Real Madrid choose not to participate in La Liga retro matchday initiative | OneFootball

La Liga is preparing a unique celebration later this season that will take clubs and supporters on a nostalgic trip through Spanish football history. 

However, one of the league’s biggest clubs, Real Madrid, has decided not to take part in the initiative.

According to a report from MARCA, La Liga has introduced the first-ever “Retro Matchday”, scheduled to take place between April 10 and April 13, 2026, during Matchday 31 of the competition. 

The concept behind the initiative is that the teams across the league will wear kits inspired by iconic designs from their past.

The project aims to celebrate historic moments in Spanish football while also connecting modern fans with the traditions of their clubs. 

For one round of fixtures, players will step onto the pitch wearing shirts that evoke memorable periods in their club’s history.

These could include jerseys associated with title-winning seasons, famous promotions, historic European campaigns or simply kits that became iconic because they were worn by legendary players in La Liga.

Real Madrid not a part of it

Real Madrid will not take part in the initiative. (Photo by Sandra Montanez/Getty Images)

In total, 38 clubs across the Spanish football pyramid are expected to take part in the campaign. 

Despite the excitement around the concept, not every club will participate fully on the pitch. 

As such, four teams will not wear the retro kits during the matchday, namely, FC Barcelona, Rayo Vallecano, Getafe and Real Madrid.

However, the circumstances differ between the clubs, as Barcelona, Rayo Vallecano and Getafe will not wear retro shirts on the pitch due to logistical reasons, but they remain part of the promotional campaign.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, have chosen not to participate in the initiative at all. 

As a result, the club will simply wear their standard kit during Matchday 31 while the majority of teams across the league embrace the retro theme.