Xabi Alonso has shown no sign that he plans to use Ferland Mendy in the team. With three games played, the French defender has been injured and not kicked a ball in La Liga this season.
If you were to tell any Real Madrid fan a few seasons ago that Mendy is out of favor, they would have walked away slowly and called you mad. Back then, Mendy was unplayable, and we'd even go as far as saying he was once one of Real Madrid's most important players.
However, fast forward to 2025, and the Real Madrid squad has improved, while Mendy has fallen behind. He's a shadow of his former self, and now he'd be lucky to play on a rotational basis when he returns.
We mentioned this week that Alvaro Carreras has pushed Ferland Mendy even further down the pecking order. It's quite obvious that Alonso prefers Carreras, and behind him, it will be Fran Garcia who becomes Alonso's second favorite.
Xabi Alonso included Ferland Mendy in Real Madrid's UCL squad
All that being said, Ferland Mendy still got a place in Real Madrid's Champions League squad.
Realistically, Alonso could have chosen anyone. However, he opted for Ferland Mendy, which many take as a hint that his Real Madrid dream isn't over yet.
And, looking at this without Real Madrid-tinted glasses, you'd even argue that Mendy could play in the Champions League. Touching wood that last season's poor start isn't repeated, Real Madrid will want to qualify early on, making the rest of the league phase an exhibition at best.
Only Real Madrid could afford to do this. They're the most successful team in the competition's history and whenever they approach it, are always the favorites.
So, in the latter stages of the league phase, there is a slim opportunity that Ferland Mendy plays for Real Madrid. He's obviously capable of playing at this level, he just has two players ahead of him in the pecking order.
Which leads us to think that Mendy will be scraping for minutes at best in the Champions League. Therefore, it's a confusing decision for Alonso to include him, since it'll only hinder Fran Garcia, who should be the second choice.