Eliud Kipchoge reveals purpose of Real Madrid visit
By William Muthama, February 26, 2026World‑record marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge has explained the real reason behind his visit to Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, saying the trip is about more than football or sightseeing.
The Kenyan runner shared on Facebook on Thursday, February 26, 2026, that his trip is about more than seeing one of Europe’s most iconic clubs; it is tied to expanding opportunities for young athletes.
Posting on Facebook, Kipchoge wrote that he was happy to spend time in Madrid and that his visit included a stop at the Santiago Bernabéu.
He highlighted the upcoming Abbott Dream Team programme, which aims to give youth soccer players in the United States an opportunity to train with one of the world’s most successful football clubs.
“In 2026, the @abbottglobal Dream Team will give youth soccer players from the U.S. the chance to train with one of the world’s greatest clubs and see how champions prepare,” Kipchoge said in his post.
Through the Dream Team project, selected youth players from the U.S. will gain access to training sessions and facilities usually reserved for professional athletes.
This mirrors programmes run by the Real Madrid Foundation, which also bring players from around the world to experience the club’s training methodology and heritage opportunities that extend beyond sport to build character and leadership.
For Kipchoge, whose athletic career includes back‑to‑back Olympic marathon gold medals and multiple world records, the runner noted that the trip underscores his continued commitment to youth development and sport as a vehicle for life change.
“It reminded me how powerful it is to give young athletes access to the best. Opportunity can change life!”
During the visit The marathon legend was also welcomed by representatives of the club and given a jersey with his name on it, a gesture signalling respect from one of football’s most successful organisations.
While in the Spanish capital, Kipchoge was present as Real Madrid continued their European campaign. In a UEFA Champions League second‑leg playoff match at the Bernabéu, Real Madrid defeated Portuguese side Benfica 2‑1 to advance to the Round of 16 with a 3‑1 aggregate win.