Remember the Tom Cruise’s visit
The history of Real Madrid is undoubtedly worthy of the greatest movie, but there are things that have happened to the club that even the best films couldn’t capture—even with the best leading actors.
There was an iconic moment that took place years ago at the Santiago Bernabéu (2007). Younger fans might not remember it, but the rest surely do. It was David Beckham’s last game for Real Madrid (and also Roberto Carlos’—the greatest left-back in the club’s history).
But that day was special not just because it was their final match for Real Madrid, nor even because it marked the historic end of the Galácticos era, but because that very day, the club won a seemingly impossible La Liga title after a stunning comeback—with none other than Tom Cruise watching from the stands of the Bernabeu.
David Beckham’s presentation at Real Madrid (2 July 2003) and his historic phrase: “I have always loved football.”
Capello’s La Liga and the End of the Galácticos
The Galácticos era had been a marketing sensation but not a success on the pitch. Several seasons went by without titles, coaches came and went, Florentino Pérez even resigned, and Ramón Calderón took over as president with the goal of rebuilding the team—ending the Galácticos era to form a less glamorous but more competitive squad.
Zidane had retired a season earlier, Figo had left, and that same season, Ronaldo (the Brazilian) departed in the winter. When the club found out that David Beckham had signed with the Los Angeles Galaxy, Fabio Capello punished him, and the club treated him unfairly, even saying that if he wanted to become an actor, he should go ahead—but that he wouldn’t play for Madrid again. This, despite the fact that Beckham had always maintained a professional attitude at the club.
David Beckham’s Final Comeback
It was an unfair treatment for a player who not only brought enormous financial value to Real Madrid but also won over the fans with his technical ability—his crosses, long passes, and free kicks. However, what truly surprised the Madrid fanbase when he arrived was his 100% commitment on the pitch. He wasn’t just a “pretty boy”—he gave everything for the team, even putting his body on the line. In fact, he literally bled multiple times for the badge, and at the Bernabéu, that earns you adoration.
But Fabio Capello benched him from Christmas onward, and he wasn’t even called up for games. Meanwhile, Real Madrid began to drift away from the league title, was eliminated from the Champions League and the Copa del Rey, and the season seemed to be falling apart. Then came the “miracle”—Beckham’s punishment was lifted, and he slowly worked his way back into the team, first as a substitute and then as a starter. Coincidentally, Real Madrid started to mount a comeback.
The Legendary ‘Tamudo’ La Liga
La Liga seemed lost with just two games to go, as Barcelona was in the lead. But in the penultimate matchday, something historic happened—Real Madrid was losing, and Barcelona was winning, which would have decided the title. However, in the same minute, Madrid equalized, and Tamudo scored for Espanyol against Barcelona. That meant Madrid would go into the final matchday depending on themselves.
Final Game at the Bernabéu and Another Comeback
For that final game—Beckham’s last match with Real Madrid—he invited his friend Tom Cruise, along with his then-wife, actress Katie Holmes. The Beckhams and Cruises were close friends (part of the reason Beckham moved to Los Angeles). Tom Cruise sat in the VIP box behind the dugout, alongside Victoria Beckham and their children Brooklyn, Romeo, and Cruz (who was actually born in Madrid during Beckham’s time at the club).
The Most VIP Guest at the Bernabéu
Tom Cruise, famous for his Mission Impossible movies, experienced one of the most magical nights at the Bernabéu. The Real Madrid DNA—never giving up in the face of impossible missions—was on full display in a game that was meant to be a celebration of victory. But Mallorca had other plans.
The visitors stunned the Bernabéu by taking a 0-1 lead in the 16th minute. Despite Madrid’s relentless attacks, they couldn’t find an equalizer. The minutes ticked by, and the tension grew—everything was on the line on Beckham and Roberto Carlos’ final night, with celebrations at Cibeles already prepared.
For Beckham, it was even more dramatic. Despite all his efforts, he had yet to win a Champions League or a La Liga title with Madrid. It seemed he would leave empty-handed (only won the Spanish supercup on 2003), an injustice that would go down in history. To make matters worse, the Englishman was giving his all on the pitch but got injured. He tried to continue but couldn’t and had to be substituted by José Antonio Reyes in the 64th minute.
The Hero: Reyes
Beckham left the pitch in tears, with Tom Cruise applauding him in support. But no one could have predicted what would happen next. In a scene straight out of a movie, the man who replaced Beckham—José Antonio Reyes (rest in peace, as he sadly passed away years later)—scored the equalizer with his very first touch of the ball.
The Bernabéu erupted. Though a draw wasn’t enough, the atmosphere had changed. It felt like one of those magical comeback nights where the stadium itself scores a goal.
And so it happened. Just nine minutes later, in the 75th minute, Mahamadou Diarra headed in the 2-1 goal, sending the Bernabéu into absolute chaos. And to make sure there would be no more suffering, Reyes himself scored again in the 83rd minute to seal a 3-1 victory. When the final whistle blew, the stadium exploded—not just because Real Madrid had won La Liga, went to Cibeles or because they had given the Galácticos a legendary send-off, but because they had shown Tom Cruise that, just like in his movies, there truly are no impossible missions.
If you’re a Real Madrid fan… there are no impossible missions!
Finally, David Beckham was able to visit Cibeles (where Real Madrid celebrates its most important titles), the Cibeles fountain, which is the symbol of success at Real Madrid. For the first time in his last match, David Beckham was able to go (at the end of the video, you can see him at the front of the team bus with hundreds of thousands of people (starting at minute 1:10 of the video)), and then captain Raúl placing the scarf, the flag, and kissing the goddess Cibeles.
Thank you, Tom Cruise, for supporting us that night, and above all, thank you, David Beckham, for the legacy you left at the club. The statistics don’t do justice to the incredible memories you gave Madrid fans. Your passion and dedication will always be remembered at the Bernabéu. And let’s be honest—your glamour and marketing influence helped shape the Real Madrid we know today under Florentino Pérez.
He won 2 titles: one shortly after arriving, the Spanish Super Cup (2003), and another in his final match with Real Madrid, La Liga 2006/2007.
Real Madrid signed David Beckham from Manchester United for around 35 million euros and presented him on July 2 in Madrid with the number 23 jersey, which became the best-selling football shirt worldwide in the following years.
This was the name given to the team built by Florentino Pérez at Real Madrid, signing some of the best players in the world at the time, such as Figo, Zidane, Ronaldo, and David Beckham, along with other stars already at the club, including Raúl, Casillas, Roberto Carlos, and Guti, among others.