🥐 White campaign erupts, Spain play… 5️⃣ stories for Thursday

Real Madrid is going through one of the most intense election days in its recent history. The presidential candidates have brought out the heavy artillery in a war of headline-making signings that promises to change the club’s course. While the institutional scene is boiling, the ball does not stop rolling for the Spanish national team.

The national side faces a key test as part of its World Cup preparations. Amid boardroom promises, unexpected returns, and international awards, football offers no respite on a day when strategy and emotion are playing out as much on TV sets as on the pitch.

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Florentino Pérez secures Konaté and lines up Mourinho’s return

In an exclusive interview with the newspaper AS, Florentino Pérez made a major statement by confirming that, if re-elected president, Ibrahima Konaté and José Mourinho will join Los Blancos. The president is looking to ensure defensive solidity and strong leadership on the bench for his next sporting project.

Florentino’s masterstroke to upstage the opposition

Madrid’s election campaign has entered its decisive phase with pure communication strategy. Florentino Pérez “counter-programmed” the TV appearance of his rival, Enrique Riquelme. At the same time, he released a video on social media in which José Mourinho himself confirmed his return with a simple but powerful “yes.”

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Riquelme hits back on television, promising Haaland and Rodri

Enrique Riquelme did not hold back and shook up the El Hormiguero set. The opposition candidate announced that, if he wins the election, Erling Haaland and Rodri Hernández will wear white. He also made a risky promise: he pledged to pay club members’ fees out of his own pocket if he fails to deliver those signings.

Spain tests its second string against Iraq ahead of the World Cup

Spain faces Iraq today at Riazor Stadium (21:00) in its penultimate test before the World Cup. Luis de la Fuente will be without key players such as Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Zubimendi, which will open the door to a starting spot for the supporting cast.

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Lionel Messi makes history with the Princess of Asturias Award

World football pays tribute to an eternal legend. Lionel Messi has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. The Argentine star, who was chosen unanimously, has already confirmed that he will travel to Oviedo next October to receive the honor.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.