The President of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, has opened the door for the Spanish capital to once again present a bid for the Olympic Games. “Madrid will fight to be a candidate,” she recently declared, in a statement that revives an ambition the city has pursued several times over the past decades.

The idea doesn’t come out of nowhere. Madrid’s current sports policy clearly aims for international projection. In the coming years, the city will host, in addition to the ongoing ATP Masters 1000 tennis tournament, a Formula 1 Grand Prix starting in 2026, and an official NFL game on November 16, 2025, at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium. These events reinforce Madrid’s image as a global sports capital.

Madrid’s Failed Attempts at the Olympic Games

Madrid has unsuccessfully bid several times. It was a candidate for the 2012, 2016, and 2020 Games, always with proposals that emphasized the city’s easy transportation and use of existing infrastructure. However, the capital was sidelined in the voting by the International Olympic Committee, which chose other host cities based on political balance, continental rotation, and other economic interests.

Today, Madrid benefits from the IOC’s current philosophy for choosing host cities. The most recent Olympic Games in Paris involved a controlled investment of around €8.8 billion, with a plan focused on financial balance and prioritized use of existing venues—over 70% of them. The current Olympic model favors infrastructure that remains useful after the event and a tangible urban legacy.

The case of Los Angeles 2028 is an example of this new approach. Its project is based on the use of already-built stadiums such as SoFi Stadium and the Coliseum, with minimal investment in new facilities. It also anticipates a strong positive economic impact, supported by sponsorships, commercial rights, and tourism, while minimizing public spending. A similar scenario could happen in Madrid, as Atlético de Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium could be adapted to meet Olympic standards, and most of the required infrastructure already exists.

Madrid Among the Candidates for 2036 and 2040?

The Olympic calendar already has designated host cities for upcoming editions: Los Angeles in 2028 and Brisbane in 2032. After that, the field opens to new cities for 2036 and 2040. Madrid is among the potential contenders, along with capitals in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

For 2036, these are the cities that are presumed candidates or have expressed interest:

• Ahmedabad, India: already confirmed as a candidate for 2036, with support from the Indian Olympic Association.

• Doha, Qatar: currently preparing a bid for 2036.

• Istanbul, Turkey: has expressed its intention to apply for 2036.

• Nusantara, Indonesia (the new administrative capital): listed as a potential candidate for 2036.

• Santiago, Chile: has also appeared in candidate shortlists for 2036.

• Egypt (Cairo): has announced its intention to submit bids for 2036 and 2040.

• Budapest, Hungary: the city has shown signs of interest in bidding for 2036.

And for 2040:

• Egypt (Cairo): in addition to 2036, Egypt has also stated its intention to bid for 2040.

• Germany: reports suggest Germany is interested in a 2040 bid, with cities like Berlin, Hamburg, or other regions as possible hosts.

• Bangkok, Thailand: appears on some future candidate lists for 2040.

To become an official candidate, the Spanish capital must present a project endorsed by the national government, the regional Community, the City Council, and the Spanish Olympic Committee. A consensus that will determine whether Madrid’s Olympic ambition can finally come true.