What became of Primera División’s founding clubs in 2026? | OneFootball

La Liga began on 10 February 1929 at 15:10 in Sarrià, Espanyol beating Real Unión 3-2 in the competition’s first match. Nearly a century later, all 10 founding clubs are alive, seven remain in the top flight and three compete in Primera RFEF, according to as.com.

Professional status in 1926 sparked plans for a national league from Getxo, driven by Arenas vice-president José María Acha. After Minimalist and Maximalist proposals, agreement in November 1928 set a 10-team Primera División, six Copa winners, three runners-up, Athletic de Madrid, Español and Europa, plus a qualifier claimed by Racing Santander after two replays against Sevilla.

In 2026-27, the top flight includes Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético de Madrid, Athletic Club, RCD Espanyol, Real Sociedad and Racing Santander. Madrid top the all-time table with 36 titles, Barcelona are reigning champions with 29.

Atlético are the third most decorated with 11 titles, Athletic have 8, and Madrid, Barcelona and Athletic have never been relegated in 95 seasons. Espanyol aim to consolidate under Manolo González, Real Sociedad remain anchored by captain Mikel Oyarzabal, and Racing return led by Íñigo Vicente and Andrés Martín.

The remaining founders play in Primera RFEF. Arenas returned to the third tier in 2025-26 and finished mid-table, Real Unión bounced back as Segunda RFEF group champions, and CE Europa placed fifth then fell in the play-off semi-final to Celta Fortuna.

Source: as.com