Real Madrid News
Arsenal icon names two Real Madrid stars as his favourite players to watch
Robert Pires is widely regarded as a French football icon and one of Arsenal’s greatest-ever wingers. He has famously revealed that he once turned down a move to Real Madrid in favour of joining the Gunners.
Despite this, Pires’ admiration for the current Real Madrid squad is evident, as he holds several of their players in high esteem.
Pires’ favourite footballers to watch
When asked to name his favourite players, Robert Pires replied (h/t Madrid Zone), “Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., Rodri.”
All three are in contention to win the Ballon d’Or this year. Both Bellingham and Vinicius staked their claim as frontrunners following an exceptional campaign with Real Madrid, which saw them win the La Liga and UEFA Champions League.
However, when asked to name his pick for the Ballon d’Or, Pires did not include Jude Bellingham. Instead, he highlighted “Vinicius Jr. or Rodri” as deserving candidates.
Vinicius’ exploits in Real Madrid’s historic campaign were crucial, while Rodri led Manchester City to another Premier League title before winning the Euro 2024 for Spain.
Holding Real Madrid midfielders in high regard
Aurilien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga have established themselves as young midfielders with bright futures ahead.
Both players are seen as instrumental figures in the Merengues‘ midfield, and Pires believes the pair warrant being starters for their national team.
Following France’s pain-staking exit in the most recent Euro campaign, the Arsenal legend looks forward to seeing Tchouameni and Camavinga feature in Les Bleus’ midfield in the upcoming World Cup.
“Who should start for France in midfield in the 2026 World Cup? I think Tchouaméni and Camavinga,” he said.
Pires accumulated 79 caps for France between 1996 and 2004, and played a key role in their triumphs at the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000.
As such, his desire to see Real Madrid’s dynamic midfield partnership in the upcoming world is a testament to their talents.
Real Madrid News
Carlos Espi reacts after scoring match-winning goal in Elche 2-3 Real Madrid: ‘Starting like this is a dream’
Carlos Espi is becoming Real Madrid’s unlikely late-game specialist.
The 21-year-old once again came off the bench to rescue Jose Mourinho’s side, this time scoring the 91st-minute winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche.
It was his second goal for the club, and both have arrived at crucial moments.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Espi could barely contain his excitement.
“I’m so happy—the happiest man in the world. I try to help the team any way I can, and every time I step onto the field, I give it my all and come away feeling great.
“Starting like this has been a dream. This isn’t over yet; we’re going to keep going because we have Sunday’s match coming up.
Carlos Espi winning goal in Elche vs Real Madrid game. Mbappe assist. pic.twitter.com/STJBV3ikQL
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) September 16, 2026
“This is a team effort. All of us who take the field make the most of our opportunities and give it our all,” he began.
Espi keeps making his minutes count
There is a growing pattern to Espi’s involvement. Even though he has yet to start a match for the first team, that has not stopped him from making an impact.
His first goal arrived against Espanyol in Real Madrid’s opening game, when another late strike helped secure the result.
Against Elche, he was required again after Real Madrid surrendered a two-goal lead and suddenly found themselves in serious trouble.
Espi eventually appeared at the back post in the 91st minute and finished the move to give Mourinho’s team all three points.
The youngster shared the credit with his teammates, but he also had special praise for the player who supplied his decisive moment.
That assist came from Kylian Mbappe, whose presence has made Espi’s route into the starting XI particularly difficult.
“It’s unbelievable—it’s crazy to watch him train and play. In this case, he set me up for the goal, and I’m very happy for him, too.”
First Madrid derby already has Espi excited
The timing of Espi’s latest contribution could hardly be more interesting, as Real Madrid now face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, giving the forward an opportunity to experience his first Madrid derby.
“I’m really looking forward to it—I’m so excited. It’s my first derby here, and we’re going to go for it.”
For Mourinho, Espi is a useful option when matches become chaotic. He may not yet be a regular starter, but his two appearances on the scoresheet have carried considerably more weight than the minutes he has played.
