REAL MADRID have quietly decided to the change the name of their iconic Santiago Bernabeu stadium without telling fans.

Los Blancos have been playing at the incredible arena in the heart of the Spanish capital since 1947.

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Holding 78,297 supporters, the Santiago Bernabeu has seen some amazing moments in football down the years.

It was the first stadium in Europe to host a Euros and a World Cup final.

And in 2019 the Santiago Bernabeu underwent a major renovation costing £1billion.

An amazing retractable roof was added, as well as a hotel and shopping centre outside.

But now, Real’s home stadium is going by a brand new name.

And it’s been kept so secret that not even fans realised it had changed.

According to Spanish news outlet Marca, the Santiago Bernabeu is now officially called just the Bernabeu.

Chiefs reportedly ditched the first part of its full title for commercial purposes.

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Originally named after former player and president Santiago Bernabeu, the stadium allowed fans to pay tribute to the club’s glorious past.

But now, those in charge are said to have decided for a sleeker look.

It’s reckoned that ditching ‘Santiago’ and simply calling the stadium ‘Bernabeu’ will modernise Real’s vision for the future.

The change also opens up the possibility of allowing a sponsorship name to be added on.

Currently, there are no plans to follow in the footsteps of rivals Barcelona, who currently play at the Spotify Camp Nou.

But should Real need some dosh later on, a vote over new naming rights could go to shareholders.