Aurélien Tchouaméni: The unknown secrets of the midfielder’s career at 25 years old

Aurélien Tchouaméni, the young French midfielder currently playing for Real Madrid, finds himself at a crucial juncture in his career. Once hailed as the successor to Casemiro, Tchouaméni is now facing criticism for his performances at the Spanish giants, leading to speculation about a potential transfer. This article delves into the behind-the-scenes story of Tchouaméni’s career, exploring his rise to prominence and the challenges he currently faces.

Tchouaméni’s professional journey began in 2018 at Girondins de Bordeaux, where he honed his skills in the club’s youth academy. After two seasons with the first team (37 appearances, 1 goal), his talent became undeniable, prompting a move to AS Monaco.

His two-year stint in Ligue 1 proved to be a significant stepping stone. In 95 matches with Monaco, he scored 11 goals, showcasing his growing influence in midfield. Known for his physical presence, tactical awareness, and ability to break up opposition attacks, Tchouaméni attracted the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

In 2022, Real Madrid, seeking a replacement for the departing Casemiro, invested a substantial €80 million to secure Tchouaméni’s services. The move to the Santiago Bernabéu was seen as a major leap forward in his career, a chance to prove himself on the biggest stage.

However, Tchouaméni’s time in Madrid has been a mixed bag. While he has enjoyed considerable playing time under Carlo Ancelotti, he has struggled to consistently reproduce the form that made him such a coveted prospect.

Over two years in the Spanish capital, the Rouen native has not fully convinced the demanding Madrid faithful. Despite frequent appearances, his performances have often lacked the dynamism and impact expected of a player of his price tag.

Recently, Ancelotti has deployed Tchouaméni in an unfamiliar central defensive role due to injuries within the squad. While he had filled in at center-back on occasion previously, this extended period in defense has exposed some limitations in his game.

Playing alongside a more experienced defender like Raúl Asensio, Tchouaméni has sometimes appeared out of position and struggled with defensive duties. He has been criticized for being slow to react and for poor positioning, contributing to some of Real Madrid’s recent defensive vulnerabilities.

His performance in the 2025 Spanish Super Cup final against FC Barcelona was particularly criticized, with many fans and pundits singling him out for his part in the team’s defeat. Statistics reportedly show that Real Madrid concedes more goals when Tchouaméni is on the pitch.

This dip in form has led to speculation about Tchouaméni’s future at the club. Reports suggest that Real Madrid is considering offers for the midfielder, with clubs like Liverpool reportedly expressing interest.

Despite the criticism and transfer rumors, Carlo Ancelotti has publicly defended Tchouaméni, indicating that he still has faith in the young player’s potential. Ancelotti’s support suggests that the club is not necessarily looking to offload him, but rather hoping he can rediscover his best form.

Away from the spotlight of Real Madrid, Tchouaméni’s early life and career offer a glimpse into his development as a footballer. Born in Rouen to a pharmacist father and an education counselor mother, Tchouaméni’s path to professional football was not typical.

Unlike many footballers who come from footballing families, Tchouaméni’s introduction to the sport came through accompanying his father to company football matches. At the age of five, he began playing organized football with a local team near Bordeaux.

Even at a young age, Tchouaméni stood out for his intelligence on the pitch and his impressive physical attributes. This caught the attention of Girondins de Bordeaux, who brought him into their academy at the age of eleven.

Interestingly, Tchouaméni initially played as a striker for three years, scoring goals until the age of 14. However, his overall skillset was deemed more suited to a midfield role, leading to his positional change.

Despite his father’s initial reservations about a career in professional football, Tchouaméni progressed rapidly through the ranks at Bordeaux, signing his first professional contract at the age of 17. He established himself as one of the most promising midfielders of his generation.

While his time at Real Madrid has presented challenges, Tchouaméni’s talent is undeniable. He may be suffering from frequent positional changes and the intense pressure of playing for such a demanding club. A change of scenery could potentially help him rediscover his best form and fulfill his vast potential.