Real Madrid full squad for Club World Cup unveiled

Real Madrid have officially unveiled their full squad for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, with head coach Xabi Alonso making a number of surprising and strategic selections ahead of the prestigious tournament. The list includes a mix of seasoned veterans, young talents, and a handful of injured players who will travel but not feature on the pitch.

As anticipation builds for the Club World Cup, Alonso has shown his confidence in the club’s youth development system by calling up 10 players from Real Madrid Castilla. This decision signals his commitment to nurturing future stars and ensuring depth across all departments of the team, especially with several first-team injuries.

Among the most notable inclusions are veterans Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez, both of whom were expected to leave the club this summer. Their presence in the squad suggests that Alonso still sees them as integral to Madrid’s plans—at least for this final international challenge of the season.

Despite their current injuries, Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, Endrick, David Alaba, and Antonio Rudiger have also been named in the squad. While they won’t play, their inclusion is a testament to their leadership and importance in maintaining team unity and morale during the tournament.

Alonso’s selected squad comprises 4 goalkeepers, 14 defenders, 9 midfielders, and 7 attackers—a well-balanced setup that demonstrates the club’s depth in each position, even with high-profile absentees.

Sources suggest that Dean Huijsen is expected to partner Raul Asencio in central defense for Madrid’s opening matches at the tournament. With Rudiger, Alaba, and Militao out, this duo may be trusted to form the backbone of Madrid’s backline as they chase another global title.

The promotion of Castilla players is not just a contingency plan but also a strategic move. Xabi Alonso, having previously worked with young players at Real Sociedad B and Leverkusen, understands the value of blending experience with youthful energy.

The midfield remains as strong as ever, led by stalwarts like Modric and Federico Valverde, while young stars like Arda Güler and Fran García are expected to be given ample opportunities to shine on the world stage.

In attack, Madrid’s options are potent even in the absence of Endrick. Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo Goes, and Joselu will be expected to shoulder the scoring burden, with support from Castilla attackers who may seize this global platform to make a lasting impression.

Alonso’s ability to manage this mixed squad under high-stakes conditions will be a major talking point. The Club World Cup offers a unique opportunity not only for silverware but for showcasing Madrid’s future—especially as the club prepares for life after several veterans move on.

The inclusion of injured stars who will not play has also sparked some debate. Some view it as a motivational boost for the rest of the squad, while others question the decision to use those travel slots when younger players could gain valuable tournament experience.

Nonetheless, this decision aligns with Real Madrid’s philosophy: honor experience, invest in youth, and always prepare for the long term. Alonso seems to be embodying that balance perfectly.

As the tournament approaches, fans will be eager to see how the new pairings perform, particularly in defense. With Rudiger and Militao sidelined, Huijsen and Asencio’s chemistry could determine the team’s fate in the early stages.

It’s also a pivotal moment for Modric and Vazquez. This may be their last major tournament with the club, and they’ll be motivated to leave with another trophy in hand—adding to their already illustrious careers at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Real Madrid’s Club World Cup journey begins amid high expectations and challenging circumstances. However, if history has taught football fans anything, it’s that Los Blancos always rise to the occasion—especially on the global stage.

The full squad list, though yet to be publicly posted by the club, is already generating significant buzz, and the mix of experience and youth suggests that Madrid won’t just participate—they’ll compete to win.

With Alonso at the helm and a dynamic squad in place, the Club World Cup could become not just another trophy run for Madrid but a symbolic handover from the golden generation to the rising stars of tomorrow.

Stay tuned as the drama unfolds and Real Madrid chase yet another piece of silverware to add to their glittering cabinet.