There are places where soccer ceases to be just a sport and becomes a part of history. Jerseys that graced the field on historic nights, cleats that scored impossible goals, and artifacts that tell the stories of entire generations of fans.
With the World Cup final in the bag , few things are more appealing than taking a journey through the history of the beautiful game… And Madrid is home to a true soccer mecca right in the heart of the city: LEGENDS: The Home of Football, the world’s largest museum dedicated to soccer, just a few steps from Puerta del Sol.
The best part? This Friday, July 24, there will be a special opportunity to visit the museum for free if you show up wearing the Spanish national team jersey. The promotion will be valid from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., although the museum will remain open until 9:30 p.m. Just keep in mind that the last admission with this promotion will be at 7:30 p.m.
18 August 2026 10:00 + more dates
A journey through more than a century of soccer history
The LEGENDS museum occupies a 4,200-square-meter space spread across seven floors , housing some of the most important artifacts in world soccer. It was conceived with the idea of creating an immersive experience where visitors can explore the evolution of soccer. To achieve this, it combines historical artifacts with technology, including interactive experiences, a 4D cinema, and areas dedicated to reliving some of the sport’s most important moments.
Its collection brings together thousands of artifacts linked to international soccer, with more than 4,000 historic pieces and a selection of hundreds of relics on display to the public. Among the highlights are:
- Diego Armando Maradona’s jersey from the 1986 World Cup in Mexico
Wearing this jersey, Argentina lifted the trophy in Mexico 1986, and the Argentine star was at the center of some of the most memorable moments in soccer history, such as the famous “Goal of the Century” against England.
- Pelé’s jersey from the 1970 World Cup in Mexico with Brazil
With Pelé as its star player, Brazil won its third World Cup in 1970 and forever cemented the image of creative, attacking soccer associated with the famous “jogo bonito.” It was Pelé’s final World Cup and the perfect ending to his international career.
- Johan Cruyff’s jersey from the 1974 World Cup with the Netherlands
The national team led by Cruyff revolutionized soccer with what was called “total soccer.” That team changed the way the game was understood thanks to a system based on positional interchange, constant pressure, and the collective participation of all players.
- The 1916 Uruguay jersey, one of the museum’s oldest artifacts
The exhibit shows what uniforms looked like in the early 20th century: made of cotton, without sponsors, and featuring details like a drawstring at the neck—a far cry from today’s high-tech jerseys.
Iker Casillas and Spain’s Epic Run in South Africa 2010
But without a doubt, the main highlight is the section dedicated to Iker Casillas, featuring a temporary exhibition that brings together more than thirty personal items belonging to the Spanish star goalkeeper, including jerseys, trophies, and gloves that trace some of the most important moments of his career.
Among the most iconic exhibits is the jersey he wore during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where La Roja claimed its first World Cup title.
The museum also traces major competitions such as the World Cups, the Champions League, the Olympic Games, and international tournaments, showcasing how soccer has evolved over more than a century of history.