Emirates and Real Madrid extend their historic partnership until 2031 | News
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, and Real Madrid CF, the world’s most successful football club, have renewed their partnership, extending one of football’s most prominent sponsorships until 2031 and cementing a relationship that will last almost two decades.
Emirates has been a proud partner of Real Madrid since 2011, and the relationship deepened further in 2013 when the airline became the club’s official shirt sponsor. As part of the renewed partnership, Emirates will continue as official title sponsor and official airline partner of both the men’s and women’s teams, with its iconic branding on player jerseys, training kits and team personnel clothing in all major competitions, including La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup. The extension also marks an important milestone for both brands, becoming the longest-running jersey sponsorship in La Liga history.
In addition to match kits, the renewed agreement includes expanded Emirates brand visibility at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, access to the club’s training facilities and the Emirates Lounge, an exclusive hospitality area within the stadium that brings the airline’s signature experience to its loyal customers and trading partners. The partnership also extends to Real Madrid’s youth teams, supporting the development of the next generation of talent at grassroots level and underscoring the airline’s commitment to the future of the game.
The sponsorship also strengthens the airline’s presence in basketball, and includes a newly signed multi-year agreement that makes Emirates the official title sponsor of Real Madrid’s basketball club until 2031.
Boutros Boutros, Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand said: “Emirates has a long history of championing football, connecting millions of people and bringing communities together through our shared love of the game. What we have built with Real Madrid is a shining example of that commitment, putting fans at the heart of the game, giving them access to moments they will never forget, and inspiring the next generation of fans and players.
“As our relationship with Real Madrid grew, so did our presence in Spain. Since our first flight to Madrid in 2010, we have expanded our footprint in the country with five daily flights through Barcelona and Madrid, added new cities to our global network with reliable and convenient connectivity through Dubai, and enhanced the travel experience by bringing the latest and greatest Emirates products into Spanish skies, signaling our long-term commitment to the market.”
For his part, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez emphasized the importance of the agreement: “Our partnership reflects the strong and unique relationship we have built over the years. We have stood side by side during one of the most successful periods in the history of our club, and we remain committed to continuing this journey together.”
With a shared commitment to excellence – whether on the field, on the field or in the air – Emirates and Real Madrid have been bringing fans closer to the action for 15 years. The airline has underlined its support for the team on several A380 aircraft over the years with bespoke decals starring first-team players, as well as full aircraft livery on the special Boeing 777 for chartered services from Madrid to Jeddah for the Spanish Super Cup tournament. The two iconic brands have also collaborated on fan experiences you can’t buy, such as meet and greets, matchday activations and competitions to bring the most passionate fans to the games.
A long-term commitment to football
Emirates’ commitment to football is reflected in a series of enduring partnerships with some of the sport’s most legendary clubs, with its iconic branding proudly displayed on the jerseys of Arsenal FC, AC Milan, Real Madrid CF, SL Benfica and Olympique Lyonnais. Emirates is also the platinum partner of the first team of German football powerhouse FC Bayern Munich. Emirates has been title sponsor of the Emirates FA Cup for almost a decade and in the UAE the airline supports the Pro League, made up of 14 clubs competing for a national title.
Emirates’ sponsorship portfolio is the largest of any airline and includes the world’s most loved, most played and most watched sports including football, tennis, rugby, basketball, sailing, cycling, golf, horse racing, cricket and even Aussie Rules Football. Through its global sponsorship portfolio, Emirates brings fans closer to the sports, clubs and events they love.
Emirates goes beyond the game and uses the power of sport to have a positive impact on the communities it serves worldwide. In 2025, the airline launched the Emirates Signature Series, auctioning an exclusive collection of signed football shirts from hugely popular clubs such as Real Madrid, AC Milan, Arsenal, SL Benfica and FC Bayern Munich. All proceeds were donated to the Emirates Airline Foundation, the airline’s dedicated non-profit organization, or to the philanthropic organizations each football club supports.
The airline also supports communities by providing access to match tickets, stadium tours and opportunities for young fans to meet each other and enjoy unique player experiences, creating unique moments that inspire and connect with the next generation of football fans.
