Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid veteran receives shock World Cup call-up despite nightmare season
Ralf Rangnick has officially revealed Austria’s squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, and one name in particular has sparked major discussion across Europe.
Despite barely featuring for Real Madrid throughout the 2025/26 campaign, David Alaba has still been included in Austria’s final squad for the tournament.
Many had expected the experienced defender to miss out due to his lack of playing time in Madrid this season.
However, Austria’s coaching staff has decided to place their trust in the veteran centre-back, who will also captain the national side during the competition.
It must be noted that Austria have been placed in Group J alongside Argentina, Algeria and Jordan, with Alaba expected to lead the squad both on and off the pitch.
Trust in Alaba despite limited role
Das Warten hat ein Ende: Unser WM-Kader! ⚽️🇦🇹 #GemeinsamÖSTERREICH #GEMMA pic.twitter.com/6htTAhe0gp
— ÖFB – oefb.at (@oefb1904) May 18, 2026
Questions surrounding Alaba’s place in the squad had grown louder in recent months because of his difficult campaign at club level.
Injuries, competition for places and fitness struggles all contributed to the defender becoming a secondary option for Real Madrid this season.
Across all competitions, Alaba featured in only 15 matches and accumulated just over 500 minutes in total.
Even more concerning is the fact that he started only five games all season, four in La Liga and one in the Champions League.
Still, Rangnick and the Austrian staff valued his leadership, experience and international reputation heavily when making the final decision.
Austria will begin their World Cup journey against Jordan on June 17 before facing a huge clash against Lionel Messi’s Argentina side in what is expected to be the toughest fixture of the group stage.
They will then conclude the group campaign against Algeria on June 28.
Important period for Alaba
For Alaba, the upcoming World Cup is likely to define the next step in his career.
After a frustrating and injury-hit season in Madrid, the defender is expected to leave the club at the end of the season, and a strong performance at the showpiece event could gather him some attention.
Right now, considering his physical condition, finding a top club for Alaba has been a problem, but if he plays through the World Cup without any issues, there could be hope.
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.
