Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal has opened up about his determination to return from injury in time for the FIFA Club World Cup.
In a candid interview with FIFA (h/t Mundo Deportivo), the experienced right-back revealed how the challenge of returning to fitness in time for the prestigious tournament has kept him motivated during a difficult recovery period.
Carvajal suffered a serious knee injury that sidelined him for an extended period, but he is now edging closer to full fitness.
A much-needed motivation
The Spanish defender made it clear that the Club World Cup has been a major source of motivation throughout his rehabilitation, although his participation is still uncertain.
“This injury has kept me out for a long time, and from the beginning, we approached it as a challenge,” he said.
“Our goal has always been to get to the tournament in optimal condition, and we’re doing very well.
“Just having it on the horizon increases my excitement. I want to help the team and be part of something special.”
Carvajal spoke of the significance of the revamped tournament, calling it a “super World Cup” where only the best clubs will compete.
Dani Carvajal aims to return for Club World Cup. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“It’s a new format and the most important teams in the world are involved. For me and for Real Madrid, the excitement is huge.
“I imagine it will be similar to a national team World Cup, with top-quality football from all corners of the globe.”
History with Real Madrid
The Real Madrid veteran stressed that the club’s mindset is always about winning, and this tournament is no different.
“Our aim is very clear that we want to win,” he stated. “This is a title that no club has ever won before, and we want to be the first. That’s Real Madrid’s mentality.”
Carvajal also highlighted the diverse styles of play they will face during the tournament.
“This year we’ve already played teams like Pachuca and Salzburg, so we’re aware of the intensity and styles we’ll come up against. Our first match is against Al Hilal, and we’re preparing with full focus.”
If Carvajal manages to return to the squad for the tournament, it would not only mark a personal triumph but could also play a key role in helping Real Madrid lift another major trophy on the global stage.
Javier Tebas talks Madrid derby, relationship with Perez, Real Madrid TV – ‘He wants to fire me’
Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
La Liga president Javier Tebas has addressed several key issues surrounding Spanish football, offering strong opinions on Real Madrid, president Florentino Perez, and the ongoing scheduling and broadcasting disputes in the league.
In a wide-ranging conversation, Tebas did not shy away from calling out what he sees as fundamental problems affecting the domestic competition.
Tebas voiced his frustration with external competitions disrupting the La Liga calendar, especially as Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are both set to participate in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.
When asked about the potential of a Madrid derby to open the 2025–26 season, Tebas was firm in his response.
“An Atletico-Real Madrid match on Matchday 1 is impossible,” he said. “This isn’t like the Super Cup.
“That fixture is far too important for broadcasters. When the time comes, we’ll make decisions with the relevant bodies.
“But we can’t keep changing our league schedule for events we don’t agree with or that harm Spanish football. We have to respect the collective bargaining agreement with AFE.”
Relationship with Florentino Perez
The La Liga chief made it clear that his relationship with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is practically non-existent due to their opposing views on how football should be run.
Tebas and Perez’s relationship is strained. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
“With the club, relations are as they should be. We can broadcast their games, and we do it well,” Tebas stated. “But with Florentino Perez, there is no relationship. We’re on completely different paths.
“He supports a model based on elitism and an oligarchic vision—the Super League. I don’t support that. It’s not about club management, it’s about how the competition is structured.”
Tebas even went so far as to accuse Perez of using personal influence to attempt to oust him. “He keeps saying over lunch that he wants to fire me and claims the CSD agrees with him. I’ve filed countless complaints with the TAD because of him.”
On Real Madrid TV
Tebas also commented on the recurring controversy surrounding Real Madrid TV, which has often published videos critical of La Liga referees.
He drew attention to the timing of their media output, suggesting it was more strategic than principled.
“Barcelona complains once or twice a season. Real Madrid complains every week.
“What stood out to me is that once they were no longer in the title race, those videos stopped. If their goal was to denounce the Liga Negreira case, why did they stop?” Tebas questioned.