A Ruthless Calendar

Real Madrid’s journey from the UEFA Super Cup to the Club World Cup was as intense as it was historic. From August 14, 2024, to July 9, 2025, Xabi Alonso’s team played 68 official matches and three friendlies in the U.S.—all in under 11 months. The result? Exhausted bodies, overwhelmed minds… and only 40 days off before launching into a new campaign.

The 2024–25 season will go down as the most brutal in club history. Los Blancos competed in seven tournaments: La Liga, Copa del Rey, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Spanish Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup, and Club World Cup. An insane run that ended with a semifinal defeat to PSG… but proved the effort wasn’t in vain.

Millions as a Reward

To recognize that effort, the club arranged a series of bonuses during the Club World Cup. While the loss to PSG meant missing out on a €1 million prize for the title, players had already pocketed €500,000 for winning the UEFA Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup, and the Champions League derby.

They also negotiated payouts for advancing through each stage of the Club World Cup: €50,000 for the group stage, €80,000 for the round of 16, and €150,000 for reaching the semis. That’s €280,000 per player, softening the blow and showing appreciation for every minute played in a tournament that brought over €80 million in revenue to the club.

The Real Reward: A Breather

Beyond the money, what players truly crave is rest—even if it’s brief. The team will return to Valdebebas on August 4 for a 15-day mini preseason before their La Liga opener against Osasuna on August 19. Just 24 real vacation days. The break may be short, but it’s essential. Because the clock is already ticking… and Madrid never stops.