The renovation of Santiago Bernabéu is one of the most ambitious projects in Real Madrid’s history. Josep Ribas, CEO of the Barcelona-based architectural firm Ribas & Ribas, spoke about the background of the project and when fans might once again attend concerts at the stadium.

Competition that changed Madrid’s skyline

We were a three-person team that included my architectural studio Ribas & Ribas, and we managed to win. It was an international competition, and we proposed a façade surrounding the building with stainless steel panels that had to provide ventilation, allow the broadcasting of matches outside, and meet fire safety requirements, recalls Josep Ribas.

The new façade designed by his team has completely transformed the appearance of Santiago Bernabéu. The characteristic wavy structure of stainless steel has given the stadium a modern, almost futuristic look, making it one of the most recognizable landmarks in Madrid. Yet not everyone is impressed — critics often joke that the shiny exterior looks more like a can of sardines, a comparison that has become one of the most repeated comments about the stadium’s new design.

“The noise problem will be solved within two months”

Although modernization work has been completed, some technical issues are still being addressed. The works have already been completed and I’m very satisfied, apart from the parking issue, which is a city matter. Only minor details remain — mapping and noise, which are in the process of being resolved, explained the architect.

The main concern for the club and residents of the Chamartín district remains the noise levels during major events. Concerts were temporarily suspended after performances by artists such as Taylor Swift and Duki. Ribas, however, reassures music fans: The noise problem should be solved in about two months. I can’t explain the details, because we’re not handling it, but the best acoustic company in the world is working on it. This suggests that Real Madrid could plan the return of large-scale events by the end of the year or early 2026.

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Façade as a screen? Tests at Christmas

Real Madrid fans have long awaited the moment when the stadium façade will feature spectacular video mappings, first teased during the project’s presentation. Some of the most memorable visuals include Zinedine Zidane’s volley — and even Kylian Mbappé. Ribas revealed that this part of the project is nearly ready: The mapping will be tested at Christmas.

The club plans to use the façade regularly for different types of projections — from the Real Madrid crest and club colors to player visuals, match previews, and sponsor presentations. In this way, the stadium will become a giant screen, visible from many parts of the city.

“Bernabéu must operate 365 days a year”

The modernization concept of Bernabéu goes far beyond football. This stadium is prepared — and will remain prepared — to host all kinds of events. Football is the foundation, but there are only about 50 matches a year, while the stadium must operate 365 days a year. Otherwise, a venue like this wouldn’t be profitable. Real Madrid understood this from the very beginning, emphasized the architect.

“It’s a retractable structure that opens and closes depending on the type of event. It’s actually better suited for basketball or tennis matches than football, although it currently remains closed. The world has changed, and so has architecture. This is pure engineering,” added Ribas, pointing out the stadium’s technical sophistication.

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Architect who supports… Barcelona

A surprising twist is that the man behind Real Madrid’s stadium transformation is actually a fan of the club’s greatest rival — FC Barcelona. Ribas admits that this fact sparked more jokes than tension. The issue of being a Barça fan was more of a running joke; we talked a lot about football, but it never interfered with our work or the fun we had. It’s a project that’s conquering the world.

He also revealed that he had little direct contact with Real Madrid’s president. We almost never spoke with Florentino, who stayed in the background throughout the project. But he has very competent collaborators with whom we had many discussions, said Ribas, referring among others to Paco Panadero, Real Madrid’s Director of Infrastructure.

VIP box and life inside stadium

One of the symbols of the new Bernabéu is its VIP box — a meeting place for business and political elites. Ribas describes it as an elegant, practical, and functional space where guests can be received in the best possible way. It accommodates 300 people.

Even during high-tension matches like El Clásico, the atmosphere remains friendly. It’s a pleasant football environment, even during derbies. Although political discussions can happen there, football is always the main focus, added the architect.

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