Brahim Diaz has voiced his belief that Real Madrid ought to be considered the favorites in the upcoming Club World Cup, reflecting a strong ambition for the title despite a challenging season last year. Madrid experienced an underwhelming 2024/25 campaign, failing to progress beyond the quarter-finals of the Champions League and losing the La Liga title to arch-rivals Barcelona. This led to the departure of manager Carlo Ancelotti, with former player Xabi Alonso stepping into the role.
As the team prepares for their opening match against Saudi Pro League team Al-Hilal, Diaz emphasized the significance of the tournament, stating, “We’re really looking forward to getting started because it’s the first Club World Cup and Real Madrid is always there to make history.” He reiterated the club’s illustrious legacy and its pursuit of further achievements.
Diaz also highlighted the pressure and expectations that come with being part of Real Madrid, affirming, “Real Madrid are always favorites because we’re ambitious and we’re the best club in the world.” He acknowledged the presence of strong competition but underscored the team’s commitment to strive for victory.
On the coaching front, Diaz expressed confidence in Alonso’s capabilities, noting that the former midfielder brings the same quality and dedication he had as a player. “He understands the Real Madrid identity and the demands of this club very well,” Diaz added, praising Alonso’s approachability and communication with the team. He hopes that Alonso will lead the club to additional successes, affirming, “I’m very happy that he’s here because of what he did as a player and what he’s doing as a coach.”
This optimistic outlook from Diaz sets a positive tone for Real Madrid’s upcoming challenge in the Club World Cup, emphasizing their historic quest for titles and the continuation of their legacy as one of football’s foremost clubs.