The Royal continues to grow. Last June it reached its record number of partners, 37,854. Therefore, the demand to become a member has grown to the point of having a waiting list for the first time. But there are faithful enhancements from the first half of the last century.
One of them is Jose Juan Ramos Barrios, number 1 and oldest member of the club, at 93 years old. Born in San Sebastian on April 9, 1929 and a tailor by profession. He started working in his father’s tailor shop, Francis Ramos, located on Urbieta street, corner with Moraza. He has been a member of the club for 83 years without interruption and his beginnings as a subscriber were thanks to a gift from his father. “It was a gift that my father gave me when I was ten years old. I passed the Baccalaureate entrance exam and went with a friend to the old club headquarters, located on Calle 31 de Agosto”, he assures Ramos.
Ramos proudly displays his Real’s scarf
Like today’s young people, what prompted him to become a member was that “at that time we all aspired to be members or fans. In my family they were also very fanatical and I was not going to be less.
Coincidentally, their descendants are not. “Most of my grandchildren don’t live here. The professions were what made them leave San Sebastián. In addition, one of my children lives in Madrid and cannot enjoy the beautiful moments that they offer us either”.
Those games in Atotxa
The matches in Atotxa are remembered in a special way. “No one was missing. Then it was only played at 3:30 p.m. I went with my schoolmates and we liked to stand behind the goal to celebrate all the goals with euphoria”.
He remembers with emotion some players he had as references at that time. “sebas ontoria He has been a figure for me, he was from my gang. With Juanito Bagur I have also had a very intimate friendship and what can I say about Counting. I could tell you a thousand names.”
The titles of the 82-83 Super Cup and the 86-87 Copa del Rey are on his mind. “I couldn’t go to either of the two games, but I still remember the reception. It was beastly.”
Nerves at a distance for the Cup
The last title of the San Sebastian club, that of April 3, 2021 at the La Cartuja Stadium against Athletic was different, since the coronavirus prevented him, like everyone else, from being present. “My wife and I were nervous in front of the television, but we were able to bring that cup to San Sebastián”.
In recent years, his difficulty in walking has made it impossible for him to go to Anoeta. That is why he has not seen the field completely finished. On occasions, the Real has remembered him, offering him a taxi to be able to watch the games from his seat. “The club has used to take me from my house to Anoeta and back on occasion. It is to be thankful”.
Looking back, he remembers with emotion meeting in the stadium box with member 32,000, Ibai Juegun. “I transferred the following message to him: “Always follow the Real. Will not disappoint you”.
Ramos, together with Ibai, member number 32,000 of the Real and his father
His message to the child member number 32,000 was: “Always follow the Real. It will not disappoint you”
Finally, he stresses that he is very grateful to the club and that “I was, am and will always be a member of Real Sociedad”