Real Madrid – 2025–26 Season Preview: Galáctico Firepower Meets Tactical Cohesion
Real Madrid enters the 2025–26 season armed with one of the most complete squads in European football with new trainer Xabi Alonso.
Squad Age Profile
Main Players’ Average Age: 27.1 years
Substitute Bench Average Age: 24.5 years
Core Structure & High-Minute Contributors
Federico Valverde (3034 minutes) remains the engine of Madrid’s midfield. His verticality and two-way coverage continue to be irreplaceable, Kylian Mbappé (2917 mins) now leads the line, allowing Madrid to stretch defenses and break lines vertically, Thibaut Courtois (2700 mins) returns from injury, maintaining elite shot-stopping numbers and build-up composure, Aurélien Tchouaméni (2691 mins) solidifies the pivot role, offering ball recovery and deep progression in Madrid’s 4-3-1-2 or 4-3-3 shapes, Jude Bellingham (2495 mins) has shifted into a more central creative role, Vinícius Júnior (2259 mins) still brings chaos from the left wing, though his role is slightly more defined with Mbappé in the XI, Antonio Rüdiger and Lucas Vázquez anchor the backline with over 4300 combined minutes, offering physicality and aerial security.
Evolved Roles and Tactical Maturity
Bellingham’s move to a central creative position, Luka Modri? (1820 mins) remains a calm tempo-setter, Rodrygo (1938 mins) now rotates more with Mbappé and Vinícius, also operating as an advanced 8 in narrower setups, Raúl Asencio, at just 22, has been a competent deputy in defense with 1674 minutes and growing reliability.
Substitutes & Rotational Depth
Real Madrid’s bench is among the deepest in Europe: Eduardo Camavinga (1098 mins) and Dani Ceballos (1058 mins) are elite rotation options in midfield, offering both dynamism and control. Arda Güler (1249 mins) brings flair and unpredictability between lines, Brahim Díaz (1382 mins) remains a dangerous vertical runner off the bench, unlocking low blocks or pressing from the front, Dean Huijsen (2422 mins at just 20) is expected to challenge for starting roles in central defense alongside Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy and Éder Militão provide elite cover across the backline, while Andriy Lunin (630 mins) continues to grow as a backup keeper. Endrick (611 mins) is being gradually introduced as a central forward option, while Marcus Rashford (12 apps, 983 mins) adds variety on the left.
Conclusion: Tactical Control Meets Unstoppable Talent
Real Madrid looks well-rounded. Mbappé’s presence stretches defensive lines, Bellingham now commands the midfield, and the spine, Courtois, Tchouaméni, Valverde. If rotation remains effective and youth like Güler, Endrick, and Camavinga continue progressing, Madrid will be among the favorites for both La Liga and the Champions League.
