Real Madrid news

Arsenal have identified Real Madrid teenager Victor Valdepenas as a serious long-term target, with plans reportedly forming for a move in 2026 that could test the resolve of the Spanish giants. Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta view the 19-year-old defender as an ideal fit for their evolving squad, with the north London club prepared to play the long game in their pursuit.

Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of one of Brazil’s brightest young forwards is facing a formidable obstacle, with Real Madrid reportedly preparing to muscle in on the race for Vasco da Gama sensation Rayan. The 19-year-old has emerged as one of South America’s most coveted prospects this season, and interest from Europe’s elite is now beginning to crystallise into concrete plans.

Kylian Mbappe scored two and set up another as Real Madrid unconvincingly saw off Spanish third-tier side Talavera 3-2 to reach the last-16 of the Copa del Rey. The 26-year-old converted a penalty, forced the hosts into an own-goal, and scored a fortuitous long-range strike, but that nearly wasn't enough as the underdogs made it a tense finish with two late goals on Wednesday.

Real Madrid and England star Jude Bellingham shared pictures of girlfriend Ashlyn Castro on her birthday on Wednesday. The couple have been dating since January and have kept their relationship relatively low profile, with few posts referencing each other on Instagram. However, Castro has been spotted in the stands at the Santiago Bernabeu in support of Bellingham.

Modernising the role of a full-back 30 years ago, Roberto Carlos undoubtedly set the benchmark. A tactical genius and a physical specimen, the Real Madrid and Brazil legend won countless trophies at club and international level, contributing bucket loads of goals and assists. No one in the past, present or future can ever claim to be his equal - he was that good.

Dayot Upamecano is literally 'on the move' in Munich, but his change of address could signal a major blow to his international suitors. While Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain circle the French defender ahead of the January window, Upamecano’s decision to relocate within the Bavarian capital offers the biggest hint yet that his long-term future lies at the Allianz Arena rather than the Bernabeu or the Parc des Princes.

How to watch the Copa del Rey match between Talavera and Real Madrid, as well as kick-off time and team news.

Paris Saint-Germain have been ordered to pay Kylian Mbappe over €60 million in unpaid wages and bonuses, but the legal battle may not be over yet. The French champions have confirmed they will execute the initial judgment while pointedly refusing to rule out a future appeal, insisting they have always acted with "good faith and integrity" throughout the bitter dispute.

England are being advised to drop Jude Bellingham from their starting XI at the 2026 World Cup, with the Real Madrid superstar being informed that Aston Villa playmaker Morgan Rogers currently has “more of an influence” on games. Thomas Tuchel has warned all of those at his disposal that no places in his plans for a shot at global glory next summer are guaranteed.

Bayern Munich’s hopes of securing the long-term future of Dayot Upamecano have hit a significant stumbling block, with reports emerging that the French defender’s camp is insisting on a massive salary hike and a release clause that could force the German giants into a difficult corner. As the January transfer window approaches, the 'contract poker' at the Allianz Arena is reaching a fever pitch.

Joan Laporta has hit back at Real Madrid president Florentino Perez with a scathing diagnosis, claiming the Spanish capital is suffering from a case of "acute Barcelonitis". The Barcelona chief dismissed recent attacks regarding the Negreira scandal as proof of an obsession, suggesting Los Blancos are more concerned with their rivals than their own internal issues.

Jose Mourinho has been hailed as a genius, with former Benfica striker Dean Saunders explaining his “spoil” tactics to GOAL. The self-anointed ‘Special One’ is, however, considered to face plenty of challenges in modern day management due to player power - with it being pointed out that delivering a “rollicking now is dangerous” and can lead to sackings.

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has thrown his full weight behind Florentino Perez in the ongoing war over the Negreira case, insisting that the lack of punishment for Barcelona is viewed with total shock across the rest of Europe. The Madrid president described the ongoing controversy as the biggest scandal in football history as he criticised Spanish football's authorities over a lack of action.