2 time Champions League winner misses out on Real Madrid Champions League squad this season
With Real Madrid's Champions League opener against Inter Milan rapidly approaching, the time has come for Jose Mourinho to name his squad for the Champions League, with some fans believing this could be the year Real brings home their 16th Champions League title. All the big name players you would expect to make the squad made it, however there is one player missing from Jose's Champions League squad who has proven to be an important player in Real's last two Champions League winning campaigns.
When looking at Mourinho's squad, defender Ferland Mendy has been left out of the Champions League squad this season, with the manager preferring a number of academy defenders over the two time winner. Jose has opted to include defenders Mario Rivas, Joan Martinez, and Jesus Fortea instead of the Frenchman, even including the new 19-year-old midfield signing Sergio Martinez, who arrived from Racing Santander before the transfer window closed with the player still being registered with Castilla.
Mendy's past heroics not enough to make Jose's Champions League squad
Mendy missing out on Mourinho's squad may come as a surprise to many given he has proven to be a key player for Los Blancos in the Champions League in the past. The 31-year-old had a crucial goal line clearance against Manchester City in the semi-finals of the 21/22 season, with his clearance almost serving as the catalyst for Real's dramatic comeback. He also played every game in the Champions League in the 23/24 season, locking down a number of the worlds top attackers en route to Real's 15th Champions League title.
When fit Mendy has proven to be one of if not Real Madrid's best defender, however there is the caveat, when fit. The Frenchman has struggled significantly with injuries over the last two years, only making nine appearances last season and is still currently out making his recovery from a torn tendon in his hamstring.
As a result it can be understood why Mourinho would opt to leave Mendy out of the squad and instead include a number of promising Castilla products who have shown they have all the talent in the world to make a difference for Real Madrid. The club has also reinforced at left-back bringing in Marc Cucurella this summer with Alvaro Carreras now serving as backup, so Mendy's spot at left-back was already gone.
What exactly is next for the defenders future is still somewhat unknown right now but being left out of the Champions League squad could be the beginning of the end for Ferland Mendy's time at the Bernabeu. The Frenchman is under contract until June of 2028 but it wouldn't be surprising if the club decides to move on from the player next summer and try to find a suitor willing to buy.
