Real Madrid News
Silverware in sight: Benzema, Ancelotti leading the race for FIFA Best awards
Of all the teams in Europe, it is fair to say that Real Madrid have had the most successful season. Not only did they win La Liga with a dominating lead of 13 points but also decimated teams like Manchester City, Chelsea, PSG and Liverpool en route to their UEFA Champions League title.
With such prestigious silverware in the bag, there is little doubt that individual awards this season will be showered on Los Blancos’ players and management.
According to reports from Eurosport (h/t Madrid Xtra on Twitter), Karim Benzema is the favourite to win the FIFA Best player award of the season. Moreover, Carlo Ancelotti is said to be leading the race to win the FIFA Best coach award for the year.
Very few players can claim to challenge Benzema for any individual awards this season. The Frenchman was in superb form and consistently produced an impact when the team needed it most.
His 15 goals and two assists in the UCL coupled with 27 goals and 12 assists in La Liga speak volumes about his imperious form.
Sadio Mane and Mohammed Salah were said to be strong competitors to Benzema, but Real Madrid’s UCL final win over Liverpool leaves no room for doubts.
The Frenchman is also the heavy favourite to win the Ballon d’Or this season with several legends including Thierry Henry calling out France Football to hand it to Benzema.
Meanwhile, Ancelotti’s return to Real Madrid as the manager has been nothing short of a fairytale. In 56 games since his return in 2021, the team have won 39 and lost only on nine occasions. Moreover, they average close to 2.3 points per game.
Ancelotti also created managerial history by becoming the first manager to win all of the top five leagues in Europe, and the manager with the most continental titles.
Real Madrid have finally received some good news as MARCA confirms that Nacho has finally made his decision about his future, and is set to continue at the club for the foreseeable future.
His contract expires in the summer, and Real Madrid had tabled an extension for the player, which was not accepted by the Spaniard at the time. Now, however, he has decided to reject offers from Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.
Nacho will sign a one year extension, with the option to extend for another year if both parties reach an agreement.
His continuity also means that he will be the new club captain for the 2023/24 season, since Karim Benzema is leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. Luka Modric will be second captain, followed by Daniel Carvajal and Toni Kroos.
Carlo Ancelotti has also spoken to the player, confirming that they trust him for next season in the team, which has gone a long way in helping convince the player.
The Italian gaffer also spoke about the Spanish defender’s contract situation after the game against Athletic Club yesterday, saying:
“Asensio, Nacho and Ceballos? We have explained them their roles. The club have offered them renewals. Asensio has preferred to leave, Ceballos and Nacho are still thinking about it.”
While a centre-back by trade, Nacho has played across the defence for Madrid continuously, including putting shifts at left-back, right-back, and even centre-back.
His departure would have probably pushed Madrid to sign another defender, especially since they are considering selling Ferland Mendy if a good offer arrives.
Regardless of that, though, Madrid are moving to sign Alphonso Davies, and have already made initial contacts with the player. Bayern Munich have not rejected their advances.
Further, the los blancos management have already met with Davies’ entourage twice, cementing their interest in the Canadian ace.
