The century-old Spanish sports daily that shaped the coverage of Catalan athletics

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Founded in 1906, Mundo Deportivo stands as the oldest sports newspaper in Spain. Based in Barcelona and owned by Grupo Godó, this publication has evolved from a weekly periodical into a nationwide daily powerhouse. It remains a central pillar for sports journalism, deeply embedded in the culture of Catalonia.

Mundo Deportivo began its journey on 1 February 1906 as a weekly publication, eventually transitioning to a daily format in 1929. It holds the distinction of being the second-oldest sports newspaper in Europe, trailing only the Italian La Gazzetta dello Sport, which was established a decade earlier in 1896. Today, it operates under the umbrella of Grupo Godó, a media conglomerate that also manages the prominent newspaper La Vanguardia.

While the publication maintains a broad scope—covering diverse interests such as Formula One, Grand Prix motorcycle racing, and the Spanish basketball league—its editorial heart beats for FC Barcelona. This focus has cemented its status, alongside the newspaper Sport, as a primary source of sports information within Catalonia. The paper’s influence is significant enough that its editorial stance has occasionally sparked friction; notably, in March 2002, Real Madrid imposed a veto on one of the newspaper's journalists due to disagreements over its coverage.

The publication has consistently adapted to the modern era. In July 1999, it underwent a major visual overhaul, introducing a more colorful aesthetic, expanded page counts, and a refined header. By 2006, the paper celebrated its centenary with a series of high-profile events featuring legendary athletes like Pelé and Ronaldinho, alongside Spanish royalty. Its digital footprint has grown substantially as well; in 2009, it opened an online archive containing records of sports events dating back to its inception, and in 2011, it migrated to a global .com domain to better reach an international audience.

It is important to note that the name Mundo Deportivo is also associated with an Argentine weekly sports magazine, distinct from the Spanish daily. For the Spanish publication, the commitment to documenting the history of sport remains a core mission, ensuring that the legacy of every match and race since 1906 remains accessible to the public through its extensive digital repository.

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