If Real Madrid’s chaotic 2025/26 season could be summed up in a single event, it would be the training clash between Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni.
The fact that two teammates, who have played together for years, ended up in a physical altercation – with the Uruguayan midfielder even getting injured – is a clear reflection of the broken state of the team under Alvaro Arbeloa.
The very occurrence of such an episode shows the lack of strong figures in the locker room, capable of uniting the team and keeping it focused on a single objective.
Valverde’s behavior with Tchouameni and several controversial episodes off the pitch this season have reportedly made it difficult for him to be seen as a reliable and impartial leader. This brings up a key question for Real Madrid: How can the club change the leadership group within the squad to have more stability and success next season and beyond?
Mourinho expected to have “tough job” ahead
Jose Mourinho, who is expected to take charge of the team for the 2026/27 season, will have a big challenge: bringing the dressing room together and identifying the right leaders.
After the departure of Xabi Alonso and the sharp decline in the second half of the season, it has become clear that the current leaders have not been motivating enough when things have gone badly. Therefore, according to the analysis, it is vital that the roles of captain and “core” leaders are given to individuals who can keep the team together, give it energy and restore the feeling of “family” within the group.
Why Valverde should not continue as captain
The Real Madrid captaincy chain is expected to change anyway, as Dani Carvajal – the main captain and oldest player in the squad – is expected to leave after the season.
However, it is claimed that Valverde should also lose his status as one of the co-captains after what has happened this season. Reports about his attitude have been described as “serious”: He has been accused of refusing to warm up when he was brought on as a substitute, and of complaining about his use on the right wing of defence, criticising the coaches for “moving away from his natural position”.
Even, according to claims, the clash with Tchouameni was linked to the dismissal of Xabi Alonso: the French midfielder allegedly blamed Valverde as one of the players who “slowed down the pace” and contributed to the departure of the Spanish coach.
It has also been reported that Valverde provoked Tchouameni, while there have been complaints within the club that his disciplinary problems make him unsuitable for the captain’s armband.
Although Mourinho may appreciate Valverde’s fighting spirit and versatility, it may be wiser to remove the burden of leadership from him, so that he can play without the pressure of being the “captain”.
Real Madrid must change the “seniority” rule
Real Madrid traditionally awards the captaincy based on seniority (years/number of appearances). But, according to the analysis, this approach needs to be reviewed: responsibilities should be given to those who can realistically handle the role and make a positive impact on the team.
What profile should the ideal captain have?
With Mourinho at the helm, tough decisions and a reorganization of the management team are expected. The key factors for the new captain should be: calmness and self-control in moments of pressure, the ability to motivate the team even when things are not going well, a good reputation within the group and distance from controversies (on and off the field), positive energy and influence on team harmony, authority to prevent dramas like the Valverde–Tchouameni case, resolving conflicts before they “explode”.
In this regard, examples of historical Real Madrid captains such as Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos are also mentioned, who had a great influence on the team and pushed their teammates to react in difficult situations.
Who could the new captains be?
After Carvajal’s departure, the players with the most experience (in appearances) would be: Valverde, Vinicius Jr, Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo. But given that Valverde and Vinicius have held the reins this season without achieving great success, Mourinho may look at other alternatives.
The ideal option for captain, according to this article, is Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian goalkeeper has been among the most consistent in the two trophyless seasons, with crucial saves and great performances in important matches, while also enjoying the respect of the dressing room.
For the group of co-captains, another name mentioned is Antonio Rudiger, who is seen as a player who “plays for the shirt”, with motivating energy and aggression, although he can sometimes be impulsive.
Jude Bellingham is also mentioned as a serious candidate, as he is vocal on the field, works hard in both phases of the game and has the quality to change the game with goals or creation.
The need to extinguish the “clan culture” and why Vini Jr/Mbappe should be avoided as captain
Another problem Mourinho needs to address is the creation of “clans” within the squad. According to observations, separate groups have formed in training, with Vinicius Jr in one group and Kylian Mbappe in another.
This division cannot continue if Real Madrid wants to function as a single unit. Mourinho must encourage more time together between the players, not only on the pitch, but also in the gym and outside, to increase internal bonding.
As for the captain’s armband, the article suggests that Mourinho would be better off not giving it to either Mbappe or Vinicius. The reason is related to the additional pressure that could ruin their performance: the Real captain has to be perfect, score constantly and carry the weight of expectations on his back, which can make him frustrated when the goals don’t come.
More authority for the next captain
Whoever is captain next season must have real authority within the team. Mourinho, according to the article, should give the captain the role of “right-hand man” to manage internal problems, to reprimand or guide players when necessary and to prevent explosions like the Valverde-Tchouameni drama.
Real Madrid, ultimately, should not give too much power to too many players at once. They need a clear core of leaders who keep the group together, without letting authority “go to their heads”, so that the club can return to stability and trophies under Jose Mourinho.
