Wrapped in white robes, Real Madrid has been at the pinnacle of football for almost a whole century. The multitude of fame and accolades has shaped entire generations, right up to today. Iconic tales have been told, and players immortalized themselves in the heart of Spain’s capital. The Game Magazine spoke with someone who is right there, up close on the sidelines of the legendary Santiago Bernabéu, Alejandro Pérez Poza.
Where Dreams Turn Reality: Documenting Glory at Real Madrid
Born in the province of Guadalajara, about 60 kilometers from Madrid, Alex Pérez grew up following his favorite team, Los Blancos, on TV. Dreaming of pursuing a career close to the club, he graduated from the European University of Madrid and started his career in visual content creation and sports photography.
In this exclusive interview, The Game Magazine talked to Alex Pérez about his work, ambitions and dreams and learned about the techniques and processes he employs to capture his exceptional images and create appealing content for one of the biggest fan bases in the world.
Tell us about your photographic journey and how you realized your dream of working at one of the biggest clubs in the world.
Well, I started my degree in Audiovisual Communication at the university at the age of 17 in 2017. However, my aspiration was to train specifically in video editing because it caught my attention most. It was in the postgraduate master’s degree in Sports Communication and Journalism that I started in 2021 when my interest in photography was awakened. At that time, I applied for accreditations in the fields of 5th or 4th division teams in Spain and gained more and more experience in photography.
Little by little, and thanks to the master’s degree I was studying, I also gained access to matches of the lower categories of Real Madrid and the women’s team until I got my first accreditation for a Real Madrid first-team match through a media. And since then, I have continued to enjoy every weekend taking pictures of the team I’m a fan of.
Today, I can say that I work on something I am passionate about, and because of that, I can’t even consider it a job because I do it as my hobby.
Can you share any insights into the behind-the-scenes aspects of being a photographer at Real Madrid?
It should be noted that I am not a Real Madrid photographer, although my profile on social media makes it seem so. I have been lucky enough to work for some Real Madrid players, although the treatment has been extremely professional, without direct contact with the player. Even so, seeing them up close every game makes you see that they are a person like you and me, despite having grown up watching many of them on TV thinking they were some kind of superhero.
Have there been any changes for the photographers after the rebuilding of the Santiago Bernabéu?
The reconstruction of the Santiago Bernabeu has been simply spectacular for us photographers, as we no longer have to worry about rain. It is a total transformation in the club with this revolutionary stadium, a new era. You can even feel how, as a result of having a retractable roof and being enclosed, the fans’ chants echo around the pitch even more now. I’m sure it’s an incredible feeling for the players because it certainly is for me.
Photography is constantly evolving with new technology. How has the digital age impacted your work, and how do you keep your photography skills up to date?
I am just 24 years old and I have grown up using Social Media and technology all my life. I feel very familiar with everything technological and digital nowadays. I try to have my own style, but adapting to everything that has emerged over the years is also not a problem for me. In any case, I believe that the new upcoming possibilities provide us photographers with enhanced tools, which make our work even more efficient.
Seeing them up close every game makes you see that they are a person like you and me.
As a visual content creator, how are you implementing your photography work into lively and dynamic videos? Can you share any tips regarding software and workflow?
In these times, I have felt the need to exploit my content as much as I can, making videos, photos, designs, etc. In general, I like to create; people put a face to the work I do, and I like to show them how wonderful this world is. That’s why I have a profile that goes beyond photography. I feel that this has just begun, and I am looking forward to continue showing the world the content that I am able to create.
In a match, I usually take pictures and also record videos, as long as it is not forbidden. To do this, I usually save the photo settings on one dial of the camera and the video settings on another dial. This way, I can switch back and forth to be quick on game actions. It’s true that it requires concentration and quickness of maneuver. But I think that over time, I have been able to master this technique.
Has there been a standout game that you attended and worked at?
In the short period in which I have been on the sidelines of Real Madrid, several matches have already left a mark on me. The Copa del Rey Final in La Cartuja (Seville) was an exciting day, my first El Clásico between Real Madrid and Barcelona, the day when Real Madrid celebrated their record fourteenth Champions League title at the Bernabeu … But if I had to decide, I would go with the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals between Real Madrid and Manchester City, including the famous photo of Rüdiger and Haaland that I immortalized. I think the atmosphere on a Champions League semi-final night at the Bernabeu is unbeatable. It was awesome to have experienced that.
How do you go about preparing for a matchday in terms of equipment, planning, and positioning to get the best shots? What equipment do you use?
Usually, I arrive two and a half hours before the match to have plenty of time to take pictures of the fans and build-up, get in a good spot and prepare the equipment. In the Champions League, as more photographers attend, I usually arrive earlier than usual. I use a Sony Alpha A7IV camera along with a Sony 100-400 mm lens and another 35-150 mm. In the end, my gear is intended for videoing as well. So, I needed a camera that would give me performance in both aspects. Still, there are always better cameras out there, and as time goes by, I will aim to have the best equipment possible.
Real Madrid is known for its influence on a global scale. How do you strive to capture moments that resonate with the Madridistas worldwide?
Real Madrid is the most successful team in history; there’s no doubt about that. For those of us who create content about Real Madrid, it is quite easy to attract the attention of the fans. Because the image of the players who play on this team has immeasurable value. I strive to take the best images and the best videos because I know that I will be rewarded for it. I always focus during the game so that I can then give people content that lives up to what this club is about.
