Stories from within and beyond: How Real Madrid’s 2022 World Cup went

Back at Valdebebas

Those not selected for the World Cup enjoyed small vacations before resuming training. The players that came home from the World Cup early began training soon afterwards. The team has so far featured in two friendlies against other La Liga opposition at the training pitch. Mariano Diaz, Nacho Fernandez, Toni Kroos and others have been part of the training routine since the beginning.

Antonio Rudiger, Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Thibaut Courtois and a few others were already back by the third week of the tournament. Those players who went deep with their national teams have been granted extended leaves but Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo both returned sooner than they were expected to, showing signs of immense professionalism before the season resumes.

Talks for multiple contract renewals too have been in the works behind the scenes at the club. These include Kroos, Nacho and possibly Ferland Mendy. All of these players could be on their way out (possible retirement in the German midfielder’s case). Luka Modric seems likely to extend for another year, which is relieving to hear.

Cristiano Ronaldo has most recently trained at the club’s training ground as he aims to stay fit during his time without a club. Real Madrid are believed to be uninterested in signing the Portuguese forward though and will instead look to reinforce their ranks in the summer, possibly with one or more of the earlier mentioned World Cup standouts.

The players look to bounce back from their pre-World Cup troubles as the second half of the 2022-23 season dawns upon us.