The Real Madrid Revolution

<b>Real Madrid’s innovative, modern strategies may not only keep them on top—but save soccer itself. <br><br>Featuring behind-the-scenes coverage and expert analysis, this book gives fans an up close and personal look at one of the world’s most legendary teams during a major crossroads for the sport.</b><br><br>Former Columbia Business School adjunct professor Steven G. Mandis, who analyzed Real Madrid’s path to success in <i>The Real Madrid Way</i>, returns to examine how the club is coping with systemic changes in the sport of soccer and innovating the sport in the process. <br><br>Founded in 1902 and granted a royal title by the king of Spain in 1920, Real Madrid <i>Club de Fútbol</i> went onto become the world’s most valuable sports team (by revenue), most popular sports team (by social media followers), and most successful sports team (by number of trophies). <br><br>But today, this legendary, member-owned soccer team faces significant challenges, includin<br><br><ul><li>Soccer losing the global entertainment battle against other sports and platforms</li><li>The proliferation of closely government-related, private equity, and multi-club ownership models—while Real Madrid are a not-for-profit club owned by 92,000 members</li><li>The financial dominance and further separation of the English Premier League, the so-called “NBA of football”</li><li>The conflicts of FIFA and UEFA being both regulators and hosts of tournaments  </li><li>A more congested schedule, leading to a glut of matches and more player injuries</li><li>Players who earn more from endorsements than from playing the game</li><li>An explosion of media platforms that enable a young generation of global fans to watch and engage with sports and entertainment in new and nontraditional ways</li></ul><br>With their top-tier status, not to mention the supremacy of their sport, hanging in the balance, Real Madrid’s trademark passion and values have never been more important. <i>The Real Madrid Revolution </i>showcases what it takes to stay on top when external forces are not working your favor—and how to innovate to be stronger than ever.