Real Madrid news

While goals were hard to come by in the Premier League over the weekend, there were still plenty of intriguing narratives that emerged in England's top-flight, while elsewhere around Europe there was plenty of entertainment to be had ahead of the return of the Champions League this midweek.

Neymar remains “the most talented player in Brazil”, Kleberson has told GOAL, with Carlo Ancelotti being told that he must find space for the Santos superstar in his 2026 World Cup plans. The man who helped the Selecao to global glory in 2002 has also picked out the natural heir to Neymar’s playmaking crown and explained what a modern day great needs to do in order to join the GOATs.

Jurgen Klopp has firmly shut down speculation linking him with the Real Madrid job following Xabi Alonso’s dismissal. The former Liverpool manager, now Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer, insists he is "completely at peace" with his new strategic role. One year into the job, Klopp is focused on mentoring coaches and reshaping the Red Bull network, ruling out a return to the dugout anytime soon.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has addressed Xabi Alonso’s shock sacking by Real Madrid, which may yet impact his own future at Anfield, with the Dutchman claiming to have “no clue” if a modern penchant for sporting directors is to blame for big clubs being so quick to part with head coaches when times get tough. Real, Manchester United and Chelsea have all made changes in their respective dugouts early in 2026.

Chelsea have softened their stance on Enzo Fernandez, with reports indicating the Blues are willing to sanction a blockbuster exit in 2026 for the 'right price'. Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are now on red alert, preparing to test the waters for the World Cup winner as they look to capitalise on this unexpected development at Stamford Bridge.

Real Madrid may be wondering if they got their approach all wrong with Brazilian wonderkid Endrick, after seeing him star as a flying winger for Lyon during a loan spell in France. The South American starlet was taken to Santiago Bernabeu as a striker, but struggled to make the desired impact in Spain as injuries and fierce competition for places held him back.

Morocco talisman Brahim Diaz missed a 114th-minute penalty against Senegal in the AFCON final after inexplicably trying a Panenka chip, which was easily saved by opposition goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The Real Madrid ace blew the chance to win the trophy for his country after the Senegal squad had stormed off in protest against the initial award of the penalty.

Vinicius Junior making a move to Chelsea remains a ”fairytale shout”, says former Blues midfielder Jody Morris, with the Real Madrid superstar considered to be “too old” for owners at Stamford Bridge that prefer to focus on youth and potential. A ‘Galactico’ at Santiago Bernabeu is, however, generating talk of a Premier League transfer being made in 2026.

Alvaro Arbeloa has hit out at Real Madrid fans for chanting against club president Florentino Perez in the team's 2-0 home win over Levante. Second-half goals from Kylian Mbappe and Raul Asencio saw Arbeloa mark his first home game as Real Madrid boss with victory, having succeeded Xabi Alonso in the Spanish capital last week.

Jose Mourinho has responded to speculation he could make a shock return to Real Madrid as manager. Los Blancos have endured a traumatic week that has seen Xabi Alonso depart as manager and be replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa. However, Arbeloa's first game in charge ended in a shock Copa del Rey exit and he then saw his side booed by fans during Saturday's La Liga win over Levante.

Real Madrid turned an unconvincing first half into a clinical second, with Kylian Mbappe leading the charge as they saw off Levante, 2-0. Los Blancos were initially languid under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa, but clicked into gear once the deadlock was broken, and were ultimately good value for the victory - even if some questions about individuals remain.

Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham were booed by a section of Real Madrid fans before and during their clash with Levante. Following Xabi Alonso's sacking and Los Blancos' Copa del Rey humiliation at the hands of second-tier side Albacete, the Santiago Bernabeu faithful turned their ire towards the attacking duo and club president Florentino Perez.

Jurgen Klopp gave a hilarious reaction to an interviewer’s cheeky remark about Real Madrid as the German continues to be linked with the Bernabeu hotseat. The former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager has seen his name crop up among the list of reported candidates to succeed Xabi Alonso, who was sacked after less than eight months in charge of the Spanish giants.