Real Madrid News
Real Madrid ace could make history as he emerges as favourite to win individual accolade
Real Madrid’s attacking depth has improved significantly from last season. Although the spotlight is currently on recent signings like Kylian Mbappe and Endrick, the squad is also enhanced by several other exceptional talents.
Among them is Brahim Diaz, who may be going under the radar lately, but proved himself as a dependable squad player last season.
The 24-year-old has emerged as one of Los Blancos’ standout performers in pre-season. In fact, in a closed-door friendly against Albacete, he scored the opening goal in a 3-0 win.
Starting his preseason early on July 15, Brahim followed a personalized plan to ensure peak performance and the result of his efforts is yielding fruit on the field.
En-route to winning African Player of the Year
Now, according to AS, Brahim Diaz is poised to win the African Player Of The Year award.
His Moroccan heritage coupled with his success with Real Madrid last season makes him a strong contender for the award.
After a continuous push and pull from Morocco and Spain for Diaz’s services, Diaz eventually opted to play for the African team.
This has worked out in his favor as he has a chance to achieve a prestigious individual accolade.
As a matter of fact, the prize has never been claimed by a Real Madrid player. With Victor Osimhen as the previous winner, Brahim Diaz aims to claim the crown for himself.
In addition to winning collective trophies such as the Spanish Super Cup, La Liga, and the UEFA Champions League, the 24-year-old notched his career-best of 12 goals and nine assists last season.
As such, he is primed to get his hands on the trophy and continue to make Real Madrid proud. The ongoing US tour would also present him with a great opportunity to cement himself as an important member of the team.
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.
