Real Madrid concluded the year 2025 amidst confusion and dissatisfaction. A shift in the coaching role coupled with thrilling new signings over the summer did not deliver the expected outcomes. This was a tumultuous year—one of fatigue.
The ‘what-ifs’ when looking back may not truly offer solutions or insights, but certainly spark dreamy reflections. During the festive period, indulging in such musings is arguably not the worst choice.
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What if Declan Rice had not taken free-kick responsibilities?
Declan Rice’s stunning pair of goals from set-piece scenarios in London effectively dashed Real Madrid’s hopes for the Champions League in 2025. The Arsenal midfielder’s goals—one of which was nominated for the Puskas Award—came quickly and proved to be unbeatable. But would a different player taking free-kicks have changed Madrid’s destiny?
In reality, likely not. Over 180 minutes against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, Real Madrid didn’t seem like the dominant team. Even in the best-case scenario where they somehow moved past the Gunners, Paris Saint-Germain awaited in the following round. The Club World Cup offered a sobering glimpse of that potential clash, and Madrid appeared completely outmatched.
What if Trent Alexander-Arnold had extended his contract with Liverpool?
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s introduction at Real Madrid, confidently conveyed in Spanish, highlighted that his shift to the Santiago Bernabéu was far from a hasty decision. The connection between the player and the club had been cultivated for years, and when the chance to recruit him as a free agent arose—aside from the approximate 10 million Euros paid to Liverpool for Club World Cup eligibility—Madrid seized the opportunity.
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But if we disregard the free-agent aspect, would Madrid have approved a transfer? For a player of Alexander-Arnold’s caliber, the transfer fee would have neared 100 million Euros. The answer is most likely negative. Madrid capitalized on market conditions rather than need. Had the England international renewed his contract at Anfield, Lucas Vázquez would probably have secured another year’s contract, while Fede Valverde, Dani Carvajal, and Vázquez rotated at right-back. Madrid would have simply bided their time for the next opportunity.
What if Carlo Ancelotti had remained?
Carlo Ancelotti’s exit was laden with sentiment. The club’s most successful manager departed under conditions that, while challenging, felt unavoidable for both sides. Ancelotti had lost his strategic edge, especially in crucial matches, and a roster filled with talent was not meeting expectations. Change was essential.
Xabi Alonso entered with significant anticipation and enthusiasm. However, the former midfielder has found managing the atmosphere in Real Madrid’s locker room more challenging than expected. Instead of executing his vision, Alonso has resorted to pragmatism, shifting from one result to the next as pressure increases.
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Would Ancelotti’s ongoing presence have sparked a revival akin to the 2023-24 season that followed the underwhelming 2022-23 year? Or could the circumstances have worsened to the extent of a mid-season firing? The answer remains elusive, though Madrid’s current situation indicates the issues run deeper than any single choice.
