What person can halt the sports behemoth?
In the heart of Paris, Kylian Mbappe has had a tough time finding success in the Champions League. However, he is now joining a team that reigns supreme in the highest level of football - Real Madrid. The French star isn't the only indicator that Real could control European football for many years to come.
We can't help but think back to Franz Beckenbauer on this significant day. After Germany won the World Cup in Rome in 1990, he declared that his team would be "unbeatable for years to come." The idea of uniting the best from two nations - the Federal Republic and the German Democratic Republic - brought immense joy and hope to the "Kaiser." Although he didn't manage to maintain this dominance, it was still a remarkable achievement. Now, another team is on the verge of being unbeatable: Real Madrid.
It's been a short while since the Champions League victory at Wembley, but we have another reason to celebrate. The dream marriage between Real Madrid and Kylian Mbappe is a reality. After several years of flirting, the Royals and the Frenchman are officially tying the knot. And it's bound to be a thrilling and scandalous union. At just 25 years old, Mbappe has become more than just a regular guy. After seven years at Paris Saint-Germain, he was a constant instigator, driving the team forward and his salary higher. Unfortunately, they missed out on winning the big prize in 2020, losing to Bayern Munich (0:1) in the final.
Now, this is expected to change. Mbappe is transitioning to the supreme power in the Champions League. Since 2014, the silver trophy has made its way to the Santiago Bernabeu a total of six times. In a bizarre way, Real holds a tight grip on the competition. Borussia Dortmund felt this on Saturday evening. For 45 minutes, Dortmund was giving Madrid a run for their money. They were on top until the 60th minute and could even imagine pulling off an upset. But then, Madrid's beastlike instinct took over. Toni Kroos served a corner, Dani Carvajal headed it in, and that's how the first goal came about. The outcome was decided shortly afterward with the second goal, ending any lingering speculation.
Unstoppable Juggernaut: Real Madrid
We are about to witness a new era in Madrid. Kroos has played his final game as a club footballer. Over the years, other legends have departed, leaving their imprint on the team. Ronaldo and Benzema, among others, left their mark. But what sets Real Madrid apart is their ability to fill any void, to withstand the upheaval. In defense, Rudiger and Nacho provide much-needed stability. Alaba can also step in when he's in good health. In attack, Vinicius Junior has left his opponents shaken and his own fans impressed.
In midfield, Jude Bellingham, a 21-year-old Englishman, joined the team last year. He arrived at Borussia Dortmund as a young talent and quickly became a world-class player. Now, he'll be the maestro of this new orchestra. Due to the acquisition of Mbappe, Bellingham had to take a step back and no longer act as a striker. But what good is the offense for such a giant team? Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Bellingham combine to create a monster that is hard to control.
The loss of Kroos doesn't seem to be an insurmountable hurdle, thanks to the bright future ahead. Kroos is a legendary figure at Madrid, and his time there has meaning because the club has had no shortage of exceptional athletes. But they were already prepared for his departure. They had been planning for years. With Fede Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Eduardo Camavinga, all under the age of 25, the future stars have been honing their skills in the background. Preparing to fill the void left by Kroos, Modric, and even Casemiro, who recently moved to Manchester United.
Which team will manage to defeat this formidable squad? This remains an intriguing query without a clear response (for now). Paris isn't likely to be a formidable challenger to the championship-hungry titan. The Qatari-financed team is undergoing rebuilding and states cordially about Kylian Mbappe's departure: "He joined us at around 18 years old and is now a large man, the top player in the world," shared PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi. However, Mbappe's conclusion wasn't as harmonious as it seemed, claims a "L'Équipe" article. Apparently, he demanded payments for his April earnings and February bonuses. Was his exit a matter of heart? Not really. Hala Madrid!
While Real will inevitably lose eventually, the game changers are frequently those with a modest reputation—like the Vinicius Juniors of the world, who decide critical matches such as the Champions League semifinal against Liverpool. The Bayern was beaten by a striker borrowed from a second-tier club by the Royals.
Joselu had spared Espanyol Barcelona from falling into relegation the prior season, but steered clear of relegation himself - and dashed Bayern's prospects of a German-German final in the Champions League with two last-minute goals (instruction: thank Manuel Neuer's error). A man with a lackluster past performance in Hoffenheim, Frankfurt, and Hannover, Joselu now significantly influences Real Madrid's unbeatable image.
Spotlight on the Future: Endrick and the Two Exceptional National Team Goals
In the meantime, the attention shifts to what's next in the Spanish league. The question boils down to who will be the upcoming major maverick. The response is clear: Endrick. The 16-year-old Brazilian has been at Palmeiras since 2020 and has already played for the team. Revered as the most promising young talent in South America, Endrick is being likened to Neymar and Pele.
Endrick has netted two goals for the Brazilian national team, both of which were extraordinary. In his inaugural game, he sealed victory against Argentina in the Copa America. The second goal was more breathtaking: in a friendly against Japan, he struck a hat-trick, including a bicycle kick from the halfway line.
The prodigy is predicted to join Barcelona this summer, setting sail for the club's youth academy. It's yet unclear when he'll make the jump to the first team. But one thing is definite: Endrick is a rising star worth observing.
Kylian Mbappe's days at major European top clubs won't go on endlessly. Joselu must rejoin Espanyol, vying for a return to the top league in the promotion playoffs. In opposition, Real Madrid keenly anticipates a 17-year-old in Madrid, believed to take on a significant position at a leading club as Mbappe did at a young age: Endrick. The Brazilian is coming for about 50 million euros from Palmeiras in Sao Paulo, has competed for the national team, and scored 21 goals for his squad during the 2022 and 2023 championships.
Furthermore, the error in Franz Beckenbauer's prediction about the previous German team transforms into a prediction for Real Madrid's future. Swathed in anticipation, these details are a feast for anyone who scrutinizes football for grand strokes. Notably, it was Wembley Stadium where Endrick scored his initial international goal. Towards the end of March, he bagged a goal there where Real Madrid remained unconquered in the ninth Champions League final in a row, conquered the 15th title in the crucial European club competition. His second international goal was scored three days later. Against Spain. At the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. As if a pointer were needed for a bright future for the Royal. #prism
