Spain manager Luis de la Fuente announced a 26-man [1] World Cup squad on Tuesday that includes no players from Real Madrid [1].
The decision marks the first time the national team has entered a World Cup without representation from the Spanish powerhouse. This shift signals a departure from traditional selection patterns and emphasizes a merit-based approach to the roster.
De la Fuente said the badge of La Roja comes before any club loyalty. He said the national team's needs are the primary priority for the coaching staff during the selection process.
"The Spain shirt is more important than any club shirt," de la Fuente said.
To address the absence of Real Madrid talent, the manager said the selection process was a long-term effort. He said the list had been finalized for months and that he chose the players he believed were best for Spain.
This selection follows earlier reports that some Real Madrid players, including captain Dani Carvajal, remained in contention for the squad. However, the final list confirms that no players from the club were selected [1].
De la Fuente said the goal was to ensure national-team loyalty outweighed club allegiance. By focusing on individual form rather than club affiliation, the manager intends to build a cohesive unit for the upcoming tournament.
“"The Spain shirt is more important than any club shirt."”
The complete exclusion of Real Madrid players from a World Cup squad is an unprecedented move for the Spanish national team. It suggests a tactical shift by Luis de la Fuente to prioritize specific player profiles or current form over the established prestige of Spain's most successful club, potentially reducing the influence of club-level hierarchies on the national team's chemistry.
