The current generation of superstars headlining Real Madrid’s Champions League squad for 2025–26 are eager to leave their mark in Europe after a season marred by failure.
Real Madrid kicked off their 2024–25 campaign with the hopes of defending their European crown. The 15-time champions only made it to the quarterfinals, though, where they were eliminated 5–1 on aggregate by Arsenal.
With Xabi Alonso now at the helm and four new signings in white, Los Blancos are eyeing redemption on Europe’s biggest stage. Much like last season, Real Madrid have clashes with Liverpool and Manchester City on their match calendar, giving the Spanish giants an early test in the league phase.
Check out the 25-player squad Alonso is relying on to deliver in the Champions League.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold will make his Champions League debut in a white shirt this season. / IMAGO/Pressinphoto
Player Age Position
Thibaut Courtois 33 GK
Andriy Lunin 26 GK
Dani Carvajal 33 RB
Trent Alexander-Arnold 26 RB
Éder Militão 27 CB
David Alaba 33 CB
Raúl Asencio 22 CB
Antonio Rüdiger 23 CB
Dean Huijsen 20 CB
Álvaro Carreras 22 LB
Fran García 26 LB
Ferland Mendy 30 LB
Eduardo Camavinga 22 CM
Fede Valverde 27 CM
Aurélien Tchouaméni 25 CM
Arda Güler 20 CM
Dani Ceballos 29 CM
Jude Bellingham 22 AM
Brahim Díaz 26 RW
Franco Mastantuono 18 RW
Endrick 18 ST
Kylian Mbappé 26 ST
Gonzalo García 21 ST
Vinícius Júnior 25 LW
Rodrygo 24 LW/RW
There are no real surprises in Real Madrid’s first Champions League squad under Alonso. Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé headline the list, joined by the club’s four new signings, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Álvaro Carreras and Franco Mastantuono.
The latter leads a wealth of young talent, including FIFA Club World Cup breakout star Gonzalo García, that will be called upon in Europe this season. Unlike last season, Real Madrid now have ample players that can provide a spark off the bench.
The injured Endrick, Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga also made the squad despite not playing a single game this season yet. Los Blancos are hoping to have all three players back by mid-October.
Fran González
Fran González has first team experience that could come in handy. / Angel Martinez/Getty Images
Player Age Position
Fran González 20 GK
Javier Navarro 18 GK
Diego Aguado 18 DF
Jesús Fortea 18 DF
David Jiménez 21 DF
Joan Martínez 18 DF
Víctor Valdepeñas 18 DF
Jorge Cestero 19 M
Pol Fortuny 20 M
Manuel Ángel 21 M
César Palacios 20 M
Cristian David 20 M
Hugo de Llanos 20 M
Thiago Pitarch 18 M
Daniel Yáñez 18 F
Most Madridistas will recognize Fran González. The goalkeeper made his Real Madrid debut last season in the club’s 2–1 defeat to Valencia. Although the 20-year-old is Alonso’s third-choice keeper, he is a valuable talent to have available should the moment arise.
Joan Martínez is another standout. The 18-year-old tore his ACL last season, but has recovered and is back to climbing through Real Madrid’s ranks. The defender is one of the most exciting young players in La Fábrica.
READ THE LATEST REAL MADRID NEWS, TRANSFER RUMORS AND MORE