Tag: Real Madrid

Real Madrid Leave Mbappe Out of Spanish Super Cup Squad Under “Zero Risk” Knee Policy

Kylian Mbappe
January 2026

Real Madrid ruled Kylian Mbappe out of the entire Spanish Super Cup due to a left-knee sprain, opting not to take him to Saudi Arabia, while Trent Alexander-Arnold returns to the travelling squad. Madrid’s medical staff and hierarchy chose a conservative plan after Mbappe played through the issue in recent weeks, deciding he will only return when fully fit and not for a short-term final.

Strachan Says Alonso and Tuchel Must Protect Bellingham From Criticism

Jude Bellingham
January 2026

Gordon Strachan defended Jude Bellingham and said both Xabi Alonso and Thomas Tuchel need to protect him amid ongoing criticism around his behaviour for England. The midfielder has become a focal point for scrutiny at international level. Strachan echoed Ian Wright’s stance that controversy is being manufactured around Bellingham, and argued leadership from club and country must shield him while keeping standards high. The message is that the noise should not be allowed to define him.

Modrić Calls Mourinho Toughest Coach and Recalls Ronaldo Dressing-Room Incident

Luka Modrić
January 2026

Luka Modrić has named Jose Mourinho as the toughest manager he worked under, claiming Mourinho’s intensity once reduced Cristiano Ronaldo to tears in the Real Madrid dressing room. Modrić described Mourinho as the strictest coach of his career. Modrić recalled arriving at Real in 2012 under Mourinho and experiencing a demanding environment despite a squad packed with stars. He contrasted that period with later trophy-heavy seasons under other managers, but singled out Mourinho’s edge and pressure as unmatched.

Mbappé Sidelined With Left Knee Sprain as Real Madrid Face January Setback

Kylian Mbappé
January 2026

Kylian Mbappé has been diagnosed with a left knee sprain and is expected to miss at least three weeks, hitting Real Madrid as they return from the winter break. He has been a near ever-present this season with 27 goals across La Liga and the Champions League.
How: Mbappé had been managing the issue for weeks but an MRI confirmed a ligament lesion requiring rest and treatment. Real Madrid confirmed the diagnosis and will monitor his progress, with the decision to stop now aimed at avoiding a more serious long-term problem.

Real Madrid Contact Marc Guehi Camp as Palace Captain Plans Free-Agent Exit

Marc Guehi
December 2025

Real Madrid have made contact over Marc Guehi as the Crystal Palace captain heads toward a free-agent exit. Guehi has reportedly told Palace he will not extend, setting up a major battle for his signature. With his deal running down to summer 2026, Guehi will enter the window where non-Premier League clubs can hold pre-contract talks from January 1. Real Madrid have opened discussions with his representatives and he is said to prioritise Madrid if the interest becomes concrete.

Rudiger weighs up Chelsea return as Real Madrid contract talks stall

Antonio Rudiger
December 2025

Rudiger’s Madrid deal expires at the end of next season and renewal talks, originally opened with a mutual desire to agree new terms, have been placed on hold. With no extension yet in place, Chelsea, PSG, Galatasaray and Saudi clubs are circling for a 2026 move. Negotiations were paused by mutual agreement after Rudiger suffered a muscle injury, with both club and player choosing to focus on his recovery before revisiting figures. His previous success at Chelsea, plus lucrative Saudi interest, gives him multiple options as he decides whether to stay in Spain or return to the Premier League.

Harewood hails Ronaldo as “machine” and model pro after 1,000-goal talk

Cristiano Ronaldo
December 2025

Marlon Harewood says Cristiano Ronaldo’s longevity and numbers were signposted as early as his Manchester United days, arguing that his current output at 40, plus his ambitions to reach 1,000 goals and play with Cristiano Jr, are the product of extreme professionalism. Reflecting on facing Ronaldo in England, Harewood highlighted his work ethic, physical standards and mentality, describing him as the blueprint to show young players. With titles and goals across United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al-Nassr, he believes nobody should be surprised by Ronaldo’s sustained dominance.

Leboeuf warns Cole Palmer not to rush dream Real Madrid or Barcelona move

Cole Palmer
December 2025

Frank Leboeuf has urged Cole Palmer to ignore speculation about dream moves to Real Madrid or Barcelona, reminding the Chelsea playmaker that he has effectively had only a two-year senior career and still needs to fully establish himself as a week-in, week-out starter. He warned that star-studded squads like Madrid’s already overflow with attacking talent such as Jude Bellingham, so Palmer should prioritise regular minutes and trophies at Chelsea, where he can become the central figure of a resurgence instead of risking bench-role status abroad.

Mbappe still far from Zidane in French GOAT debate

Kylian Mbappe
December 2025

Frank Leboeuf has pushed back on claims that Kylian Mbappe already tops France’s all-time greats, arguing the Real Madrid striker cannot yet compare to Zinedine Zidane, whose legendary status, aura and popularity in France still surpass those of any member of the current generation. Leboeuf says Zidane’s genius, leadership and off-field respect – despite the 2006 World Cup final incident – keep him untouchable, while Mbappe’s private-life controversies and perceived lack of defensive work mean he must evolve, showing more effort and completeness, before entering that conversation.

Barcelona cool Guehi pursuit over wage demands

Marc Guehi
December 2025

Barcelona’s pursuit of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi has stalled, with reports in Spain claiming the champions have cooled their interest after discovering his wage demands exceed what they are prepared to pay in their current financial position. Guehi, under contract until 2026 and unwilling to extend, is expected to leave Palace after a collapsed Liverpool move last summer, while Barcelona’s need for a left-sided partner to Pau Cubarsi remains, yet Barcelona and Real Madrid are said to view the package as too expensive.

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