Corazón Classic Match Day. A holiday. A day of reunions between players and fans, between Real Madrid legends and the new generations that come with big eyes to see their idols, and the idols of their parents and grandparents. The same legends whose stories about triumphs and heartache have been passed on by 123 years of history, dating from the first official competition of the club in 1902.
It is a celebration of a club where players come and go, each leaving their mark – some deeper than others – but all who contribute to an inheritance that is defined by perseverance and success. A legacy that Los Blancos brought to the top of the classification of the European Cup – Champions League with 15 titles.
Some of those legendary players will again put on the white jersey in this latest edition of the Corazón Classic Match: Toni Kroos, Pepe, Marcelo and Raphaël Varane. Symbols of an era in which Real Madrid won six champion competitions in 11 seasons.
Kroos in particular is one of the most admired and beloved players among Madridistas – such as the other three – and returns to the Santiago Bernabéu 378 days after departure at the end of the Liga season 2023–24 (465 matches and 28 goals). His absence was felt during the current campaign.
The announcement of his return – personally on his social media – created a sensation and quickly sold the stadium. In a curious turn of Lot, Kroos returns to Borussia Dortmund, the last team with which he played in White, in the 2024 Champions League final in Wembley on June 1.
Marcelo (546 matches, 38 goals), Pepe (334, 15) and Varane (360, 17) also return to the field – three defenders honored by fans, who come home again. They are accompanied by other legends such as Butagueño, Buyo, Roberto Carlos, Julio Baptista and many more – players who have helped secure the last nine Champions League trophies. They will all wear Real Madrid's new kit for the coming season, which was unveiled yesterday.
Opposite them: The Legends of Borussia Dortmund. One of the elite clubs that can proudly show a “big ears” trophy in his cabinet -and recently, the opponent of Real Madrid in the 2024 Champions League final in Wembley. A celebration of their legends too.