Real Madrid give up the world champions badge after 1,098 days Real Madrid The Clasico will be their last game on the throne

Real Madrid's game against Athletic Club on December 22 will be the first after 1,098 days that their players won't step on the pitch as reigning world champions.

The Club World Cup final is set to take place in Qatar on December 21 and Los Blancos won't participate in the tournament for the first time in three years.

On December 18, 2016, Real Madrid were crowned world champions after beating Kashima Antlers and they dethroned previous winners Barcelona.

Straight after the final, Adidas launched Madrid's new kit which included the world champions badge.

The team officially inaugurated that shirt on January 4, 2017, in a 3-0 Copa del Rey victory against Sevilla and have since played 172 official matches, of which they have won 108 and have scored a total of 392 goals, while conceding 200.

Since FIFA decided that the world champions should wear a kit with a badge that showcases their victory in the Club World Cup, Madrid's reign is the longest period the crest has been on a team's shirt.

AC Milan were the first team to bear it in 2007, followed by Real Madrid, Manchester United, Barcelona - on three different occasions - Inter, Bayern Munich and Corinthians.