The 2024/25 season was one of the longest in Real Madrid's history. Starting back in August of 2024, it did not come to an end until July 9th of 2025, almost one full year of games. The club played in over 70 games across the 11 months, which is no doubt draining on the squad.
The squad dealt with a number of injuries to key players, which cost the team some key results across the season. However, there were a few players who were ironmen this season, playing game after game without issue.
Players like Thibaut Courtois and Luka Modric played almost every game, with the 39-year-old Croatian taking part in 63 games in his final season for Real Madrid.
But believe it or not, there is another Real Madrid player who played more minutes and games than Luka Modric this season, and he is the player who played the most minutes in all of Europe this season.
The Real Madrid player who played the most minutes in all of Europe
Fede Valverde is the player who has played the most minutes out of anyone in Europe, totalling 6,116 minutes across 72 matches. The Uruguayan was without a doubt the workhorse in the Real Madrid team this season, proving his importances on a number of occasions.
However, while many may view this as a testament to Valverde's ability to stay fit over a long season, it could also be viewed as a risk in his career. Playing this many minutes and games in a single season without any break could increase the risk of injury next season.
For reference let's look at Pedri from Barcelona from a few seasons ago. The midfielder played over 70 games during the 2020/21 season and then dealt with a number of injuries in the following season after getting his legs ran into the ground from an overload of games.
Pedri is four years younger than Valverde, so his young age may also have played a part, Real Madrid should be very cautious with their approach with Valverde when the new season starts.
If the Club World Cup was an appetizer for the 25/26 season, Valverde is going to be a key player in Xabi Alonso's system, which could turn out to be a risky play as the season goes on.