com |access-date=26 July 2021 }} In the 1987–88 La Liga, Real Sociedad were runners-up for the first time since its lost its title – with 51 points to Real Madrid's 62 – and three points clear of third-placed Atlético Madrid.

File:John Aldridge.JPG was Real Sociedad's first non-Basque player, and was the club's top scorer during both of his seasons from 1989 to 1991]]

For many years, Real Sociedad followed the practice of its Basque rivals Athletic Bilbao of signing only Basque players. It abandoned the policy in 1989 when it signed Irish international John Aldridge from Liverpool.{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/oxford/content/articles/2007/04/25/john_aldridge.shtml|title=BBC – Oxford – Oxford Inspires - John Aldridge|work=bbc.co.uk|access-date=2011-12-22|archive-date=2023-08-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813182124/https://www.bbc.co.uk/oxford/content/articles/2007/04/25/john_aldridge.shtml|url-status=live}} Aldridge scored 16 goals in his first season to be the club's top scorer,{{cite web|url=http://free-elements.com/Spain/Goals/Res/Res1989.html|title=Real Sociedad 1989–1990|work=free-elements.com|access-date=2011-12-22|archive-date=2011-12-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111225131739/http://free-elements.com/Spain/Goals/Res/Res1989.html|url-status=live}} and fourth-highest scorer of the entire league as La Real finished fifth.{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/spanhist8999.html |title=Spain, Final Tables 1989-1999 |website=RSSSF |access-date=26 July 2021 |archive-date=23 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023191722/https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/spanhist8999.html |url-status=live }} In 1990, La Real signed an English striker, Dalian Atkinson of Sheffield Wednesday,{{cite web|url=http://www.lfp.es/default.aspx?tabid=113&Controltype=plan&IDEquipo=32&IDTemporada=090&IDDivision=1&language=en-GB|title=Página web Oficial de la Liga de Fútbol Profesional – Liga de Fútbol Profesional|work=lfp.es|access-date=2011-12-22|archive-date=2011-06-06|archive-url=https://archive.today/20110606121543/http://www.lfp.es/default.aspx?tabid=113&Controltype=plan&IDEquipo=32&IDTemporada=090&IDDivision=1&language=en-GB|url-status=live}} who therefore became the club's first black player.{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2021/feb/25/aldridge-richardson-and-atkinson-at-real-sociedad-goals-class-red-ferrari |title=Goals, class, a red Ferrari: Aldridge, Richardson and Atkinson at la Real |author-link=Sid Lowe |last=Lowe |first=Sid |work=The Guardian |date=25 February 2021 |access-date=25 February 2021 |archive-date=2 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202204158/https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2021/feb/25/aldridge-richardson-and-atkinson-at-real-sociedad-goals-class-red-ferrari |url-status=live }} He scored 12 goals in his first season, second at the club only to Aldridge's 17.{{cite web|url=http://free-elements.com/Spain/Goals/Res/Res1990.html|title=Real Sociedad 1990–1991|work=free-elements.com|access-date=2011-12-22|archive-date=2011-12-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111225073827/http://free-elements.com/Spain/Goals/Res/Res1990.html|url-status=live}} That was Aldridge's final season at La Real, and he left to play in the English 2nd tier at Tranmere Rovers, while Atkinson left to join top-flight Aston Villa.

In 1997–98, Real Sociedad finished third, its best finish since being runners-up for the first time since 1988. Its total of 63 points was 11 less than champions Barcelona but just two less than runners-up Athletic Bilbao. The club finished higher in the table than Real Madrid due to a superior goal differential. Yugoslav striker Darko Kovačević scored 17 times that season, making him the fourth-highest scorer in the league.{{cite web|url=http://free-elements.com/Spain/Seasons/E1997.html|title=La Liga Top Scorers – 1997–1998|work=free-elements.com}} The third-place finish qualified La Real for the 1998–99 UEFA Cup, where it beat Sparta Prague and Dynamo Moscow before being knocked out in the third round by Atlético Madrid.

File:Real Sociedad - Red Bull Salzburgo 60 (39408619355) (cropped).jpg, Real Sociedad player and national Spanish team player.]]

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After finishing in 13th position for three consecutive seasons, Real Sociedad were runners-up in the 2002–03 La Liga, its best finish since 1988.{{cite web|url=http://www.futbolme.com/com/equipo.asp?id_equipo=521|title=Resultados Fútbol y clasificaciones – Bienvenido a Futbolme|work=futbolme.com|access-date=2011-08-12|archive-date=2012-10-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023163202/http://www.futbolme.com/com/equipo.asp?id_equipo=521|url-status=live}} Its tally of 76 points was only beaten by Real Madrid's 78, and La Real had four more points than third-placed Deportivo de La Coruña.{{cite web|url=http://www.soccerpunter.com/soccer-statistics/spain/spain-la-liga-2002-2003|title=Human Check|work=soccerpunter.com|access-date=2011-12-22|archive-date=2011-12-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111229182959/http://www.soccerpunter.com/soccer-statistics/spain/spain-la-liga-2002-2003|url-status=live}} The club was managed by Frenchman Raynald Denoueix. La Real's strikeforce combined the Turkish striker Nihat Kahveci with Yugoslav international Darko Kovačević. The two were third and fourth top scorer in the league respectively, with 23 and 20 goals.{{cite web|url=http://free-elements.com/Spain/Seasons/E2002.html|title=La Liga Top Scorers – 2002–2003|work=free-elements.com|access-date=2011-12-22|archive-date=2011-10-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111018050606/http://free-elements.com/Spain/Seasons/E2002.html|url-status=live}} The team also included Dutch international goalkeeper Sander Westerveld and Xabi Alonso in midfield. Alonso was the winner of the 2003 Don Balón award for the best Spanish player in the league, while Kahveci was voted the best foreign player and Denoueix the best manager.{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/spanpoy.html |title=Spain - Footballer of the Year |website=rssf.com |access-date=26 July 2021 |archive-date=8 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808193808/https://rsssf.org/miscellaneous/spanpoy.html |url-status=live }}

Key moments from that season came when Real Sociedad beat Real Madrid in April 4–2 at the Anoeta Stadium. It kept first place in La Liga until the penultimate game of 38, when it lost 3–2 away to Celta de Vigo, while Real Madrid beat Atlético Madrid 4–0. This meant that Real Madrid secured first place two points clear of Real Sociedad for the last game, where La Real defeated Atlético Madrid 3–0 and Real Madrid beat Athletic Bilbao to win the title.{{cite web|url=http://www.holdingmidfield.com/?p=396|title=Real Sociedad 2002/03|work=holdingmidfield.com|date=26 August 2011|access-date=22 December 2011|archive-date=16 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116213334/http://www.holdingmidfield.com/?p=396|url-status=live}} The team qualified directly for the 2003–04 UEFA Champions League after finishing second; it was unbeaten at home, scored 71 goals in total and lost just six times.

Real Sociedad were placed in Group D of the 2003–04 Champions League with Juventus, Galatasaray and Olympiacos. The team won two matches, drew three and lost away to Juventus to finish second and advance{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2003/standings/round=1712/group=1634/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111107181359/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2003/standings/round=1712/group=1634/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 7, 2011|title=UEFA Champions League 2003/04 - History - Standings – UEFA.com|work=UEFA}} to the last 16. It was knocked out after losing 1–0 in both games against Lyon, hosting the first game.{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2003/matches/round=1713/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002012132/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2003/matches/round=1713/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 2, 2011|title=UEFA Champions League 2003/04 - History - 1/8. – UEFA.com|work=UEFA}} The 2003–04 La Liga saw a dramatic decline in the club's performance, slipping to 15th out of 20. Their tally of 46 points was only five more than relegated Real Valladolid.{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/tables/_/league/esp.1/season/2003/spanish-primera-division?cc=5739|title=Spanish Primera División Table – ESPN FC|work=go.com|access-date=2011-12-22|archive-date=2010-12-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101202141248/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/tables/_/league/esp.1/season/2003/spanish-primera-division?cc=5739|url-status=dead}}

On 9 September 2006, Real Sociedad played its 2,000th La Liga match. That same season, they were relegated from La Liga, finishing 19th and ended a 40-year streak there, their longest ever stay in the top flight. On 9 July 2007, former Welsh international and Fulham manager Chris Coleman was appointed as the new club coach, on the recommendation of former Real Sociedad manager John Toshack, an important board member at the club.{{Cite news|date=2007-07-04|title=Coleman appointed Sociedad boss|language=en-GB|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/6247584.stm|access-date=2021-10-25|archive-date=2021-10-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025160831/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/6247584.stm|url-status=live}} Coleman resigned on 16 January 2008.{{Cite news|date=2008-01-16|title=Coleman resigns as Sociedad boss|language=en-GB|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/7192513.stm|access-date=2021-10-25|archive-date=2021-10-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025160939/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/7192513.stm|url-status=live}}

File:Ballesteros Griezmann.jpg playing a fixture against Levante in 2012]]

In the 2012–13 season, Real Sociedad finished in fourth place and qualified for the 2013–14 Champions League for the first time since the 2003–04 season, but in the play-offs, this time. In the play-offs, the club defeated Lyon 2–0 in both legs to qualify for the group stage. Real Sociedad, however, did not make it out of the group, earning just one point.[https://web.archive.org/web/20130903004654/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2014/standings/round=2000479/group=2002724/index.html 2013–14 Uefa Champions league, Group A] Uefa.com

File:Deportivorealsociedad2.JPG vs. Real Sociedad.]]

On 10 November 2014, Real Sociedad announced David Moyes as the chosen manager to replace Jagoba Arrasate, who was sacked following a series of poor results.{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/managers/david-moyes/11222283/David-Moyes-confirmed-as-new-manager-of-Real-Sociedad.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/managers/david-moyes/11222283/David-Moyes-confirmed-as-new-manager-of-Real-Sociedad.html |archive-date=2022-01-11 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=David Moyes confirmed as new manager of Real Sociedad|last=Sport|first=Telegraph|journal=Daily Telegraph|date=10 November 2014|access-date=20 December 2019|issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}} Moyes became the sixth British manager in the club's history, however he was sacked 9 November 2015 after falling to 16th in La Liga.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/nov/09/david-moyes-sacked-real-sociedad|title=David Moyes sacked by Real Sociedad after a year in charge|last=Lowe|first=Sid|date=9 November 2015|work=The Guardian|access-date=20 December 2019|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=13 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813182147/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/nov/09/david-moyes-sacked-real-sociedad|url-status=live}} Later that day, he was replaced by Eusebio Sacristán.

Sacristán signed an initial contract until 30 June 2017.{{Cite web|url=https://www.laliga.com/en-GB/news/eusebio-sacristan-new-real-sociedad-manager|title=Eusebio Sacristan, new Real Sociedad manager|website=Eusebio Sacristan, new Real Sociedad manager|access-date=20 December 2019|archive-date=23 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023054132/https://www.laliga.com/en-GB/news/eusebio-sacristan-new-real-sociedad-manager|url-status=live}} His contract was renewed in 2017, but Sacristán was ultimately dismissed after a string of poor performances left that 15th in the table and drawn into a relegation battle.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37548411/real-sociedad-sack-coach-eusebio-sacristan-nine-games-left|title=Real Sociedad sack coach Sacristan|date=19 March 2018|website=ESPN.com|access-date=20 December 2019}} Aiser Garitano became the next head coach, having arrived from Leganés.{{Cite web|title=Real hire Asier Garitano|url=https://www.realsociedad.eus/en/news/details/real-hire-asier-garitano|access-date=2021-10-25|website=www.realsociedad.eus|date=October 2016|language=en|archive-date=2021-10-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018054230/https://www.realsociedad.eus/en/news/details/real-hire-asier-garitano|url-status=live}} He lasted only seven months before being dismissed, with the team also in 15th place, with only five wins in his seventeen league matches.{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/90minutes/ct-90mins-real-sociedad-sack-manager-garitano-name-alguacil-in-his-place-20181226-story.html|title=Real Sociedad sack manager Garitano, name Alguacil in his place|last=Images|first=AFP/Getty|website=chicagotribune.com|date=26 December 2018|access-date=20 December 2019|archive-date=20 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220153337/https://www.chicagotribune.com/90minutes/ct-90mins-real-sociedad-sack-manager-garitano-name-alguacil-in-his-place-20181226-story.html|url-status=live}}

File:Real Sociedad de Fútbol league performance 1929-2023.svg

Garitano was succeeded by reserve team manager and local boy Imanol Alguacil on 26 December 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://www.laliga.com/en-GB/news/imanol-alguacil-named-new-real-sociedad-head-coach|title=Imanol Alguacil named new Real Sociedad head coach|website=Imanol Alguacil named new Real Sociedad head coach|access-date=20 December 2019|archive-date=26 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226194705/https://www.laliga.com/en-GB/news/imanol-alguacil-named-new-real-sociedad-head-coach|url-status=live}} During his tenure, he oversaw an attacking style of play combining pace, precision, power, and exuberance.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2019/oct/21/real-sociedad-la-liga|title=Pace, precision, power, joy: Real Sociedad storming in La Liga {{!}} Sid Lowe|last=Lowe|first=Sid|date=21 December 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=20 December 2019|issn=0261-3077}}

In 2008, at Real Sociedad's annual general meeting, Iñaki Badiola, at the time the club's president, accused the preceding club management of buying doping substances. In 2013 Badiola gave an extended interview in which he accused José Luis Astiazarán's presidency of paying up to €300,000 to Eufemiano Fuentes to dope players on the team between 2001 and 2007.{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/la-liga/9847272/Spanish-football-shaken-by-drug-claims-made-by-former-Real-Sociedad-president.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/la-liga/9847272/Spanish-football-shaken-by-drug-claims-made-by-former-Real-Sociedad-president.html |archive-date=2022-01-11 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Spanish football shaken by drug claims made by former Real Sociedad president - Telegraph.co.uk|work=Telegraph.co.uk|access-date=28 August 2018}}{{cbignore}}{{Cite news|url=https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2013/02/04/inenglish/1360007553_357525.html|title=Former Real Sociedad chief claims Puerto doctor supplied club with drugs ElPais.com|work=Rob Train|access-date=30 June 2020}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com.sg/soccer/news/story/_/id/1327597/former-real-socidad-president-repeats-doping-claims|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702013831/https://www.espn.com.sg/soccer/news/story/_/id/1327597/former-real-socidad-president-repeats-doping-claims|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 2, 2020|title=Badiola stands by doping claims Espn.com|work=Dermot Corrigan|access-date=30 June 2020}} José Luis Astiazarán, who was Real Sociedad's president between 2001 and 2005, denied the claims.{{Cite news|url=https://www.eurosport.com/football/liga/2012-2013/sociedad-president-claims-doping-practices-in-la-liga_sto3607679/story.shtml|title=Real Sociedad president claims doping practices - eurosport.com|work=eurosport.com|access-date=28 August 2018}}

Real Sociedad won its third Copa del Rey on 3 April 2021, the nearly year-long delayed 2020 Copa del Rey Final due to COVID-19, in a Basque derby against Athletic Bilbao.{{Cite news|title=Sociedad beat Bilbao to win Copa del Rey|language=en-GB|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56627359|access-date=2021-10-25|archive-date=2021-10-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025160906/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56627359|url-status=live}} In the 2022–23 season, the club finished fourth in La Liga to qualify to the next season's Champions League for the first time in ten years.{{cite web |url=https://www.football-espana.net/2023/05/29/watch-real-sociedad-celebrations-as-they-secure-champions-league-football-this-is-madness |title=WATCH: Real Sociedad celebrations as they secure Champions League football – 'This is madness' |publisher=Football España |date=29 May 2023 |access-date=29 May 2023 |archive-date=29 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529215842/https://www.football-espana.net/2023/05/29/watch-real-sociedad-celebrations-as-they-secure-champions-league-football-this-is-madness |url-status=live }}

{{Main|Anoeta Stadium}}

File:Anoeta estadioa 31, Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Euskal Herria.jpg

Real Sociedad plays home fixtures in the Anoeta Stadium. The venue is owned by the San Sebastián Municipal Council.{{Cite web|url=https://real-sociedad.diariovasco.com/anoeta-sede-mundial-20220617114210-nt.html|website=Diario Vasco|title=Donostia podría ser una de las sedes del Mundial 2030|first=Eneko P|last=Carrasco|date=17 June 2022|access-date=18 June 2022|archive-date=20 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620184031/https://real-sociedad.diariovasco.com/anoeta-sede-mundial-20220617114210-nt.html|url-status=live}}

The club's name means "Royal Society of Football" in Spanish. The club's name was changed to Donostia Club de Futbol in 1931 with the advent of the Second Spanish Republic, but changed back to Real Sociedad after the Spanish Civil War in 1939.{{Cite web |date=2022-03-03 |title=Real Madrid, Real Sociedad and more: Why are so many Spanish clubs called 'Real'? |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37625771/why-many-spanish-clubs-called-real |access-date=2025-02-14 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=2024-02-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204135059/https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37625771/why-many-spanish-clubs-called-real |url-status=live }} The club is nicknamed in Basque as Erreala or the txuri-urdin ("white-blue" due to the colours of their kit). The colours stem from the flag of San Sebastián: a blue canton on a white field.

The Spanish Centro de Investigaciones Sociológicas (Centre of Sociological Investigations) found out that of 2,473 adults interviewed in 49 provinces in 2007, 1.3% of the Spanish population have more feelings for Real Sociedad than any other club, and 1.5% have more feelings for La Real than any other club apart from their favourite.{{cite web |url=http://www.cis.es/cis/export/sites/default/-Archivos/Marginales/2700_2719/2705/Es2705mar_A.pdf |title=Barómetro de Mayo: Avance de Resultados |publisher=Centro de Investigaciones Sociológicas |language=Spanish |date=May 2007 |access-date=26 July 2021 |archive-date=1 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001214336/http://www.cis.es/cis/export/sites/default/-Archivos/Marginales/2700_2719/2705/Es2705mar_A.pdf |url-status=live }}

In appreciation of the value of the supporters to the club – in the words of club president Jokin Aperribay, "The fans are the soul, the nourishment and the reason for Real Sociedad" – the players each wore the name of a randomly selected club member on their shirt for the match against Sevilla in December 2012.{{cite web |url=http://www.supporters-direct.org/news-article/real-sociedad-players-wear-supporters-names-on-their-shirts |title=Real Sociedad players wear supporters' names on their shirts |publisher=Supporters Direct |access-date=13 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514082953/http://www.supporters-direct.org/news-article/real-sociedad-players-wear-supporters-names-on-their-shirts |archive-date=14 May 2014 }}

• La Liga
• Winners (2): 1980–81, 1981–82
• Segunda División
• Winners (3): 1948–49, 1966–67, 2009–10

• Copa del Rey
• Winners (3):{{cite web |url=https://rfef.es/en/noticias/track-record-the-team-in-white-win-their-20th-copa-trophy |title=TRACK RECORD - The team in white win their 20th Copa trophy. - LIST OF WINNERS OF THE SPANISH CHAMPIONSHIP - COPA DE SM EL REY |website=RFEF.es (RFEF official website) |date=7 May 2023 |access-date=10 May 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230507224626/https://rfef.es/en/noticias/track-record-the-team-in-white-win-their-20th-copa-trophy |archive-date=7 May 2023 }}{{Cite web|url=http://www.rfef.es/FCKeditor/UserFiles/File/conferencia/REVISTA%20RFEF%20141%20OK.pdf#70|title=Historial|access-date=10 May 2023|author=Real Federación Española de Fútbol|date=March 2011|magazine=Revista Oficial de la R.F.E.F.|page=70|format=pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120718164817/http://www.rfef.es/FCKeditor/UserFiles/File/conferencia/REVISTA%20RFEF%20141%20OK.pdf|archive-date=18 July 2012|url-status=dead}}{{efn|In 1909 it was won by its forerunner, Club Ciclista de San Sebastián}} 1909, 1986–87, 2019–20
• Supercopa de España
• Winners (1): 1982

• Gipuzkoa Championship{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/span-nortechamp.html|title=Spain - List of Champions of Norte|date=21 January 2000|website=RSSSF|access-date=5 March 2018|archive-date=15 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715211400/https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/span-nortechamp.html|url-status=live}}
• Winners (6): 1918–19, 1922–23, 1924–25, 1926–27, 1928–29, 1932–33

{{notelist}}

{{updated|4 February 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.realsociedad.eus/en/team/squad/Real-Sociedad|title=First team|publisher=Real Sociedad|access-date=27 July 2022|archive-date=5 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230905024900/https://www.realsociedad.eus/en/team/squad/Real-Sociedad|url-status=live}}

{{Fs start}}

{{Fs player|no=1|pos=GK|nat=ESP|name=Álex Remiro}}

{{Fs player|no=2|pos=DF|nat=ESP|name=Álvaro Odriozola}}

{{Fs player|no=3|pos=DF|nat=ESP|name=Aihen Muñoz}}

{{Fs player|no=4|pos=MF|nat=ESP|name=Martín Zubimendi}}

{{Fs player|no=5|pos=DF|nat=ESP|name=Igor Zubeldia|other=3rd captain}}

{{Fs player|no=6|pos=DF|nat=ESP|name=Aritz Elustondo|other=vice-captain}}

{{Fs player|no=7|pos=FW|nat=ESP|name=Ander Barrenetxea}}

{{Fs player|no=8|pos=MF|nat=RUS|name=Arsen Zakharyan}}

{{Fs player|no=9|pos=FW|nat=ISL|name=Orri Óskarsson}}

{{Fs player|no=10|pos=FW|nat=ESP|name=Mikel Oyarzabal|other=captain}}

{{Fs player|no=11|pos=FW|nat=SUR|name=Sheraldo Becker}}

{{Fs player|no=12|pos=DF|nat=ESP|name=Javi López}}

{{Fs mid}}

{{Fs player|no=13|pos=GK|nat=ESP|name=Unai Marrero}}

{{Fs player|no=14|pos=FW|nat=JPN|name=Takefusa Kubo}}

{{Fs player|no=16|pos=MF|nat=ESP|name=Jon Ander Olasagasti}}

{{Fs player|no=17|pos=FW|nat=ESP|name=Sergio Gómez}}

{{Fs player|no=18|pos=DF|nat=MLI|name=Hamari Traoré}}

{{Fs player|no=19|pos=DF|nat=VEN|name=Jon Aramburu}}

{{Fs player|no=20|pos=DF|nat=ESP|name=Jon Pacheco}}

{{Fs player|no=21|pos=DF|nat=MAR|name=Nayef Aguerd|other=on loan from West Ham United}}

{{Fs player|no=22|pos=MF|nat=ESP|name=Beñat Turrientes}}

{{Fs player|no=23|pos=MF|nat=ESP|name=Brais Méndez}}

{{Fs player|no=24|pos=MF|nat=CRO|name=Luka Sučić}}

{{Fs player|no=28|pos=MF|nat=ESP|name=Pablo Marín}}

{{Fs end}}

{{main|Real Sociedad B}}

{{Fs start}}

{{Fs player|no=30|pos=FW|nat=ESP|name=Mikel Goti}}

{{Fs player|no=31|pos=DF|nat=ESP|name=Jon Martín}}

{{Fs player|no=32|pos=GK|nat=ESP|name=Aitor Fraga}}

{{Fs player|no=33|pos=MF|nat=ESP|name=Jon Balda}}

{{Fs player|no=34|pos=DF|nat=ESP|name=Iñaki Rupérez}}

{{Fs player|no=35|pos=GK|nat=ESP|name=Egoitz Arana}}

{{Fs mid}}

{{Fs player|no=37|pos=DF|nat=ESP|name=Luken Beitia}}

{{Fs player|no=40|pos=FW|nat=ESP|name=Arkaitz Mariezkurrena}}

{{Fs player|no=41|pos=FW|nat=ESP|name=Alex Marchal}}

{{Fs player|no=43|pos=FW|nat=ESP|name=Dani Díaz}}

{{Fs player|no=44|pos=MF|nat=ESP|name=Mikel Rodríguez}}

{{Fs player|no=45|pos=FW|nat=ESP|name=Ekain Orobengoa}}

{{Fs end}}

{{Fs start}}

{{Fs player|no=|pos=MF|nat=ESP|name=Alberto Dadie|other=at Mirandés until 30 June 2025}}

{{Fs player|no=|pos=MF|nat=ESP|name=Jon Gorrotxategi|other=at Mirandés until 30 June 2025}}

{{Fs player|no=|pos=MF|nat=ESP|name=Urko González de Zárate|other=at Espanyol until 30 June 2025}}

{{Fs player|no=|pos=FW|nat=ESP|name=Carlos Fernández|other=at Cádiz until 30 June 2025}}

{{Fs mid}}

{{Fs player|no=|pos=FW|nat=ESP|name=Jon Karrikaburu|other=at Racing Santander until 30 June 2025}}

{{Fs player|no=|pos=FW|nat=ESP|name=Jon Magunazelaia|other=at Córdoba until 30 June 2025}}

{{Fs player|no=|pos=FW|nat=NGA|name=Umar Sadiq|other=at Valencia until 30 June 2025}}

{{Fs end}}

File:Real Sociedad League Performance.svg]]

:

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• As Donostia Football Club

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• As Real Sociedad de Fútbol

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• 78 seasons in La Liga
• 16 seasons in Segunda División

{{main|Real Sociedad in European football}}

:Accurate as of 14 February 2024

Source: [https://web.archive.org/web/20130619214524/http://www.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/teams/club=50123/profile/history/index.html UEFA.com]
Pld = Matches played; W = Matches won; D = Matches drawn; L = Matches lost; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; GD = Goal Difference.

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-2}}

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{{col-end}}

{{main|List of Real Sociedad players}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-end}}

Note: this list includes players that have appeared in at least 100 league games or have reached international status.

{{columns-list|colwidth=13em|

• {{fbicon|ARG}} Juan Gómez
• {{fbicon|ARG}} Gabriel Schürrer
• {{fbicon|AUT}} Dietmar Kühbauer
• {{fbicon|BIH}} Meho Kodro
• {{fbicon|Chile}} Claudio Bravo
• {{fbicon|Chile}} Mark González
• {{fbicon|ENG}} Dalian Atkinson
• {{fbicon|EQG}} Juan Cuyami
• {{fbicon|France}} Antoine Griezmann
• {{fbicon|Republic of Ireland}} John Aldridge
• {{fbicon|Lithuania}} Edgaras Jankauskas
• {{fbicon|Mexico}} Carlos Vela
• {{fbicon|Netherlands}} Sander Westerveld
• {{fbicon|Nigeria}} Mutiu Adepoju
• {{fbicon|NOR}} Bjørn Tore Kvarme
• {{fbicon|NOR}} Martin Ødegaard
• {{fbicon|POR}} Oceano da Cruz
• {{fbicon|POR}} Carlos Xavier
• {{fbicon|POR}} Ricardo Sá Pinto
• {{fbicon|Romania}} Gheorghe Craioveanu
• {{fbicon|Russia}} Valery Karpin
• {{fbicon|Russia}} Dmitri Khokhlov
• {{fbicon|Serbia}} Darko Kovačević
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Imanol Agirretxe
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Bittor Alkiza
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Periko Alonso
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Xabi Alonso
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Xabier Prieto
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Mikel Aranburu
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Agustín Aranzábal
• {{fbicon|Spain}} José Araquistáin
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Luis Arconada
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Pedro María Artola
• {{fbicon|Spain}} José Mari Bakero
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Txiki Begiristain
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Paco Bienzobas
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Cholín
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Diego
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Agustín Eizaguirre
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Ignacio Eizaguirre
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Andoni Elizondo
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Epi
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Joseba Etxeberria
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Miguel Ángel Fuentes
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Agustín Gajate
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Marcelino Gálatas
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Gaztelu
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Ion Andoni Goikoetxea
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Alberto Górriz
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Iñigo Idiakez
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Santiago Idígoras
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Silvestre Igoa
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Andoni Imaz
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Juan Antonio Ipiña
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Rafael Iriondo
• {{fbicon|Spain}} José Antonio Irulegui
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Kiriki
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Inaxio Kortabarria
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Juan Antonio Larrañaga
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Mikel Lasa
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Iñigo Martínez
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Aitor López Rekarte
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Luis López Rekarte
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Roberto López Ufarte
• {{fbicon|Spain}} José María Lumbreras
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Emilio Nsue
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Julio Olaizola
• {{fbicon|Spain}} David Zurutuza
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Sebastián Ontoria
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Javier de Pedro
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Jesús María Satrústegui
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Silverio
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Pedro Uralde
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Javier Urruticoechea
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Mariano Yurrita
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Domingo Zaldúa
• {{fbicon|Spain}} Jesús María Zamora
• {{fbicon|Spain}} David Silva
• {{fbicon|Sweden}} Håkan Mild
• {{fbicon|Sweden}} Agne Simonsson
• {{fbicon|Sweden}} Alexander Isak
• {{fbicon|Turkey}} Nihat Kahveci
• {{fbicon|Turkey}} Tayfun Korkut
• {{fbicon|Uruguay}} Sebastián Abreu
• {{fbicon|South Korea}} Lee Chun-soo

}}

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• Real Sociedad B – 1st reserve team in Segunda División
• Real Sociedad C – 2nd reserve team in Tercera División
• Real Sociedad cantera – youth system up to 19 years, in leagues including División de Honor Juvenil
• Real Sociedad Femenino – women's team in the Primera División Femenino

{{reflist}}

{{commons category}}

• {{official website|https://www.realsociedad.eus//en}} {{in lang|es|en|eu|fr|zh}}
• [http://www.laliga.es/en/laliga-santander/real-sociedad Real Sociedad] at La Liga {{in lang|en|es}}
• [https://www.uefa.com/nationalassociations/teams/50123--real-sociedad/ Real Sociedad] at UEFA {{in lang|en|es}}

{{Real Sociedad}}

{{Real Sociedad seasons}}

{{Original La Liga clubs}}

{{Primera División de España}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Real Sociedad}}

Category:La Liga clubs

Category:Football clubs in the Basque Country (autonomous community)

Category:Copa del Rey winners

Category:Sports clubs and teams in San Sebastián

Category:Multi-sport clubs in Spain

Category:Organisations based in Spain with royal patronage

Category:Association football clubs established in 1909

Category:1909 establishments in Spain

Category:Field hockey clubs in Spain

Category:Segunda División clubs

Category:Panama Papers