🥐 Target, Real Madrid; CR7 champion; comebacks… Friday’s 5️⃣ stories

The football scene wakes up in turmoil both in the boardrooms and on international benches. The official announcement of a candidacy for the Real Madrid presidency opens a new institutional horizon at the club, while Europe’s giants step up squad planning ahead of the summer transfer window.

On the international front, preparations for this summer’s World Cup set the news agenda. From the most unexpected returns in the final squads to last-minute opportunities caused by injuries, the international tournament is starting to be played before the ball even rolls.

Succession. There will be elections at Madrid

Enrique Riquelme has officially launched his candidacy to become president of Real Madrid, challenging the current leadership. The young businessman aims to lead a generational and economic transition at the club through a project that promises to modernize the institution and bring it closer to its members.

Cristiano Ronaldo triumphs again in Arabia

Cristiano Ronaldo has been crowned league champion in Saudi Arabia after a spectacular year. At 41 years old, the Portuguese star has led Al-Nassr to success, adding another title to his trophy haul and proving he is still going strong ahead of the World Cup.

Auditions for the No. 9 role at Barça

FC Barcelona have made signing a world-class center forward their top priority to replace Robert Lewandowski. The sporting department is considering a shortlist of candidates made up of Julián Álvarez, Joao Pedro and Harry Kane, with the latter the hardest deal to pull off.

Neuer, Germany’s big return

Germany have officially announced their 26-man World Cup squad, with the surprising inclusion of Manuel Neuer. The 40-year-old goalkeeper returns to the Mannschaft under Julian Nagelsmann to provide experience and leadership between the posts.

Will Ansu Fati be LDLF’s surprise?

Ansu Fati is shaping up to be the national team’s ace in the hole for the 2026 World Cup. His excellent league form and the wave of injuries in attack have definitively opened the door to Luis de la Fuente’s final squad.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.