In season 2023/24, Real Madrid not only claimed the Spanish top-flight title but also won the Champions League in one of Los Blancos’ finest seasons in recent campaigns.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team ooze quality throughout the season, with England midfielder Jude Bellingham and Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior particularly impressive in season 2023/24.
Then they added Kylian Mbappe
It seems that the men from Madrid were not content with just their current group of stars. They had to add one of the game’s biggest stars to their squad, as French international superstar Kylian Mbappe finally joined the club this summer.
Madridistas,
Hoy fue un día inolvidable para mi y mi familia. Realizo mi sueño de niño.
Muchas emociones !!!!!!
Gracias por el cariño y el amor desde muchos años. Muy feliz y orgulloso de ser parte de la grande familia @realmadrid
Tengo ganas de empezar a jugar por el mejor… pic.twitter.com/fDoZ7WJeeW— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) July 16, 2024
The move was a long time coming, as Mbappe had been heavily linked with a move to the Spanish capital for seemingly forever. It became a case of when, not if, the forward would join Real Madrid.
Once it was clear that Mbappe wouldn’t be signing a new deal with PSG, it became inevitable that his next destination was going to be Real Madrid.
The French international heads to the Spanish capital at the peak of his powers. At 25, he is the ideal age for a footballer at the pinnacle of their game.
In season 2023/24, the forward scored 35 goals and produced eight assists in all competitions. Considering that he missed some Ligue One games, that is a highly respectable scoring record.
No disrespect to PSG, but Mbappe will be playing alongside better-quality players for Los Blancos, even if his team’s domestic league will be slightly tougher than previously.
Mbappe looked slightly jaded at the Euros with France. However, the forward will undoubtedly be fully fit and highly motivated when the season begins.
Mbappe is only adding to the talent on display at the Bernabeu
The fact that Real Madrid won the double last season without Mbappe illustrates the talent already within Los Blancos’ ranks.
Of course, England midfielder Jude Bellingham was one of the stars of last season for Carlo Ancelotti’s team. He was imperious in his debut season after a big move from Dortmund.
Bellingham produced numbers that he failed to with BVB, scoring 23 goals and producing 11 assists in all competitions. The midfielder certainly benefitted from playing alongside better players.
The 21-year-old’s performances have put him in contention for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
One of Bellingham’s Real Madrid teammates, Vinicius Junior, is also amongst the frontrunners for the award. Despite only making 26 appearances in La Liga, Vini Jr still scored 26 goals and produced nine assists in all competitions.
In terms of goals, he enjoyed his second-most prolific campaign in La Liga, firing home 15 goals.
However, his assists were down on previous seasons. The forward has undoubtedly become a talisman for Los Blancos, and his influence will only grow as he is still only 24.
Vini Jr’s compatriot Rodrygo also produced respectable numbers in season 2023/24. He scored ten goals and five assists in the Spanish top flight and five times in the Champions League.
Other attacking players like Brahim Diaz and Arda Guler are also available to Ancelotti.
That is without mentioning Ernesto Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni and veteran full-back Dani Carvajal, who also enjoyed a strong campaign.
It may not be surprising, given that Real Madrid are both Spanish and European champions, but Los Blancos seem to have the most strength in depth of most clubs in the European game.
Their domestic rivals have not yet strengthened
Real Madrid are favourites to retain their La Liga crown this season. The signing of Mbappe has only strengthened their grip on the Spanish top-flight.
Arch-rivals Barcelona have not yet strengthened, although they are reportedly close to sealing a deal for Spain and RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Dani Olmo.
The Blaugrana have also been linked with signing one of the other stars of Spain’s triumphant Euro2024 campaign, Nico Williams. The winger impressed last season for Athletic Club and for La Roja during the summer.
Although both players would likely be good signings, their arrivals alone are unlikely to be enough to help Barcelona dethrone Los Blancos unless new Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has something special up his sleeve.
City rivals Atletico Madrid’s only noteworthy signing has been Spain centre-back Robin Le Normand. However, Alvaro Morata, Mario Hermoso, Stefan Savic, Memphis Depay and Caglar Soyuncu are among the summer exits.
Real Madrid’s main threat in the Champions League is once again likely to be English champions Manchester City, who they have clashed with on numerous occasions in recent seasons.
City’s only summer signing is Brazilian winger Savio, who impressed while on loan in La Liga at Girona.
However, City have a habit of evolving under former Barcelona head coach Pep Guardiola, whether they sign new players or not. The Citizens will likely be as strong as ever in the new season.
As history has shown, Real Madrid plus galactico teams and players don’t always bring success or trophies. It would be a massive surprise if Los Blancos were not there or thereabouts when the big silverware is being handed out in season 2023/24.
Will Real Madrid dominate once again in season 2024/25?