Fernando Alonso’s passion for football—and Real Madrid in particular—is no secret. As Los Blancos gear up for their FIFA Club World Cup journey, the two-time World Champion opened up about what both the club and the sport mean to him, drawing parallels between the worlds of football and Formula One.Balancing his love for both arenas, Fernando, now driving for Aston Martin Aramco, will be juggling his attention this summer between the racetrack and the football pitch.His main priority lies with four European Grands Prix before the summer break, kicking off with the Austrian GP at June’s end and followed by the home race at Silverstone on July 6. He aims to build on strong points finishes from Canada and Spain.🗣️ Fernando Alonso: “For Real Madrid I would sign Pedri, to weaken Barcelona.I also do that on the game & then I leave him on the bench, so they don’t have him anymore.” @DAZNFutbol 😂 pic.twitter.com/NO50Ga2ixq— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) June 1, 2025 Yet, during the rare moments of downtime over the coming weeks, Alonso is likely to keep tabs on the action unfolding in the United States, where the reimagined FIFA Club World Cup runs through July 13.As a devoted Real Madrid supporter, Fernando is especially invested in this tournament, with Los Blancos starting their campaign on June 18 against Al-Hilal. He’ll be hoping they maintain their momentum all the way to the final next month.”Real Madrid means a lot to me. I’ve been a Real Madrid fan since I was very young. One of my earliest memories is watching the team’s games with my father at home. All my earliest memories are related to Real Madrid. Later, I had the opportunity to become a member, to meet the president and the players, and to go to the games. My love for Madrid grew every day.”🗣️ Fernando Alonso (F1 driver): “Of course, I like Xabi Alonso’s signing for Real Madrid.” @DAZNFutbol pic.twitter.com/A63XxnXE2R— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) June 13, 2025 Reflecting on the current season and management, the former Formula 1 champion added:”It’s been a complicated season, one that’s been plagued by injuries. Five defenders have been out for extended periods, and that was the first of several critical moments for the team. Converting some players to more defensive roles was difficult, and one thing affected the other. Ancelotti is the best manager we’ve ever had in terms of trophies won and he will be missed, but I’m excited to see how we do now with Xabi Alonso. In that sense, it’s a new era for Real Madrid, with some new players like Trent Alexander-Arnold. That’s sport, that’s life. Nothing lasts forever. Things change, and what happened before is easily and quickly forgotten. Those Real Madrid players who were my idols growing up are no longer with us, and it’s the same in Formula One : drivers come and go, things evolve. It’s natural.”FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP 2025Matchday 1WednesdayUlsan – Mamelodi 0-1 (0-1)/Rayners 36/Monterrey – Inter 1-1 (1-1)/Ramos 25 – Martinez 42/19:00: (1.07) Manchester City (13.0) Wydad Casablanca (25.0)22:00: (1.33) Real Madrid (5.90) Al Hilal (9.50)
