Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid prodigy Arda Guler nominated for 2024 Kopa Trophy
Real Madrid’s tremendous season last year places multiple stars as favourites to take home the prestigious accolades that will be given later this year.
All eyes today, thus, are on the nominees for the Ballon d’Or and associated awards and the representation the Merengues will see in the same.
In the buildup to the release of list of Ballon d’Or nominees, France Football have first announced the ten top nominees for the 2024 Kopa Trophy which is given to the best performing under-21 player of the previous season.
One nominee
As revealed by France Football earlier today, Real Madrid superstar Arda Guler is on the final list of nominees for the 2024 Kopa Trophy in what comes as a massive announcement.
After all, the youngster barely enjoyed any prominence last season under Carlo Ancelotti owing to injury and match-fitness issues. His nomination, thus, is purely down to his strong showing at the Euro 2024.
Nominated for the 2024 Kopa Trophy @10ardaguler @realmadrid @MilliTakimlar #ballondor pic.twitter.com/VOv1j23DK7
— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) September 4, 2024
Nominated alongside Guler are Barcelona stars Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho and PSG’s Warren Zaire-Emery.
Also on the shortlist are Karim Konate, Kobbie Mainoo, Joao Neves, Savinho and Mathys Tel.
Given the breakout season some of the other nominees have enjoyed, it is safe to conclude that Guler may not go all the way to win the award.
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.
