In football, where passion mostly sounds in song, a few chants have reached iconic status, like “Hala Madrid” for Real Madrid and its supporters. The origin of this simple yet engaging two-word phrase follows the heart of the club’s glorious history, while over the years, it has become much more than just a chant. It is an anthem of victory, perseverance, and unity for the Madridistas worldwide.
From Humble Beginnings to Iconic Status: Hala Madrid Lyrics
The anthem “Hala Madrid. y nada más” came into being in 2014, a year etched in Real Madrid’s history since it secured its 10th UEFA Champions League title, a name affectionately called La Décima. But originally, it was 1952 when, on its golden jubilee, the club’s original anthem, “Hala Madrid,” was composed. The old one was penned by Luis Cisneros Galiane and mirrored the spirit of the club, celebrating its triumphs and ambition.
In 2014, the anthem was remade with the help of Moroccan-Swedish composer RedOne and journalist Manuel Jabois to lead a new reign of the Spanish Giants. Feeling the urge and the commitment as any good Real Madrid fan, he just wanted to write a song that would reflect the spirit the club had built; “I wanted it to be a song the entire world could sing”. His composition came out grand and harmonious, embracing all emotions circling the legacy of Real Madrid.
The new hymn, “Hala Madrid. y nada más”, by the Real Madrid squad, was recorded with living legends such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, and Luka Modrić. Its lyrics speak about history, victory, and unconditional support, making their home, the Santiago Bernabéu, permanent. The following highly proves the relentless pursuit of excellence:
History created, history to be made, for no one can stop your will to win.
Hala Madrid Lyrics (Translated in English)
The history you’ve created
The history you’ll make!
Because no one can resist
Your will to triumph!
The stars now begin to appear!
My dear Chamartin.
From far and near,
You summon us all here!
I wear your jersey
Against my heart!
The days you play
All mine that are!
The Arrow runs!
The Arrow runs!
My Madrid is attacking!
I am struggle! I am beauty!
The cry I learned:
Madrid! Madrid! Madrid!
Hala Madrid!
And nothing more!
And nothing more!
Hala Madrid!
What does Hala Madrid Mean? Hala Madrid Meaning Behind the Words
Yet, it is deeper in meaning than that literal translation. In Spanish, it means “Go Madrid” or “Forward Madrid.” In Real Madrid, though, it is so much more than that call to action. It is the pledge of allegiance, the workhorse word that binds the fans and the players in tow.
The word “Hala” in itself is an Arabic word, which means “Come on” or “Let’s go.” As simple as that may sound, the meaning of this chant runs deep. To chant “Hala Madrid” means the steadfast belief in the club’s ability to rise above any challenge being thrown this way, however daunting it may seem.
Over the years, Hala Madrid has been rallying the players into action on the field. One of the biggest legends of the club, Cristiano Ronaldo, would more often than not be seen gesturing to the crowd, arms raised, imploring the fans for louder chanting. It is an emotional crescendo anthem itself that says it all: “Y nada más! “This explains the exclusive focus Real Madrid has on victory.
The sound of these words echoing in the stadium is the one thing that reminds the players of their expectations: to win at all costs.
In the words of journalist Manuel Jabois, co-author of the 2014 anthem, “It sums up a bit what Madrid is — either you love it, or you don’t. Winning is beautiful, and that is what Madrid stands for.”
Global Icon of Football Fandom
Global Icon of Football FandomWhat does Hala Madrid mean to Real Madrid’s identity? Just not a tagline on scarves and banners. It is a token of association. When the Madridistas chant “Hala Madrid,” standing inside or outside the stands of the Bernabéu, it connects them with the heart of the club.
A recent moment that typifies its power was the unveiling of this summer in, 2024 of Kylian Mbappé. Facing a sea of delighted fans, Mbappé called upon the legend Christiano Ronaldo and shouted, “1, 2, 3. Hala Madrid!” It was unmistakably homage to his predecessor and a testament to the leading role that the chant still enjoys among players today and yesterday.
It has trickled down to Real Madrid’s official social media sites, which routinely sign off posts with the hashtag #HalaMadrid. The phrase drips through every nook and cranny in the modern digital arena, bridging gaps between fans across geographic and temporal divides. A greeting, an oath of loyalty binding millions under one flag of Los Blancos.
Hala Madrid: The Cultural Phenomenon
This would definitely be the emotional link between the chant and the fans that just cannot be priced. Real Madrid is not merely a football club but a full-of-life, historical, and traditional one. Whenever these fans chant Hala Madrid, they not only salute their team but reassure themselves of their place within the continued saga called the club. Every time this chant rings out in the Bernabéu, it is a call of past glories and the promise of future triumphs.
This is one of the reasons this chant appeals to every single corner of the earth: simplicity. Unlike more complex anthems, Hala Madrid is very simple to learn, and its meaning is pretty much universal. Both in Spanish and English that chant reverberates in the heart of any football lover to remind them that Real Madrid is indeed a global force. Be it Europe, Asia, South America, or Africa, the phrase “Hala Madrid” is synonymous with greatness.
The Resilient Legacy of Hala Madrid
There are a few aspects of football that join people together, like a well-timed chant. For Real Madrid fans, Hala Madrid is much more than a song; it is the pulse of the club. Be the players or the supporters, the singing in those moments of glory and defeat just evokes a vibe-a testament cemented to the same excellence that defines Real Madrid.
It was the victorious echo of Hala Madrid by Kylian Mbappé that proved this chant keeps fascinating newer generations of players and fans alike. It just reminds one that the only goal for Real Madrid is victory, and when the Madridistas chant Hala Madrid, they are not only celebrating their club but affirming their belief that Real Madrid is and shall always be the pinnacle of football. Hala Madrid! And nothing more.
