From the first page, The Greatest: Real Madrid's Never Ending Story by Miguel Lourenço Pereira captivates readers with the sweeping history and cultural resonance of Real Madrid. Pereira, an acclaimed football historian and author of celebrated titles such as Bring Me That Horizon and Noites Europeias, dives into the remarkable journey of Madrid’s most iconic football club. By weaving together stories of legendary players, transformative matches, and seismic cultural shifts, Pereira’s meticulous research reveals how Real Madrid grew from its left-leaning roots in 1930s Spain to the unrivalled powerhouse of world football. The book charts pivotal moments, from presidents forced into exile to the legacy of the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, ensuring football enthusiasts, historians, and sociologists alike are drawn into the unique aura of the club.
Pereira’s work shines in its analysis of the club’s role within Spanish society, dissecting why Real Madrid has often been both adored and reviled. The white kit, famously adopted by Don Revie at Leeds United after being inspired by Los Blancos, is emblematic of Real Madrid’s influence reaching far beyond the pitch. Pereira draws fascinating links between Madrid’s tumultuous political history—presidents persecuted by Franco’s regime, society riven by ideological divides—and the evolution of the club’s identity, showing how sport and politics intertwine. Drawing on archival research and his own experience writing for publications like Panenka and Futebol Magazine, Pereira details how Real Madrid came to embody not just footballing excellence but broader aspirations and anxieties within Spanish and European football.
One of the book’s key strengths is its exploration of Real Madrid’s foundational role in the European Cup, now known as the UEFA Champions League. Pereira makes clear how the club’s relentless pursuit of European glory became central to its identity, motivating future generations and cementing its status as both the most supported and most polarising club in Spanish football. The Santiago Bernabéu served as both cathedral and crucible for these ambitions, representing not only a physical home but a symbol of Madrid’s rebirth and international influence. Perriera's insightful commentary links sporting achievement with societal transformation, demonstrating Real Madrid’s impact on global culture.
The Greatest stands as a vital read for anyone fascinated by European football’s shifting landscape, the globalisation of the beautiful game, and the indelible contributions of Miguel Lourenço Pereira to football literature. With previous works ranging from World Cup retrospectives to acclaimed biographies of legends like Toni Kroos and Johan Cruyff, Pereira cements his reputation as a masterful chronicler. This book is more than an ode to glories past – it’s a living history of Real Madrid, offering rich insight into what has made this football club the most celebrated and closely scrutinised in the world.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48
Publisher: Fascinating Selection of Books – A Must See!
Published: May 18, 2026
Price: £14.99
Paperback: 288 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1836802631
Dimensions: 19.8 x 12.9 x 2 (cm)
