Last Wednesday, workers began a second attempt to mount the name of the new Bernabéu on the facade. It quickly became clear that, contrary to the opinion of many fans, Real Madrid intends to remove the name of the legendary president in order to give the name a commercial and modern sound.

New stadium, new name

The first time the letters turned out to be too small, so this time the B that appeared on the facade of Estadio Santiago Bernabéu is larger. But immediately after installing the first letter, instead of installing the rest of the inscription, the workers... covered the B with a white sheet and considered the job done.

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Many interpret the appearance of the letter B as a continuation of the stadium's name change to the abbreviated form Bernabéu, which has a more commercial sound and may help the club find a title sponsor. Last year, the name of Real Madrid's legendary president, Santiago Bernabéu, disappeared from the club's website, Real Madrid's social media accounts, and merchandise in the club's store.

Many socios see the change as a profit-driven departure from tradition and history. I hope they install a sign saying 'SANTIAGO BERNABEU', writes one internet user. Where is the name of Don Santiago? asks another. Others, however, see the change as an opportunity to increase the club's revenue. The stadium will neither lose nor gain its identity because it will be called just ‘Bernabéu’, another fan defends the club's decision.

© Calexico Blue | Before the renovation, the full name Estadio Santiago Bernabéu was visible on the stadium's facade.