Even without Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius, or Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid boasts a wealth of prodigious talents to face an AC Milan squad with relatively fewer stars in their friendly match at Soldier Field in Chicago.
For Real Madrid, these U.S. matches showcase global football gems like Arda Guler and Endrick. For AC Milan, it’s a selection test by coach Paulo Fonseca.
Cinderella Players of Ancelotti
Brahim Diaz, who excelled at AC Milan, returns to Madrid as a secondary option behind Vinicius, Rodrygo, and Bellingham. Dani Ceballos, formerly of Arsenal, ranks low in Ancelotti’s preferences. Arda Guler, a Turkish prodigy, played more at EURO 2024 than last season at Real. New Brazilian talent Endrick Felipe struggles to find a spot, and Real eyes another young star, Mastantuono from Argentina, for €25 million.
Many “Cinderella” players at Real Madrid could become stars if given the chance. In the U.S., these players in Florentino Perez’s Galactico 3.0 project must prepare for a stark choice: more opportunities in the new season or remaining in the shadows of the bench.
