Real Madrid News
Real Madrid identify the ‘new Kante’ in La Fabrica – report
Thiago Pitarch’s rise is the result of Alvaro Arbeloa’s faith in the Real Madrid academy – something that has paid off in good dividends in the manager’s short stint so far.
Needless to say, the spotlight on La Fabrica is currently shining brighter than ever given the manager’s faith in the youth circuit, and reports are beginning to emerge over the next potential breakout names.
Among the list of such names is a certain Cherif Fofana, a 16-year-old midfield talent who is grabbing attention as the next big revelation.
A highly rated prospect
As confirmed by Defensa Central in a recent report, Real Madrid are aware of the talent Fofana has in his boots and the player is already beginning to monopolise the spotlight on himself.
Still just 16 years old and in his first season with Real Madrid, the youngster has already scored his first goal with Juvenil A despite being registered with Juvenil C. He has punched above his weight for a long time now and there is a sense that he is destined for greatness.
Cherif Fofana (16, DM) vs Scotland U17.
— Real Madrid Fabrica (@FabricaMadrid) March 19, 2026
First start for Spain U17. pic.twitter.com/cug9YhOB6y
The player has already been called up on occasion to train with the Castilla side and has even made his debut with the lower categories of the Spanish national team.
His style of play has earned him comparisons with N’Golo Kante and Real Madrid sees him as the next youth player to make it big after Pitarch.
Fofana’s physical presence, intensity, and tirelessness make him a strong candidate to provide a boost to Real Madrid’s midfield. He is quick in transitions, provides an aerial threat, and also has a very good sense of the game.
The coming years, needless to say, will be crucial for Fofana to maintain his position as the academy’s highest-rated talent. Should he manage to do so, however, a first-team call-up may not be too far off.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho reacts to Vinicius suspension: “Why announce it two hours before an important match?”
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has questioned the RFEF Disciplinary Committee’s decision to announce Vinicius Jr.’s four-match suspension just hours before their UEFA Champions League meeting with AS Roma on Wednesday.
The Brazilian has been hit with a four-match ban for his red card against Villarreal, meaning he will miss the matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander, and Valencia.
And, speaking to Movistar+ (h/t MARCA) before the match, the Real Madrid manager was asked whether the punishment could affect the Brazilian psychologically.
Mourinho instead turned his attention to the football authorities and the timing of their announcement.
“I think that is a question for the Committee. Why have they announced the suspension at this particular moment? If you are asking me this question, it is presumably because you think it could affect him,” the Portuguese coach replied.
“You should ask the Committee why they did not announce it this morning, or tomorrow morning. Why do they do it two hours before a match that is important for Real Madrid, which is a Spanish club?” he added, questioning the timing of the decision.
Mourinho explains his tactical approach against Roma
The Real Madrid manager also outlined his plan for facing a Roma side known for their aggressive pressing.
“My intention is to stop them from pressing us so high up the pitch, given the players we have available and as a precaution,” he said.
Continuing, the Portuguese manager added: “They press man-to-man higher up the pitch better than anyone else, and we will see whether we can take advantage of that. If not, they will have to drop their press five or ten metres.”
Why Rudiger over Huijsen
Mourinho also justified his decision to start Antonio Rudiger at centre-back alongside Ibrahima Konate rather than Dean Huijsen.
“They played very well together in the last match, Rudiger and Konate, showing great leadership and the ability to withstand a difficult situation when we had ten men for 30 minutes,” he said.
“I am not saying Dean is not capable of playing a match like this, but this is a wonderful atmosphere for Roma and a difficult one for us. I think a player with Antonio’s experience can be important,” Mourinho added.
Finally, Mourinho was asked about his emotions ahead of returning to face Roma, the club he managed between 2021 and 2024.
The Portuguese coach offered a brief response, saying that he had his feelings about the occasion “blocked”.
