Real Madrid have formally withdrawn from the European Super League, marking the final chapter in the controversial breakaway competition and bringing the project to an official end.

Naija News reports that FC Barcelona have pulled out earlier this month. Real Madrid’s exit means there are now no clubs left supporting the Super League, effectively rendering it defunct.

The Spanish giants confirmed they have reached an agreement with UEFA earlier today, February 11, signalling a return to the traditional European football structure and the resolution of long-running legal disputes linked to the proposed competition.

“UEFA, the European Football Clubs (EFC), and Real Madrid C. F. reach an agreement for the good of European club football,” a statement from Real Madrid stated.

“After months of discussions held in the interest of European football, UEFA, the European Football Clubs (EFC), and Real Madrid C. F. announce that they have reached an agreement in principle for the good of European club football, respecting the principle of sporting merit and emphasizing the long-term sustainability of clubs and the improvement of the fan experience through the use of technology.

“This agreement in principle will also serve to resolve their legal disputes related to the European Super League, once a final agreement is implemented.“

The Super League was first unveiled in 2021 as a closed competition involving 12 elite European clubs. However, fierce backlash from fans, players, and governing bodies quickly derailed the plan.

England’s six Premier League clubs withdrew within days following widespread protests, with Italian teams and Atletico Madrid exiting soon after. Juventus later followed, leaving Real Madrid and Barcelona as the project’s final defenders.

Barcelona’s recent withdrawal had already left Madrid isolated. The Catalan club confirmed it had formally notified the European Super League Company and the other involved parties of its decision to step away, leaving only Madrid and organiser A22 as remaining stakeholders at the time.

Barcelona’s shift away from the Super League comes amid a growing divide with Real Madrid and a renewed effort to strengthen ties with UEFA.

The relationship between the two Spanish giants has also been strained by the ongoing Negreira case, in which Barcelona face charges related to alleged sporting corruption. Madrid have been among the most vocal in calling for sanctions.