Wire flash
SportsValverde returns to Real Madrid training, named first captain under Mourinho for new season
Editorial responsibility
- No named human review is recorded for this page.
- Source reporting is collected, normalized, translated or condensed automatically when needed.
- Automatically published source-backed update
Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde has returned to training after 24 days of vacation, following Uruguay's early elimination from the 2026 World Cup in the group stage. He underwent a medical examination and trained under new manager José Mourinho at Valdebebas. Valverde has been named the club's first captain for the upcoming season, succeeding Dani Carvajal. The squad now has ten first-team players available: Lunin, Trent, Huijsen, Asencio, Carreras, Valverde, Güler, Camavinga, Mastantuono, and Gonzalo. In comments to Real Madrid TV, Valverde expressed eagerness to learn from Mourinho and grow as a player. The article notes that World Cup players are returning gradually based on when their teams were eliminated.
Source report
Updated: July 22, 2026 — 10:34 CEST Author: Sergio López — Real Madrid section writer, AS
Valverde Rejoins the Squad
Federico Valverde has returned to training at Valdebebas, marking the latest step in the gradual reintegration of Real Madrid's World Cup players. The Uruguayan midfielder reported for duty on Wednesday, following Arda Güler, who returned on Monday.
After undergoing a medical examination—which he passed without issue—Valverde put on his boots and trained under the orders of head coach José Mourinho. His return brings the number of first-team players available to ten.
24 Days of Rest
Valverde enjoyed 24 days of vacation following Uruguay's early exit from the World Cup. La Celeste was eliminated in the group stage after drawing against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, and losing to Spain, confirming their status as one of the tournament's disappointments.
His rest period began on June 28 and followed the standard protocol:
- First week: Absolute rest
- From the second week: Gradual reintroduction of exercises
The focus was on maintaining physical fitness without overexertion, allowing the player to recharge.
Current First-Team Roster Under Mourinho
With Valverde's return, Mourinho now has ten first-team players available:
- Lunin
- Trent
- Huijsen
- Asencio
- Carreras
- Valverde
- Güler
- Camavinga
- Mastantuono
- Gonzalo
Training sessions continue to feature a significant number of academy players, a situation expected to persist for the coming weeks.
Captaincy Ahead
The new season marks a milestone for Valverde, who will serve as first captain of Real Madrid. Following Carvajal's non-renewal, the armband passes down the line of seniority:
- First captain: Federico Valverde
- Second captain: Vinicius Jr.
- Third captain: Thibaut Courtois
- Fourth captain: Rodrygo
Valverde on Real Madrid TV
On his meeting with Mourinho:
"I can't wait to learn from him, listen to every piece of advice he gives me, and make the most of every second or minute of every training session I get to share with him and his coaching staff. I'm going to try to learn, grow as a person and as a footballer. He is a special person from whom I can get many things and learn. Hopefully it will be a beautiful season."
On his first season as captain:
(Statement continues)
Source
Feed MRSS-S real_madrid_aWestern
Part of this Story
Valverde Returns to Real Madrid Training Under Mourinho, Named Captain for New Season