Los Blancos have now won six of the last 11 European titles available, and as their rivals head towards transition, they are only getting stronger.
A Legacy of Champions
After Real Madrid hoisted their 15th European Cup at Wembley, the club’s veterans had one key piece of advice for 20-year-old first-timer Jude Bellingham. “Some of my teammates have five or six titles, and they said enjoy your first as it’s a feeling like no other when you reach the top of the mountain,” he said following Los Blancos’ 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund.
The final was memorable. Madrid, as often in the Champions League, seemed second best for long stretches. But they rode their luck, with crucial saves from Thibaut Courtois and the fortune of Niclas Fullkrug hitting the post. They came alive with a corner converted by the 5’7 Dani Carvajal, and Madrid saw out the last 20 minutes as Vinicius Jr provided the finishing touch.
Despite Dortmund’s pressure, the outcome felt predictable. Real Madrid win; it’s just what they do.
A Decade of Dominance
Madrid has now claimed six Champions League titles in the last decade. Only three other clubs (AC Milan, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool) have won as many European Cups in their entire history. This is what sporting dominance looks like.
Their rivals face transitions, but Madrid is only getting stronger. What was supposed to be a period of rebuilding has become a measured renewal. Madrid’s best players are in their prime or approaching it. With arguably the most electric forward in world football set to join, and other clubs in transition, Saturday’s win might mark the start of another decade of continental superiority at Santiago Bernabeu.
Magic Moments
Madrid and European success have always been intrinsically connected. Even as they battled Barcelona for La Liga supremacy, Los Blancos have always made deep runs in Europe’s premier club competition. Signature dramatic wins are part of their legacy.
In 2014, Sergio Ramos’ last-minute header in the final against Atletico Madrid sent the game to extra-time, where Madrid dominated to secure their 10th European title, ending their long wait for ‘La Decima’. This legacy of dramatic moments continued with comebacks against Wolfsburg, Bayern, Juventus, and a series of comebacks in 2022 led by Karim Benzema, securing title number 14.
Trophy in Transition
This season, Madrid was supposed to fall short. Benzema’s departure was central to fears Madrid wouldn’t be the same. With no top-class striker, Carlo Ancelotti made things work. Jude Bellingham became a No.10, while Vinicius and Rodrygo pushed higher. Injuries to key players did little to slow them down.
Madrid should have exited the Champions League twice. Manchester City and Bayern Munich had their chances, but Madrid held on. Joselu, a failed Madrid academy player who returned on loan, scored twice in the final five minutes to turn the semi-final against Bayern on its head. In a season they were supposed to fall short, Madrid beat the two best teams en route to the final.
Entering Their Prime
Madrid now has a ridiculous array of talent and a frighteningly young squad. Bellingham is the centerpiece, approaching his 21st birthday. Vinicius, now a Ballon d’Or contender, is 23. Aurelien Tchouameni, Rodrygo, and Eduardo Camavinga are all in their early twenties. Federico Valverde and Eder Militao, both 25, look ancient by comparison.
Talents like Arda Guler and Fran Garcia show Madrid’s depth. Brahim Diaz’s future is uncertain, but he’s also young. Over half of Madrid’s starting XI next season will be under 24.
More on the Way
Post-match at Wembley, Bellingham hinted at Mbappe joining. “We don’t know for sure if that will happen! But if it is the case, then it would be great… I think tonight we saw that the only thing we need is a real striker. I think if he came along and gave us that, it would take us to another level.”
Madrid has orchestrated Mbappe’s arrival perfectly. His arrival might not be perfect tactically, but he is a player who can score 30-40 goals in all competitions. Ancelotti is the perfect manager to fit him into the team.
The much-anticipated arrival of Brazilian teenager Endrick adds to the excitement. Dubbed ‘the next Pele,’ he has shown enough potential to be impactful in Madrid white for years.
Rivals in Reverse
Madrid’s last decade of Champions League success came during a highly competitive era in European football. However, as rivals enter transitions, Madrid’s dominance seems poised to continue. Manchester City might be the most likely contenders, but Pep Guardiola’s potential departure adds uncertainty. Liverpool, under new management, face challenges maintaining their status.
The Premier League remains strong financially, but realistic challengers to Madrid are few. Bayern is between generations, PSG is fading, and Italian clubs lack financial muscle. Barcelona’s economic issues force reliance on academy graduates, with no guarantee of success.
Nothing is Guaranteed
Madrid knows that having a star-studded squad does not guarantee success. Potential pitfalls remain. Kroos’ retirement will impact the team, and Ancelotti’s departure after 2026 will require careful succession planning. The defense will need renewal with aging players like Carvajal, Toni Rudiger, and Alaba.
However, given Madrid’s track record, they will find apt replacements. Ancelotti’s departure could align with the opportunity to bring in Xabi Alonso. Links with highly-rated Leny Yoro show forward-thinking in their defensive strategy.
Madrid’s squad is the best and youngest in Europe. It’s hard to see anyone stopping their dominance anytime soon.
