Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid duo nominated for Kopa Trophy, Courtois contender for Yachine Trophy
With the Ballon d’Or ceremony set to take place in a few months, nominations for the various awards that will be handed out at the event were released today.
And, Real Madrid have two players who could bring home the gold from France as Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga are both nominated for the Kopa Trophy 2023 honour.
Bellingham enjoyed a stunning 2022/23 campaign with Borussia Dortmund as he almost led the team to the Bundesliga title and has been on fire since arriving in Spain this summer.
The 20-year-old is a top player and is the favourite for the Golden Boy award this year and could bag the Kopa Trophy along as well.
Meanwhile, Camavinga enjoyed a fine season at Real Madrid, excelling across multiple positions in different roles under Carlo Ancelotti.
As such, he finds himself in contention for the Kopa Trophy, presented to the best-performing U-21 player.
Here is the first part of the 2023 Kopa Trophy nominees…
— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@ballondor) September 6, 2023
🏴 Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid
🇪🇸 Gavi – FC Barcelona
🇩🇪 Jamal Musiala – Bayern Munich
🇫🇷 Eduardo Camavinga – Real Madrid
🇪🇸 Pedri – FC Barcelona #trophéekopa #ballondor pic.twitter.com/g6HEnOOLyq
The Real Madrid pair will be up against Barcelona trio Pedri, Gavi, and Alejandro Balde, along with other top talents such as Xavi Simons and Rasmus Hojlund.
Thibaut Courtois in contention for Yachine Trophy
Having won the Yachine Trophy last year, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is once again in contention to bag the prestigious honour awarded to the best-performing goalkeeper.
The Belgian international might currently be sidelined with injury but enjoyed a spectacular season last time out and played an important role in Real Madrid’s success in Copa del Rey and FIFA Club World Cup.
Nominated for the 2023 Yachine Trophy @thibautcourtois @realmadrid @BelRedDevils #trophéeyachine #ballondor pic.twitter.com/LVPSAUOm0N
— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@ballondor) September 6, 2023
He will be up against the likes of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Ederson, and World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez for the honour.
There just does not appear to be any respite from injuries for Real Madrid.
Just when it appeared that they were close to having their full squad – barring the two long-term absentees – the Merengues have been struck down by fresh injuries this week.
Arda Guler, who was on the cusp of being named in the squad for the Las Palmas clash, injured himself in training on Tuesday.
And now, during the game against Las Palmas at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid have lost key defender David Alaba to an injury.
Close to the 40th-minute mark, Alaba went down on the ground clutching his leg and appeared to be in quite a bit of discomfort.
Soon enough, the medical staff arrived to take a look at the Austrian and seconds later he was off the pitch and straight towards the tunnel.
Lucas Vazquez came on to replace the injured Alaba, with Nacho Fernandez moving into the centre-back position alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Alaba’s injury leaves Carlo Ancelotti with just two fit centre-backs in Rudiger and Nacho, which is set to be a matter of great concern.
The hope will be that Alaba’s condition is nothing serious and that he is able to mount a quick recovery.
