Carlo Ancelotti and the 5 players who are due to leave Real Madrid this summer

As the dust settles on Real Madrid’s Champions League exit at the hands of Arsenal, the post-mortem of the season has already begun at the Santiago Bernabéu. While the heartbreak of being knocked out on European football’s biggest stage still lingers, attention has swiftly turned toward the future — and that future could look drastically different for several key figures, including head coach Carlo Ancelotti.

On Spanish radio station Radio Marca, the debate was intense and unfiltered. Journalists and pundits dissected every tactical flaw, missed opportunity, and emotional shortcoming. Amidst the critical storm, football analyst Javi Tintó didn’t hold back, naming five Real Madrid players he believes must leave the club this summer to usher in a new era of competitiveness and ambition.

“The time has come for farewells,” Tintó said bluntly. “Lucas Vázquez and Luka Modric should be allowed to leave with honor. But the club must also be brave enough to part ways with Ferland Mendy, David Alaba, Rodrygo Goes, and even Arda Güler.”

This bold statement has sparked a firestorm of opinions across Spain. Some fans see it as a necessary evolution for a team that has shown signs of stagnation, while others believe it’s too radical to release such experienced players at once. But with a new Galáctico chapter on the horizon, especially with Kylian Mbappé rumored to be arriving in Madrid this summer, tough decisions are unavoidable.

Lucas Vázquez, once the embodiment of Real Madrid’s loyalty and work ethic, now finds himself on the periphery of the squad. Though his versatility and commitment have earned him respect, his limitations in the modern game are becoming more evident. In today’s high-tempo football, where full-backs are expected to be as offensive as they are defensive, Vázquez has struggled to keep pace.

Meanwhile, Luka Modric, the Croatian maestro and Ballon d’Or winner, remains a fan favorite. His elegance and intelligence on the pitch are timeless, but even magic can fade. At nearly 40, Modric’s influence has waned, and the younger midfielders like Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga are ready to take the reins. Saying goodbye to a legend is never easy — but necessary evolution rarely is.

Ferland Mendy, another name on Tintó’s list, has endured a frustrating spell in Madrid. Once hailed as the long-term successor to Marcelo, the Frenchman has been plagued by inconsistency and injury. His sporadic appearances and lack of offensive flair have raised doubts about his suitability for a side aiming to dominate both Spain and Europe.

David Alaba‘s case is more complicated. Signed from Bayern Munich as a versatile leader, Alaba showed initial promise in both central defense and left-back roles. However, injuries have taken a toll on his agility and reliability. His recent performances have been underwhelming, and in a squad where competition is fierce, availability and sharpness matter more than reputation.

The most controversial name on the list is perhaps Rodrygo Goes. At just 24, the Brazilian forward has produced moments of brilliance — including unforgettable goals in past Champions League runs — but has yet to establish himself as a consistent game-changer. With Vinícius Jr. and Mbappé expected to spearhead the attack, Rodrygo may find himself struggling for minutes. A move could reignite his development elsewhere.

Interestingly, Arda Güler also finds himself on the bubble. The young Turkish starlet arrived with much fanfare, but limited opportunities, injuries, and immense pressure have stalled his momentum. Some believe he deserves more time to develop, but others think a loan or transfer might be best for all parties.

Beyond the players, Carlo Ancelotti himself has not been spared from scrutiny. While his calm demeanor and decorated resume have earned him respect, many now wonder if he has the hunger or tactical innovation to lead Madrid into a new era. Journalist Antonio Sanz raised the possibility of Ancelotti accepting the Brazil national team job, saying, “Perhaps it’s time for him to embrace a new challenge — and for Madrid to start fresh.”

Indeed, Real Madrid fans are increasingly calling for a rejuvenation not just in terms of personnel but also playing philosophy. The team’s performances against Arsenal were marked by effort but lacked clarity. Ricardo Sierra put it plainly: “The intent was there, but the solutions weren’t. This is where the coaching must evolve.”

Club president Florentino Pérez now faces a defining summer. He must decide whether to honor legends with graceful exits or gamble on continuity. He must also balance commercial appeal, fan expectations, and sporting ambition — a trifecta that even the most successful presidents struggle to master.

What’s clear is that Real Madrid are entering a critical crossroads. The team’s spine — once made up of irreplaceable names — is now up for debate. Veterans like Modric and Alaba have given their all, but the club must prioritize energy, dynamism, and adaptability if it wants to compete against the likes of Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and now Arsenal.

The introduction of fresh blood isn’t just an option — it’s a necessity. With talents like Endrick on the way and a core of young stars already in the squad, Madrid has the foundation. What it needs now is direction, decisiveness, and a willingness to let go of the past to embrace the future.

No matter where you stand on the names suggested by Javi Tintó, one thing is certain: the Real Madrid of next season will not — and should not — look like the one that just fell short in Europe.

As the club’s motto goes: “Hasta el final, vamos Real.” But to reach the final again, they must first begin anew.