--- title: "Pepe, Granero praise Real Madrid Foundation after charity match" description: "Pepe calls Corazón Classic a demonstration of Real Madrid's greatness; Granero praises Foundation's work." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/pepe-it-s-a-match-to-help-people-and-demonstrates-the-grea-f1384ec5 published: 2026-06-14T02:38:04.396+00:00 updated: 2026-06-14T02:38:04.396+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["soccer"] --- # Pepe, Granero praise Real Madrid Foundation after charity match > Pepe calls Corazón Classic a demonstration of Real Madrid's greatness; Granero praises Foundation's work. Pepe and Esteban Granero used the Corazón Classic Match to highlight the Real Madrid Foundation's social impact, calling the charity fixture a powerful demonstration of the club's identity beyond football. The annual match, organized by the foundation, brings together former Real Madrid stars for a humanitarian cause. Speaking after the game, Pepe described the event as 'a way to help people' that 'demonstrates the greatness of Real Madrid.' The Portuguese centre-back, who spent a decade at the Bernabéu, emphasized that the club's legacy is not limited to trophies but extends to its ability to mobilize fans and resources for social good. Granero, a former midfielder who came through Real Madrid's academy, echoed that sentiment, praising the foundation's consistent work and calling it 'a privilege' for ex-players to participate. The Corazón Classic Match is a cornerstone of the Real Madrid Foundation's outreach, a recurring event that channels the club's iconography and player loyalty into concrete funding for education, health, and inclusion projects worldwide. For veterans like Pepe and Granero, the fixture is more than a friendly—it's a platform to sustain the institution's broader mission beyond competitive seasons. Both players noted that the foundation's efforts resonate with supporters globally and reinforce the bond between the club and its community. Granero added that the foundation gives former players a meaningful way to stay connected to the club's values. The match itself, played before thousands at the Bernabéu, transforms nostalgia into measurable social returns. Pepe's declaration that the event 'demonstrates the greatness of Real Madrid' dovetails with the club's deliberate cultivation of a brand rooted in social responsibility. Granero's characterization of participation as a privilege underscores how former players view their role as custodians of that identity. For fans, seeing legends cross generational divides for a cause deepens emotional investment in the club’s off-pitch legacy. The Corazón Classic Match also serves as a strategic tool for preserving institutional memory. By bringing together legends from different eras, Real Madrid reinforces a continuous narrative of excellence and responsibility. This generational handover is crucial for fan loyalty; younger supporters see icons of the past sharing the pitch with more recent heroes, creating a living timeline of the club's values. Beyond the immediate fundraising, the event enhances the global brand positioning of Real Madrid as a socially conscious institution. In an era where sports clubs are increasingly judged by their off-field impact, the foundation's transparent accounting of proceeds and long-term projects builds trust with sponsors and fans alike. The players' willingness to participate without appearance fees underscores the personal loyalty the club cultivates—a loyalty that pays dividends in goodwill and media coverage. What's next: The match reaffirms Real Madrid's commitment to leveraging its platform for philanthropic impact, with future editions expected to continue that mission. The foundation's work, as highlighted by Pepe and Granero, ensures that the club's influence extends far beyond the pitch. ## Why this matters The Corazón Classic Match is an annual showcase of Real Madrid's philanthropic reach, bringing together club icons for a cause. Pepe's and Granero's remarks reinforce how the institution leverages its global brand for humanitarian impact. This resonates with fans and burnishes the club's legacy beyond trophies, demonstrating that Real Madrid's influence is measured not just in titles but in its ability to drive positive social change. ## Frequently asked ### What is the Corazón Classic Match? An annual charity football match organized by the Real Madrid Foundation, featuring former Real Madrid players. Proceeds support the foundation's social projects in education, health, and inclusion. ### Who are Pepe and Esteban Granero? Pepe is a former Real Madrid centre-back (2007–2017) who won multiple titles. Esteban Granero is a former Real Madrid midfielder (2009–2012) and academy product, currently playing for Marbella FC. ### What did Pepe say about the match? Pepe called it 'a way to help people' that 'demonstrates the greatness of Real Madrid,' emphasizing the club's commitment to social impact beyond football. ### What is the Real Madrid Foundation? The charitable arm of Real Madrid, founded in 1997. It uses the club's brand to fund and run social projects worldwide, focusing on education, sports for development, and humanitarian aid. ## Sources & Citations - [Pepe: “It’s a match to help people and demonstrates the greatness of Real Madrid”](https://www.realmadrid.com/en-US/news/club/latest-news/declaraciones-jugadores-corazon-classic-match-2026-13-06-2026) — GNews.io (2026-06-13) --- Cite: Pepe, Granero praise Real Madrid Foundation after charity match. Sportopod, 2026-06-14. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/pepe-it-s-a-match-to-help-people-and-demonstrates-the-grea-f1384ec5