Top five clubs with most Copa del Rey trophies

The competition has seen domination by a few top clubs over the years.

The Copa del Rey is one of Europe’s major domestic cup competitions. Founded in 1903, it has a long and rich history in Spanish football. It is held annually by the Royal Spanish Football Federation and sees fierce competition by the clubs. The teams take huge pride in winning the tournament and give it their all while contesting in the fixtures. 

Copa del Rey nights are special as they are usually full of entertaining football. If one looks at the history of Spain’s biggest domestic tournament apart from La Liga, then four teams have won it more than 10 times.

The Copa del Rey provides the fans with a lot of surprises and top-level football to witness every year. The last three editions have seen as many different winners and the current campaign is also witnessing stiff competition. Let's take a look at the top five clubs to have won the Copa del Rey the most times.

5. Valencia CF - 8

Valencia CF is an eight-time winner of the Copa del Rey. The last time they won the competition was in the 2018-19 season under manager Marcelino. They did so by defeating FC Barcelona in the final and thereby denying them a fifth cup triumph in a row. Moreover, Valencia also has six league titles under their list of achievements along with one Supercopa de Espana (Spanish Super Cup). 

4. Atletico de Madrid - 10

The fourth club to win the most number of Copa del Rey trophies are Atletico de Madrid. With 10 trophies, they lead Valencia CF by two and their last Spanish Cup win came back in 2012-13 with Diego Simeone as manager. They did so by beating neighbours and rivals Real Madrid in an iconic final. Los Colchoneros have also won the league title a total of 11 times with three UEFA Europa League wins as well among other trophies.

3. Real Madrid - 20

Real Madrid is hailed as the most iconic club in football. The most successful team in the history of the UEFA Champions League, they are the third best when it comes to winning the Copa del Rey the most times. Los Blancos have 20 wins under their belt, with their last win coming during the 2013-14 season under Carlo Ancelotti in his previous stint. Real Madrid CF have 34 league titles in their locker in addition to 13 European championships.

2. Athletic Bilbao - 24

Athletic Bilbao’s record in the Copa del Rey speaks for itself. The club deserves huge credit for winning the competition on five more occasions than a behemoth club like Real Madrid CF. Athletic Bilbao has 24 Spanish Cup triumphs in their history, the second-highest of all time. Interestingly though, the club is yet to add to the tally since 1983-84. 

1. FC Barcelona - 31

The club with the most number of Copa del Rey wins are FC Barcelona with 31 trophies. It is the only club to win it more than 30 times and the Blaugrana are also the defending champions of the tournament after winning it last season under Ronald Koeman.

FC Barcelona is about to clash with last year’s final opponents Athletic Bilbao in Round of 16 of the 2021-22 edition. In addition to winning it the most number of times, former Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi holds the record for playing most matches (80) and scoring the most goals (56) in the competition.

**This article was last updated on 7 May 2023.

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