Italian legend tips Real Madrid trio as potential Ballon d'Or winners
The legendary Italian tactician enjoyed a successful stint as Real Madrid manager, winning two league titles in both the seasons he was in charge in 1996/97 and 2006/07.
Advertisement
Between 2004 and 2006, Capello was also the manager of the Juventus first-team setup. As such, tonight's clash will see two of his former teams collide on the field.
Capello speaks ahead of Club World Cup clash
While he will not be in attendance in the USA for the match, Capello spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t AS) ahead of tonight's encounter between Real Madrid and Juventus.
During the chat, the former Italy manager was full of praise for Real Madrid's terrific trio of Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Jr., hailing them as potential Ballon d'Or winners.
Potential Ballon d'Or winners according to Capello. (Photo by)
Advertisement
'Vinicius, Mbappe, and Bellingham are three potential Ballon d'Or winners,' he said.
Capello also went on to speak highly of former Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti for the job he had done to get the best out of the aforementioned trio.
'Many said Ancelotti relied solely on individual talent, but he's actually been excellent at leveraging his players' talents. Now we'll see how Xabi Alonso performs, as he certainly has the personality to succeed in Madrid,' added Capello.
The former manager also expressed his surprise and disappointment about Juventus letting go of Dean Huijsen, who has now signed for Real Madrid and is already looking like a brilliant addition.
'I'm surprised Juve didn't understand the kid's obvious potential. Huijsen can't have suddenly become good. If he's playing for Real Madrid at 20, he should have been at Juve even more,' said Capello.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
26 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Report – Negotiations Between Atletico Madrid & Inter Milan For Italy Midfielder On Stand-By
Report – Negotiations Between Atletico Madrid & Inter Milan For Italy Midfielder On Stand-By Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan star Davide Frattesi opened talks over a potential transfer around a month ago. Per Sky Sport via FCInterNews, Los Rojiblancos have already established contact with the ex-Sassuolo ace. Advertisement However, negotiations have stalled as the Nerazzurri headed to the United States for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Meanwhile, Davide Frattesi didn't play in the tournament due to another fitness setback. With Inter now back in Europe, talks could resume in the coming weeks. Atletico Madrid Opened Talks with Inter Milan Midfielder Davide Frattesi Month Ago MUNICH, GERMANY – APRIL 08: Davide Frattesi of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match between FC Bayern München and FC Internazionale Milano at Fussball Arena Muenchen on April 08, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by) Frattesi's exit looked like a done deal in January before Simone Inzaghi pulled the plug on talks with Roma. However, the ex-Inter manager continued to use the 25-year-old as a bit-part player in his system. Therefore, everyone expected Frattesi to leave San Siro in the summer, only for Inzaghi to depart first. Cristian Chivu's appointment should've handed the midfielder a lifeline. Yet, Atletico Madrid's interest seems genuine, and Frattesi may not stay immune to Diego Simeone's call.


Newsweek
26 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Russell Reportedly Walks Away from Mercedes F1 Offer Due to Verstappen
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. George Russell's Mercedes contract expires at the end of 2025, and a contract extension has yet to be signed. However, according to a report by FUno analisi tecnica, Russell was offered a 1+1 year contract extension until the end of 2026, which he turned down. The report also confirmed that talks between Max Verstappen and Mercedes have reached an advanced stage. Just ahead of last week's Austrian Grand Prix, Russell opened up on the status of his contract, highlighting that detailed discussions have not taken place with team principal Toto Wolff, who has been talking to Verstappen. Russell admitted that he was unbothered by the outcome, given that he had proven his racing prowess and saw no reason why he would not be present on the F1 grid next year. While Wolff acknowledged Russell's contributions, he made it clear that attempts were being made to bring in four-time world champion Verstappen, but it was unlikely that it would happen next year. George Russell of United Kingdom and Mercedes during the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 29, 2025 in Spielberg, Austria. George Russell of United Kingdom and Mercedes during the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 29, 2025 in Spielberg, Austria. Guenther Iby/ Images Despite Verstappen's Red Bull contract expiring at the end of 2028, Wolff has been trying hard to bring the Dutchman to the Mercedes camp, especially since 2026 marks the dawn of a new era of regulations with new cars. The Mercedes boss probably intends to capitalize on the big reset next year to replicate the success his team witnessed with Lewis Hamilton in the hybrid era that began in 2014. Verstappen's close Red Bull aide and the team's senior advisor, Helmut Marko, admitted that Verstappen will remain with the team as long as he is handed a car that can win races. However, Red Bull will field its own power units in 2026 in collaboration with Ford under the Red Bull Powertrains banner, a first for the energy drink brand. Mercedes, on the other hand, has a record of developing some of the most powerful F1 engines in the past. Wolff confirmed after the race in Spielberg that there is very little chance of Verstappen being in a Mercedes F1 car next year, thus confirming that Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli will form the 2026 driver lineup. However, the report by the Italian news agency has shed light on Russell's rejection of Mercedes' contract, which was to last until the end of 2026. The report stated: "Russell had been offered a two-year contract (1+1) to ensure that the seat would be available for Verstappen from 2027. This is also why the renewal has stalled. "George wanted more security that apparently can't be there. Furthermore, in the past few weeks, part of the Dutchman's entourage has made several contacts with the German team. It seems that the negotiation is serious and advanced." Related: Toto Wolff Gives Date for George Russell, Max Verstappen Contract Decision
Yahoo
31 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Perhaps deploying their maverick in a free role is best for Manchester City
One feature of the Club World Cup from a Manchester City point of view was seeing Rayan Ait-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki play their first games for the club. Although Pep Guardiola's side went out of the tournament at the round of 16 stage with a 4-3 defeat to Al Hilal, all three players showed glimpses of their quality in the United States. But in the case of Rayan Cherki, as of right now, it isn't immediately clear where he will play for City. But watching his performance against Al Hilal, perhaps playing in a free role is the ideal role for Cherki. Manchester City may get the best out of Rayan Cherki by letting him roam. Against Al Hilal, Rayan Cherki came on at the beginning of extra time. The French international came on against a tiring Al Hilal defence. But he quickly made an impact on the match. He set up Phil Foden's goal to make it 3-all with a sublime assist. The ball he provided for Foden perfectly encapsulated what Cherki adds to City's play. He can pick out a defence-splitting ball with ease, and he figures to be an important weapon for Manchester City. But his assist wasn't the only piece of his play to catch the eye in Orlando. Advertisement The role Rayan Cherki played stood out. He played a free role and drifted where he saw fit. He dropped deep to pick up possession, and Cherki also popped up in dangerous areas in the final third. It was only a cameo appearance, but it perhaps provided a glimpse of where Cherki will be best utilised by Pep Guardiola. It will be interesting to see how Rayan Cherki is deployed by Pep Guardiola. Outside of his tremendous technical and dribbling ability, Rayan Cherki is a versatile player. He can play as a number 10 or on either wing. The French international can play any of those roles in devastating fashion. But the idea of him playing in a similar role to that of Kevin De Bruyne is potentially the one that will suit him the most. Cherki could pick his spots and get into the most dangerous attacking areas for his team. His eye for a pass, especially from deep in midfield, makes a free role for Cherki a mouth-watering prospect. The idea of him and Phil Foden alternating roles on the pitch may be the dream scenario. But in the case of Rayan Cherki alone, playing a free role may bring out the best in him as a City player. Rayan Cherki showed glimpses of what he will add to the Manchester City squad in the United States. But looking ahead, perhaps if he is unleashed to drift all over the pitch that will see him quickly become a dangerous weapon for Pep Guardiola's side.