Real Madrid upheld one of the most cherished traditions on their calendar on Tuesday, hosting their annual Christmas open training session at the Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium. As always, the event was a magnet for supporters—especially the youngest fans—who arrived early in the morning, eager to see their idols up close. White shirts, banners, and raised phones filled the stands long before the players emerged, creating an electric and celebratory atmosphere.
The session began shortly after 11:15 a.m.,
with the stands already close to full. The reception was warm across the board, but one name drew louder applause than the rest: Kylian Mbappé, who was the most enthusiastically welcomed as he stepped onto the pitch. As expected, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Éder Militão, Dani Carvajal (all injured), and Brahim Díaz (away at the Africa Cup of Nations) were absent from the session.
Under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, the training session was dynamic and uninterrupted, maintaining a high tempo from start to finish. After the initial warm-up, the squad moved into rondos and possession drills, with the coach closely observing every detail. The intensity remained constant, and the younger players once again took center stage in a session designed with them firmly in mind.
David Jiménez, Thiago Pitarch, and Joan Martínez trained alongside the first team, while goalkeeper Javi Navarro also joined the group, blending seamlessly into a demanding yet festive environment. One of the most anticipated segments came during the finishing drills: three-on-three matches with two goals, where the team that scored or regained possession stayed on the ball. That’s when the goals—and the cheers—started to flow. Gonzalo, Jude Bellingham, Arda Güler, and Huijsen produced moments of quality that repeatedly lifted the crowd to its feet.
The session was also monitored from above, with two drones flying over Valdebebas to capture aerial footage—now a familiar feature of Real Madrid’s daily routine. In the closing stages, Xabi Alonso’s side played two small-sided matches, keeping up the rhythm despite the festive setting. Then came one of the highlights for the fans: the traditional shower of balls into the stands, met with pure joy by the youngest supporters.
The farewell, shortly after 12:30 p.m., was the final and perhaps most memorable moment of the morning. First-team players made their way to the stands to sign autographs and take photos, continuing a Christmas tradition cherished by fans year after year. Bellingham, Thibaut Courtois, and Fran García remained with supporters for nearly half an hour after training ended. Xabi Alonso also joined in, returning the affection of the crowd with warmth and smiles.
For many in attendance, it was a morning to remember—one that captured the essence of Real Madrid’s bond with its supporters and made those present feel like the luckiest fans in Valdebebas as 2025 draws to a close.
