To label Madrid as the place where Luka Doncic’s basketball journey commenced would be a misnomer. He hails from a land of Slovenian basketball royalty, where his prodigious talents first came to the fore. The true spotlight of his career, unquestionably, lies in Dallas, within the NBA’s gleaming arena.

Nonetheless, the 24-year-old has a third basketball sanctuary, one that, despite the limited time he now spends there after relocating to Dallas half a decade ago, holds its own unique importance. Madrid is where Luka Doncic underwent a transformative coming of age.

Yet, Madrid’s cosmopolitan identity extends beyond Doncic’s formative years. It boasts the illustrious sports realm of Real Madrid, arguably the world’s most prestigious sports club. One cannot truly grasp the essence of Luka Doncic without understanding the profound significance that Real Madrid holds for the city.

For Teresa, a 23-year-old true Madrileña who has called the city home since her family’s immigration from Latin America when she was just 4 months old, her heart resonates with both Doncic and Real Madrid. She has been an avid follower of every Mavericks game since Doncic’s NBA debut. In explaining her fervor for the club, she compares it to “a young girl falling in love with the timeless tale of heroes perpetually returning victorious.” She continues, “It harks back to our parents and grandparents, who reveled in watching them secure European trophies.”

As I observed this profound affection from close quarters, I couldn’t help but ponder its origins. After all, Doncic is not the first prodigious talent to grace Madrid and achieve success. So, what sets him apart?

Jorge Sierra, editor-in-chief at the renowned basketball website HoopsHype, provides a straightforward answer: “These players receive immense love when they show a bit of love themselves. But most foreign players come and go without looking back. Not Luka, though; he consistently extends his love and support.”

In Luka Doncic, Madrid finds more than a basketball hero; it discovers an enduring bond and an embodiment of reciprocated affection—a connection that transcends borders and captures the hearts of fans in both Madrid and Dallas.