Alonso Hands Out Two Debuts While Mbappe Surprisingly Benched for Real Madrid's Club World Cup Campaign Launch

Xabi Alonso delivered an unexpected team selection for his debut as Real Madrid manager, choosing to field 21-year-old Gonzalo García instead of Kylian Mbappé in the starting eleven.

The newly appointed Real Madrid coach faced numerous crucial choices before Los Blancos' FIFA Club World Cup opening match at Hard Rock Stadium. With Eduardo Camavinga, Ferland Mendy, Endrick, Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão and Antonio Rüdiger all sidelined through injuries, Alonso relied on his recent acquisitions and a Real Madrid Castilla graduate to begin his era at the world's most prestigious club.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen were selected to feature in Real Madrid's revamped defensive setup. Both former Premier League stars will make their maiden appearances after only a handful of training sessions with the Spanish giants.

Alexander-Arnold will be under intense scrutiny; at 26 years old, this marks his first professional club experience outside of Liverpool. The fullback will be eager to make a strong impression on his new boss, knowing he'll eventually compete for his position once Carvajal returns to full fitness from his ACL setback.

The more shocking decision, however, occurred in the attacking third. Alonso placed his confidence in García, a youth academy graduate with merely six senior team appearances, to spearhead the attack while Mbappé was unavailable. The Pichichi Trophy and European Golden Boot champion was excluded from the Miami fixture due to illness.

Rodrygo earns a starting role on the right flank despite the Brazilian's disappointing form during the latter stages of the 2024–25 campaign. The attacker has been linked with potential moves elsewhere after appearing to slip down the pecking order under Carlo Ancelotti, but now receives a fresh opportunity under Alonso's guidance.

Arda Güler remained a possibility, yet the gifted 20-year-old finds himself on Real Madrid's substitutes' bench once more. Alonso might have utilized the Turkish playmaker in midfield with a 4-4-2 formation, but instead chose a 4-3-3 system with García leading the front line.

Alonso faces significant pressure to restore Real Madrid to trophy-winning ways following Los Blancos' failure to secure any silverware in the previous campaign.