Real Sociedad is one of the oldest and most successful football clubs in Spain. Founded in 1909, the club has a rich history that spans over a century. In this article, we will take a journey through time to explore the key moments and milestones in the history of Real Sociedad.

Early Years (1909-1930s)

Real Sociedad was founded on September 7, 1909, in the city of San Sebastian, Basque Country. The club’s first president was Jose Maria de Acha, and its first kit consisted of blue and white stripes. In the early years, Real Sociedad played in regional leagues and had limited success. However, the club’s fortunes changed in the 1920s when it won the Basque Championship four times.

In 1928, the Spanish Football Federation established La Liga, the first professional football league in Spain. Real Sociedad was one of the founding members of La Liga and finished in fourth place in its first season. The club continued to be a mid-table team in the 1930s, with its best performance coming in the 1933-34 season when it finished third.

Golden Era (1940s-1950s)

The 1940s and 1950s were the golden era for Real Sociedad. Led by the legendary coach, Jose Iraragorri, the club won two La Liga titles, in 1949-50 and 1981-82. During this period, Real Sociedad also reached the final of the Copa del Rey three times, winning it once in 1950.

The 1950s saw the emergence of some of the greatest players in Real Sociedad’s history, such as Jesus Maria Satrustegui, Rafael Eguzkiza, and Jose Antonio Elola. The club’s success on the field also helped it to establish a strong fan base, with the Anoeta Stadium becoming a fortress for Real Sociedad.

Challenging Times (1960s-1970s)

The 1960s and 1970s were challenging times for Real Sociedad. The club struggled to maintain its place in La Liga and even spent two seasons in the Segunda Division. However, the 1970s saw the emergence of a new generation of players, such as Roberto Lopez Ufarte and Alberto Ormaetxea, who would go on to lead the club to further success.

Return to Prominence (1980s-1990s)

The 1980s and 1990s saw Real Sociedad return to prominence. Under the guidance of coach John Toshack, the club won its second La Liga title in 1981-82 and reached the final of the Copa del Rey three times, winning it twice in 1987 and 1988. The 1990s saw the emergence of the famous ‘Dream Team’ that featured players such as Jose Mari Bakero, Txiki Begiristain, and John Aldridge. The team reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup in 1998.

Recent Years (2000s-Present)

In the 2000s and 2010s, Real Sociedad has continued to be a consistent performer in La Liga, regularly finishing in the top half of the table. The club won its third Copa del Rey title in 2020 and also reached the round of 16 in the UEFA Europa League in the same season.

In conclusion, Real Sociedad has had a storied history that spans over a century. The club has experienced both highs and lows, but its commitment to developing young talent and playing an attractive style of football has always remained constant. With a passionate fan base and a rich history, Real Sociedad is a club that will always