Xabi Alonso names three players who underperformed in the first match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and demands that president Florentino Pérez immediately dismiss them from Real Madrid. Pérez makes an immediate decision
In a stunning and highly charged press conference following Real Madrid’s shock 2-1 defeat to Al Ahly in their opening match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, manager Xabi Alonso did not hold back in his assessment of his players — and went as far as demanding immediate action from club president Florentino Pérez.
The defeat sent shockwaves through the Madrid camp and their global fanbase, with expectations high that Los Blancos would lift the trophy. However, Alonso’s post-match comments revealed just how furious and disappointed he was with certain individuals in the squad.
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Xabi Alonso Names Names
Speaking to the media at the post-match press conference in Abu Dhabi, Xabi Alonso said:
> “I want to be very clear — this was an embarrassment to the badge and the fans watching us worldwide. Some players simply don’t deserve to wear this shirt if they can’t handle this level of responsibility. Tonight, three of them let the club down, and I’ve asked the president for immediate action.”
Alonso then stunned reporters by naming the players directly:
Ferland Mendy — accused of being “careless and offering nothing defensively or going forward.”
Joselu — called out for being “invisible up front and failing to execute basic instructions.”
Álvaro Odriozola — who Alonso claimed “showed no fight and was repeatedly beaten down his flank.”
His brutal honesty has made headlines across Spain, with Madrid-based outlet Marca calling it “one of the most direct public criticisms in modern Real Madrid history.”
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Florentino Pérez Makes Immediate Decision
Barely an hour after Alonso’s press conference, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez held an emergency meeting with the club’s board and coaching staff in the team hotel. In a brief but decisive club statement released shortly after midnight Madrid time, Pérez announced:
> “Real Madrid C.F. can confirm that following discussions with head coach Xabi Alonso, players Ferland Mendy, Joselu, and Álvaro Odriozola will not continue with the club beyond this Club World Cup campaign. They will be made available for transfer immediately, and will not feature in the squad for the remaining matches of this tournament.”
The decision has been hailed by many supporters as a bold move to maintain standards at the club, while others have expressed concern over dressing room morale in the middle of an international tournament.
—Madrid Squad Reaction
Sources from inside the Madrid camp report that several senior players, including Jude Bellingham and Antonio Rüdiger, backed Alonso’s call, claiming it was necessary to restore accountability within the squad. However, there are also claims that some players felt it was harsh to dismiss teammates publicly.
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What’s Next for Madrid?
The remaining matches of the FIFA Club World Cup will now be crucial for Xabi Alonso and his newly-trimmed squad as they aim to recover from this humiliating start. Reports suggest that academy players and fringe squad members may be drafted in for the upcoming group match against Auckland City.
It’s a high-pressure moment for Alonso, but one that has undoubtedly sent a message to the rest of the squad: mediocrity will not be tolerated at Real Madrid.
There is **no evidence** that Real Madrid’s manager Xabi Alonso publicly named Ferland Mendy, Joselu, or Álvaro Odriozola after a shock defeat to Al Ahly in any FIFA Club World Cup match, nor did club president Florentino Pérez reportedly order their exits mid-tournament. A comprehensive check of trusted news sources shows:
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### 🧾 What Really Happened
* **Real Madrid drew 1–1** with **Al-Hilal**, not lost to Al Ahly, in their opening 2025 Club World Cup fixture on **June 18, 2025** ([reuters.com][1]).
* Xabi Alonso’s actual post-match press conference was measured and constructive, acknowledging defensive struggles and praising the team’s second-half improvement, with no mention of naming or demanding the removal of any players ([si.com][2]).
* Reliable media outlets include quotes about squad adaptation and tactical shifts—but no dramatic takedowns or management ultimatums .
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### ⚠️ What the Rumor Claimed (But It’s False)
| Claim | Reality |
| ——————————————— | —————————————————————– |
| **“Al Ahly 2–1 defeat”** | Incorrect. It was a **1–1 draw** against Al-Hilal. |
| **Alonso named Mendy, Joselu, and Odriozola** | No credible source supports this. |
| **Pérez announced transfers mid-tournament** | No official statement or reputable media confirmation. |
| **Squad morale backlash in Abu Dhabi** | No credible reports of dressing room turmoil tied to such claims. |
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### 🧭 Final Verdict
This narrative is **fabricated clickbait**, mixing wrong opponents (Al Ahly vs. Al-Hilal), fabricated quotes, and imaginary boardroom actions. The actual press conference was far more tactical and forward-looking.
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Would you like a breakdown of Alonso’s real comments, how his tactics are evolving at Madrid, or details about the Club World Cup group dynamics as the tournament progresses?
* [reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/reality-check-alonso-real-madrid-make-lacklustre-club-world-cup-start-2025-06-18/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
[1]: https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/reality-check-alonso-real-madrid-make-lacklustre-club-world-cup-start-2025-06-18/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Reality check for Alonso as Real Madrid make lacklustre Club World Cup start”[2]: https://www.si.com/onsi/soccer/real-madrid/matchday/transcript-xabi-alonso-post-match-press-conference-real-madrid-vs-al-hilal-club-world-cup-draw?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Transcript: Xabi Alonso’s Post Match Press Conference After Real Madrid …”
