Real Madrid wants to become Spanish, a former Barça player announced to succeed Ancelotti!

A significant shift is on the horizon at the Santiago Bernabéu. With the end of an era marked by Carlo Ancelotti’s second stint at Real Madrid, club president Florentino Pérez is reportedly gearing up for a bold new project—one that places renewed focus on Spanish identity, youth development, and long-term sustainability.

Regardless of how the 2024–25 campaign ends—be it with a Champions League triumph or a La Liga title—Ancelotti’s time in Madrid is officially nearing its conclusion. According to several credible reports from Spain, the decision has already been made at the executive level. Real Madrid is ready for a fresh chapter, one that departs from the patterns of the past decade.

Veteran journalist Joaquín Maroto added clarity to the situation during his appearance on the show El Larguero. “It’s not just about results anymore,” he said. “The dressing room dynamic has grown stale. There are recurring problems with management, lineup decisions, and player development. The writing has been on the wall.”

He referenced several recent missteps that contributed to this decision. The poorly handled penalty-taking saga, the awkward integration of Endrick and Arda Güler, and the misuse of midfielders like Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga have all raised eyebrows. The club, it seems, is craving a reset.

Florentino Pérez, a man who has never lost sight of Real Madrid’s roots, is now revisiting an old but treasured philosophy: the model of “Zidanes y Pavones.” This approach seeks to combine world-class superstars with homegrown talents from La Fábrica, Real Madrid’s prestigious academy.

In recent years, the “Zidanes”—players like Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Jr., and potentially Kylian Mbappé—have thrived at the club. But the “Pavones” have been notably absent. Promising youth products such as Nico Paz, Marvel, Peter González, and Arda Güler have struggled to find consistent playing time.

This imbalance has not gone unnoticed. With growing pressure to reintegrate Spanish youth into the first team, the club is exploring managerial options that align with this broader vision. And surprisingly, one of the names gaining traction behind the scenes is none other than Cesc Fàbregas.

Once a fierce rival at FC Barcelona, Fàbregas has quietly built an impressive managerial résumé in Italy with Serie A side Como. Having guided the modest club to a historic promotion and stabilization in the top flight, his emphasis on tactical intelligence, local talent, and youth promotion is resonating with the decision-makers at Valdebebas.

The Spanish press reports that Fàbregas, although not a frontrunner, is being seriously considered. His experience across clubs like Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea—combined with his coaching philosophy—makes him a unique and bold candidate for the job.

Of course, Real Madrid has other names on the table. Zinedine Zidane remains a beloved figure at the club. His two Champions League victories as manager and deep understanding of the Real Madrid ethos make him an obvious candidate. Yet, questions linger about his willingness to return, especially after stepping away twice.

Xabi Alonso, currently excelling with Bayer Leverkusen, is also in the frame. However, his recent form in the Bundesliga has drawn less attention than last season’s surge. There are doubts about whether Alonso, as calm and methodical as he is, could handle the unique pressures of managing Madrid’s galaxy of stars.

That’s why Cesc Fàbregas is emerging as a dark horse. Not only would his appointment signify a fresh tactical perspective, but it would also send a powerful message: Real Madrid is turning inward, prioritizing its Spanish identity, and investing in a homegrown future.

There’s another factor at play: the growing disconnect between Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. In recent years, La Roja has thrived without significant contributions from the Bernabéu. This has sparked criticism from within the club and among fans who feel Real Madrid has strayed too far from its national roots.

By appointing a manager like Fàbregas—who embraces Spanish youth and footballing traditions—Florentino Pérez could begin to bridge this divide. The goal would be not only to develop stars for Real Madrid, but also to contribute once again to the success of the national team.

This strategic evolution isn’t just about replacing one coach with another. It’s about redefining what Real Madrid stands for in the modern era. While global superstars will always have a place, there is a growing appetite for a team that also reflects the club’s Spanish heritage and promotes its own academy graduates.

Fàbregas could be the symbolic figurehead of that new vision. A man who once represented the golden era of Spanish football, now tasked with helping Real Madrid build a future that feels both elite and homegrown.

His managerial style has been described as progressive, patient, and purposeful. He’s not afraid to challenge the status quo, and his success in Serie A suggests he could adapt to the demands of La Liga and the Champions League alike.

If this appointment were to materialize, it would mark a significant departure from the Galáctico-era playbook. But perhaps that’s exactly what Real Madrid needs—a thoughtful revolution instead of a flashy renovation.

As the Ancelotti era draws to a close, a new narrative is beginning to form in the Spanish capital. One that is rooted in tradition, yet forward-thinking in execution. And if Fàbregas is to lead that charge, he may end up surprising more than just the fans.

This could be the beginning of a Real Madrid that looks more Spanish than ever before—on the pitch, on the bench, and in its soul.