Xabi Alonso
January 2026
Bale blamed Alonso’s Madrid failure on not managing egos and pressure at the Bernabeu, despite strong tactical ability and early results. Bale argued Real Madrid requires a manager who can handle personalities and scrutiny, not only a tactician, implying that mismatch helped unravel Alonso’s tenure after the Super Cup loss and subsequent fallout.
Vinicius Jr
January 2026
Vinicius and Simeone exchanged words on the touchline when the Real forward was substituted during Madrid’s Super Cup semi-final win over Atletico in Saudi Arabia. TV audio captured Simeone taunting Vinicius about Florentino Perez. Simeone later downplayed it, saying what happens on the pitch stays there while stressing respect for Madrid players.
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.