Madrid, the 2022 World Capital of Sport
Named World Capital of Sport for 2022, Madrid has joined the ranks of the two other cities to have achieved this prestigious recognition: Guadalajara (Mexico) and Abu Dhabi. The city earned the title thanks to its major sports infrastructure, diverse range of services and activities and formidable calendar of international events. There can be no doubt that Madrid deserves this honour awarded by ACES Europe, the European Capitals and Cities of Sport Federation. There were many other reasons: the city also strives to ensure sports offerings for people with disabilities, it aims its efforts at every age bracket, it works to foster sport for girls and women, it helps sports clubs and associations via annual grants, and it develops an extensive programme of public-private partnership to boost sports activity through joint efforts, to name just a few initiatives.
On the most visible side of the city’s commitment to sport, it hosts countless major sporting events ranging from high-level competitions (including a football and a basketball league that are among the best in the world) to fun runs. Some of these events have become firm fixtures over the years and are eagerly awaited by the Madrileños as well as the foreign visitors who travel to the city to take part in them. We have highlighted some of the major events in Madrid’s 2022 sports calendar:
Women's Race
More than 30,000 female runners will take part in this charity run that paints the streets pink (7 May 2023).
Movistar Madrid Half Marathon 2023
This annual 21K race takes in some of Madrid's most popular sites (26 March 2023).
WACT/Europe Silver Madrid Athletics Meeting 2023
The Vallehermoso Stadium and its spectacular lime green track host this international event that brings together the top athletes (22 July 2023).
Mutua Madrid Open 2023
The world's best tennis players will once again battle it out on clay courts (Madrid Caja Mágica. 24 Apr-7 May).
Zurich Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Madrid
One of the Spain's biggest sporting events is set to hold its 45th edition with three distances: marathon, half-marathon and 10k (23 April).
Madrid International Show Jumping Competition - Longines Global Champions Tour
The 112th edition of the Madrid series of the prestigious Longines Global Champions Tour will bring together the world’s best show jumpers (Club de Campo Villa de Madrid. 12-14 May).
San Silvestre Vallecana 2023
Madrid will once again ring out the old and ring in the new with Spain's largest athletics event: a 10K fun run and a 10K professional race (31 December).
IFEMA Madrid Horse Week
Don’t miss the most important equestrian event that seeks to bring the general public closer to the world of horses (IFEMA MADRID - Pavilions 12 and 14. November 2023 -to be confirmed-).
La Vuelta
The Spanish cycling race will once again hold its final leg through the streets of Madrid (17 September).
Villa de Madrid Meeting / World Indoor Tour Gold Madrid 2024
The best indoor track meeting in Spain, forming part of the World Athletics Indoor Tour, is back (Centro Deportivo Municipal Gallur. Late February).
ACCIONA Open de España presented by Madrid
Madrid plays host to one of the most popular and long-established golf competitions in Europe (Club de Campo Villa de Madrid. October 2023).
Madrid Urban Sports
Third edition of this festival that combines street sports with music, exhibitions, and urban art (Madrid Río - Matadero. 16-18 June).
Madrid CrossFit Challenger Series
Third edition of this tournament devoted to this training technique (Centro Deportivo Municipal Gallur. November 2023).
Chess Candidates Tournament
Madrid has been chosen to host the tournament of candidates competing for the world title currently held by Magnus Carlsen (The Palace of Santoña. 16 Jun-7 Jul).
Rugby: Spain - Classic All Blacks
An historic match between the national team and the New Zealand veterans (Wanda Metropolitano Stadium. 21 May).
X-Trial Madrid
The city is hosting the Indoor Trial World Championship, which will be attended by the 15 times world champion Toni Bou (Multipurpose Pavilion Madrid Arena - Casa de Campo Park. 2 April).
Badminton European Championship
The Absolute Championship joins the long list of major sporting events that will be held in the city to celebrate Madrid being the World Capital of Sport 2022 (Centro Deportivo Municipal Gallur. 25-30 April).
OFFICIAL PRODUCTS
Panoramic views at 92 metres
An observation deck offering wonderful vistas of the city.
Official Madrid Shop
Visit our online store (in Spanish) of souvenirs made by local artisans!
Madrid City Tour
Hop on board the city's official sightseeing bus!
