History of Copa de la Reina de Fútbol in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 16, 2026

The Copa de la Reina is an annual cup competition in Spanish women's association football, organized by the Royal Spanish Football Federation. Officially named Campeonato de España - Copa de Su Majestad la Reina, it is the premier cup tournament for women's football teams in Spain. The competition determines the national cup winner.

1981: Copa Reina Sofía Held

In 1981, an edition of the tournament was held under the name Copa Reina Sofía. It was won by Karbo.

1982: Copa Reina Sofía Held

In 1982, an edition of the tournament was held under the name Copa Reina Sofía. It was won by Karbo.

1983: First Edition of the Tournament

In 1983, the first edition of Copa de la Reina de Fútbol took place. This was five years before the Spanish women's league was created. Until the creation of the women’s league, the cup winners were crowned as Spanish football champions.

1983: First Official Edition

In 1983, the first officially recognized version of the Copa de la Reina de Fútbol tournament was held.

1988: Winners Claimed as Spanish Champions

Until 1988, just before the creation of the national league, the winners of Copa de la Reina were claimed as Spanish champions. Teams in bold won the double with the league title.

2004: Knockout Tournament Format

In 2004, the Copa de la Reina de Fútbol began to be played as a knockout tournament. The top eight clubs at the end of the league season qualified for it, and it took place after the season was over.

2017: End of Knockout Tournament Format

In 2017, the Copa de la Reina de Fútbol finished being played as a knockout tournament with the top eight clubs. From the next year all teams of the first division joined the competition.

2018: Competition expansion to all First Division Teams

In 2018, the Copa de la Reina de Fútbol expanded to include all 16 teams from the first division. The competition started to be played during the league season.

2021: Tournament Features 52 Clubs

The 2021 Copa de la Reina de Fútbol season featured 52 clubs, including all 16 teams in Primera División, all 32 teams from Segunda División Pro, and the four promoted teams from Primera Nacional de Fútbol. Reserve teams were excluded from participating in the tournament.