Emirates and Real Madrid Strengthen Legacy Partnership Through 2031
Dubai, UAE – Emirates, the largest international airline globally, has renewed its partnership with Real Madrid CF, the most successful football club in history, extending one of the sport’s most prominent sponsorships through to 2031. This renewal solidifies a relationship that has flourished for nearly two decades.
Emirates has been associated with Real Madrid since 2011, deepening its involvement in 2013 when it became the club’s official jersey sponsor. Under the renewed agreement, Emirates will continue as the Official Main Sponsor and Official Airline Partner for both the men’s and women’s teams. The airline’s branding will feature prominently on player jerseys, training kits, and team staff apparel across major competitions, including La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. This renewal marks a significant milestone, establishing the longest-running jersey sponsorship in La Liga history.
Expanded Visibility and Community Engagement
The renewed partnership includes extensive Emirates brand visibility throughout Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, access to the club’s training facilities, and the Emirates Lounge, an exclusive hospitality space that enhances the experience for loyal customers and trade partners. Additionally, the agreement extends to Real Madrid’s youth teams, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of football talent at the grassroots level.
The sponsorship also broadens Emirates’ involvement in basketball, with a new multi-year agreement making it the Official Main Sponsor of Real Madrid’s basketball club through 2031.
Boutros Boutros, Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand, stated that Emirates has a long-standing history of supporting football, connecting with millions and fostering community through a shared passion for the sport. He emphasized that the partnership with Real Madrid exemplifies this commitment, placing fans at the center of the experience and inspiring future generations of players and supporters.
Growth in Spain and Global Network Expansion
As the partnership evolved, so did Emirates’ presence in Spain. Since launching its first flight to Madrid in 2010, the airline has expanded its operations with five daily flights across Barcelona and Madrid. Emirates has also added new cities to its global network, providing reliable connectivity via Dubai and enhancing the travel experience with its latest onboard products, underscoring its long-term commitment to the Spanish market.
Florentino Pérez, President of Real Madrid, remarked on the significance of the agreement, highlighting the strong relationship built over the years. He noted that the partnership has endured through one of the club’s most successful periods, affirming their commitment to continue this journey together.
Innovative Fan Experiences and Aircraft Branding
Over the past 15 years, Emirates and Real Madrid have worked together to bring fans closer to the action. The airline has showcased its support for the team through various aircraft, including A380s adorned with bespoke decals featuring first-team players. Additionally, a dedicated Boeing 777 has been used for chartered services from Madrid to Jeddah for the Spanish Super Cup tournament. The two brands have also collaborated on exclusive fan experiences, including meet-and-greets, match day activations, and competitions designed to engage the most passionate supporters.
A Commitment to Football and Community
Emirates’ dedication to football is evident in its partnerships with some of the sport’s most prestigious clubs, including Arsenal FC, AC Milan, S.L. Benfica, and Olympique Lyonnais. The airline serves as the Platinum Partner for FC Bayern Munich’s first team and has been the title sponsor of the Emirates FA Cup for nearly a decade. In the UAE, Emirates supports the Pro League, which features 14 clubs competing for the national title.
The airline boasts the largest sponsorship portfolio of any airline, covering a wide array of popular sports, including football, tennis, rugby, basketball, sailing, cycling, golf, horse racing, cricket, and Aussie Rules Football. Through its global sponsorship initiatives, Emirates connects fans with the sports, clubs, and events they cherish.
Beyond the realm of sports, Emirates utilizes its sponsorships to positively impact communities worldwide. In 2025, the airline launched the Emirates Signature Series, auctioning an exclusive collection of signed football jerseys from renowned clubs, with proceeds benefiting the Emirates Airline Foundation and the philanthropic organizations supported by each football club.
Emirates also enhances community engagement by providing access to match tickets, behind-the-scenes stadium tours, and unique player experiences for young fans, creating unforgettable moments that inspire the next generation of football enthusiasts.
For more information, please contact:
Emirates Public Relations
pr@emirates.com
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-06-09 20:31:00 • By the Editorial Desk
