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Copa del Rey

La Copa del Rey es la principal competición eliminatoria anual de fútbol masculino en España, organizada por la Real Federación Española de Fútbol.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Copa del Rey is the principal annual knockout tournament for men's association football in Spain, organized by the Royal Spanish Football Federation. It was first contested in 1903, making it the oldest national football competition in Spain.

History

The first edition of the competition was played in 1903, marking its start as a national cup tournament in Spain. Over time, it has carried different official names depending on the political period, including Copa del Generalísimo and Copa Presidente de la República.

Format

The Copa del Rey is a knockout competition that includes clubs from several tiers of Spanish football. The winner of the tournament earns a place in the following season's UEFA Europa League, unless that place is transferred according to league qualification rules.

Records and champions

FC Barcelona holds the record for the most Copa del Rey titles, with 32 championships. Other clubs with multiple titles include Athletic Club, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, Valencia, Sevilla, and Real Zaragoza. The current champions are FC Barcelona, who won in 2025.

Key facts

  • The competition began in 1903 and is the oldest national football competition in Spain.
  • It is organised by the Royal Spanish Football Federation.
  • The winner qualifies for the UEFA Europa League if not already qualified through league position.
  • FC Barcelona has won the most titles, with 32 championships.
  • The competition has also been known as the Copa del Generalísimo and Copa Presidente de la República during earlier periods.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Copa del Rey?
It is Spain's main annual knockout football cup competition.
When was the Copa del Rey founded?
The competition was founded in 1903.
Who organizes the Copa del Rey?
It is organised by the Royal Spanish Football Federation.
Which club has won the most Copa del Rey titles?
FC Barcelona has the most titles, with 32.
What do the winners receive besides the trophy?
The winner qualifies for the UEFA Europa League if not already qualified through league placement.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copa_del_Rey
    Supports: Founding year, organiser, format, qualification, current champions, and all-time title records.
  2. Wikipedia (Spanish) — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copa_del_Rey
    Supports: 1903 first edition and historical background of the competition.
  3. ESPN Deportes — https://espndeportes.espn.com/futbol/espana/nota/_/id/15103716/el-historial-de-campeones-de-la-copa-del-rey
    Supports: Updated champions list and title totals, including FC Barcelona's 32nd title.